Content box for story
A superb idea
He didn’t invent the sauna. But with his ideas, he certainly paved the way for its breakthrough. In 1952, Erich Klafs personally delivered the first EKS, after loading it onto a little trailer attached to his car. The EKS – Erich Klafs Sauna – was the first completely prefabricated sauna for home installation. Previously built on site by joiners or carpenters over several days, saunas could vary greatly in quality. But now, thanks to ingenious production techniques, it was possible to manufacture sophisticated, high quality yet affordable saunas – which could be installed in next to no time. A brilliant idea, and one which was ahead of its time.
A clear mission
To help the sick, and to protect the healthy against illness and disease – this was Erich Klafs’ mission when he focussed on bath therapies, and later on saunas. Admittedly, there have been some bizarre developments in the world of spa & beauty. But we follow firmly in the footsteps of Erich Klafs. And you can rest assured that if a product bears the name of KLAFS, it’s packed with well-being and health benefits! Because we want people to feel better – physically and mentally. A clear mission that drives our work, day after day.
A clear promise
We’re convinced Erich Klafs would have been proud of what became of his idea. Because people just laughed when they heard his original dream – to sell a sauna a day. Only one sauna a day? That’s something to make our production managers laugh! Nowadays, we produce many, many saunas, steam baths and infrared heat cabins – every day. Making us market leader for saunas, pools and spas. And our headquarters in Schwäbisch Hall have become something of a Mecca for the spa world. So what’s in it for you? A very comfortable feeling – knowing your project could not be in better or more experienced hands. It’s a clear promise. And you’re very welcome to hold us to it.
107
...million euros turnover were achieved by KLAFS in 2017.
Of this total, 64% were generated in Germany and 36% abroad.
726
...employees made up the KLAFS workforce in 2017.
2,4
...million running metres of wood are processed by KLAFS each year.
2.811
...individual components are needed to make one PURE sauna.
225.000
To offer you perfect relaxation wherever you are, KLAFS saunas can be found around the whole world.
27
...KLAFS showrooms and sales offices with showrooms.
Of these, 16 are located in Germany, 11 in Austria and Switzerland.
A clear strategy
A powerful brand needs a clear strategy. We want to create bespoke designs to help our customers relax even more deeply. After all, most people use our products in their birthday suits. Which is why it’s so very important for our products to look and feel good, right down to the tiniest detail.
KLAFS Matteo Thun Edition sauna wins Interior Innovation Award 2015
KLAFS Matteo Thun Edition sauna, developed conjointly with the internationally renowned star architect Matteo Thun and his fellow designer par excellence, Antonio Rodriguez, was first presented to the public at the last Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. In 2015, it won the Interior Innovation Award 2015.
eVitarium® receives Special Mention at the German Design Award 2015
With its elegant design, the eVitarium® cuts a good figure in any bathroom or spa. At first glance, you can hardly tell it apart from a conventional bath. Not only can you fill the bath automatically, but you can also regulate the intensity of the electric current and the integrated coloured lights via the handy control panel. Technology and design go hand in hand here. Only the small, easy-to-use touch screen panel betrays the many functions hidden inside the eVitarium. Relaxation and energy in harmonious accord.
Microsalt wins European Health and Spa Award 2014
The European Health and Spa Award is awarded by the Agency for Health & Wellness. Assessed by an independent panel of experts, the test criteria are amongst the most stringent in all Europe. The assessment is based on an extensive questionnaire plus a mystery check.
InfraPLUS wins Plus X Award 2014
The Plus X Award is given to innovative products from the worlds of technology, sport and lifestyle, and pays tribute to manufacturers for cutting edge quality.
Innovative D12 steam bath wins Top Hotel Star Award 2010
The Top Hotel Star Award was launched in 2008 by the prestigious specialist journal of the same name, published by Landsberger Freizeit. The award pays tribute to outstanding performances in the hotel supplier industry.
KLAFS D12 steam bath wins iF Product Design Award 2011
In total, 2756 submissions from 1121 participants and 43 countries competed for the prestigious iF Product Design Award.
KLAFS D12 steam bath prevailed in a highly qualified and internationally competitive surrounding.
VENTANO designer sauna: nominated for the German Design Award 2009"
The jury was impressed with the understated elegance of the VENTANO sauna, which was nominated for the award. The exterior panelling in American walnut and the offset glass-fronted corner entrance emphasise the subtly unobtrusive design. Inside the sauna, clarity of form dominates, with the walls and ceiling panelled in hemlock.
D12 steam bath nominated for German Design Award 2012
After winning the gold STAR AWARD from Top Hotel, the iF Product Design Award and the Golden Wave from Schwimmbad & Sauna, Klafs D12 steam bath was nominated for the German Design Award 2012.
CASENA wins Red Dot Award 2014
The Red Dot Award is one of the largest and most prestigious awards in the world. A coveted hallmark of quality, it is conferred by an international panel of experts for products which stand out from the crowd by reason of outstanding quality of design.
CASENA receives Special Mention at the German Design Award 2014
The German Design Award is a prestigious international award. It is given to top class products and projects from the fields of product & communication design, and also serves to distinguish outstanding or up-and-coming designers.
Profi infrared cabin wins Wellness Innovation Award 2012
The Profi Oakstone infrared cabin has been ingeniously designed down to the smallest detail, and combines sophisticated technology with bespoke design. An opinion shared by the German Wellness Association – who promptly proclaimed it winner in the category "Innovative Wellness Products".
KLAFS Matteo Thun Edition sauna wins Interior Innovation Award 2015
KLAFS Matteo Thun Edition sauna, developed conjointly with the internationally renowned star architect Matteo Thun and his fellow designer par excellence, Antonio Rodriguez, was first presented to the public at the last Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. In 2015, it won the Interior Innovation Award 2015.
eVitarium® receives Special Mention at the German Design Award 2015
With its elegant design, the eVitarium® cuts a good figure in any bathroom or spa. At first glance, you can hardly tell it apart from a conventional bath. Not only can you fill the bath automatically, but you can also regulate the intensity of the electric current and the integrated coloured lights via the handy control panel. Technology and design go hand in hand here. Only the small, easy-to-use touch screen panel betrays the many functions hidden inside the eVitarium. Relaxation and energy in harmonious accord.
Microsalt wins European Health and Spa Award 2014
The European Health and Spa Award is awarded by the Agency for Health & Wellness. Assessed by an independent panel of experts, the test criteria are amongst the most stringent in all Europe. The assessment is based on an extensive questionnaire plus a mystery check.
InfraPLUS wins Plus X Award 2014
The Plus X Award is given to innovative products from the worlds of technology, sport and lifestyle, and pays tribute to manufacturers for cutting edge quality.
Innovative D12 steam bath wins Top Hotel Star Award 2010
The Top Hotel Star Award was launched in 2008 by the prestigious specialist journal of the same name, published by Landsberger Freizeit. The award pays tribute to outstanding performances in the hotel supplier industry.
KLAFS D12 steam bath wins iF Product Design Award 2011
In total, 2756 submissions from 1121 participants and 43 countries competed for the prestigious iF Product Design Award.
KLAFS D12 steam bath prevailed in a highly qualified and internationally competitive surrounding.VENTANO designer sauna: nominated for the German Design Award 2009"
The jury was impressed with the understated elegance of the VENTANO sauna, which was nominated for the award. The exterior panelling in American walnut and the offset glass-fronted corner entrance emphasise the subtly unobtrusive design. Inside the sauna, clarity of form dominates, with the walls and ceiling panelled in hemlock.
D12 steam bath nominated for German Design Award 2012
After winning the gold STAR AWARD from Top Hotel, the iF Product Design Award and the Golden Wave from Schwimmbad & Sauna, Klafs D12 steam bath was nominated for the German Design Award 2012.
CASENA wins Red Dot Award 2014
The Red Dot Award is one of the largest and most prestigious awards in the world. A coveted hallmark of quality, it is conferred by an international panel of experts for products which stand out from the crowd by reason of outstanding quality of design.
CASENA receives Special Mention at the German Design Award 2014
The German Design Award is a prestigious international award. It is given to top class products and projects from the fields of product & communication design, and also serves to distinguish outstanding or up-and-coming designers.
Profi infrared cabin wins Wellness Innovation Award 2012
The Profi Oakstone infrared cabin has been ingeniously designed down to the smallest detail, and combines sophisticated technology with bespoke design. An opinion shared by the German Wellness Association – who promptly proclaimed it winner in the category "Innovative Wellness Products".
A true pioneer
Take our PROTEO designer sauna, for example. In 2005, the organisers of the prestigious red dot design award contacted us and encouraged us to submit the product. And lo and behold – the PROTEO won this important design award, as the first ever sauna to receive such a distinction.
A wholly new awareness
And this was just the start. Ever since, we’ve been collaborating with well-known designers to surprise the market with products which are as beautiful as they are innovative. As a result, we’ve been showered with awards. And we’ve created a wholly new awareness for the world of saunas and spas.
KLAFS Matteo Thun Edition sauna wins Interior Innovation Award 2015
KLAFS Matteo Thun Edition sauna, developed conjointly with the internationally renowned star architect Matteo Thun and his fellow designer par excellence, Antonio Rodriguez, was first presented to the public at the last Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. In 2015, it won the Interior Innovation Award 2015.
eVitarium® receives Special Mention at the German Design Award 2015
With its elegant design, the eVitarium® cuts a good figure in any bathroom or spa. At first glance, you can hardly tell it apart from a conventional bath. Not only can you fill the bath automatically, but you can also regulate the intensity of the electric current and the integrated coloured lights via the handy control panel. Technology and design go hand in hand here. Only the small, easy-to-use touch screen panel betrays the many functions hidden inside the eVitarium. Relaxation and energy in harmonious accord.
Microsalt wins European Health and Spa Award 2014
The European Health and Spa Award is awarded by the Agency for Health & Wellness. Assessed by an independent panel of experts, the test criteria are amongst the most stringent in all Europe. The assessment is based on an extensive questionnaire plus a mystery check.
InfraPLUS wins Plus X Award 2014
The Plus X Award is given to innovative products from the worlds of technology, sport and lifestyle, and pays tribute to manufacturers for cutting edge quality.
Innovative D12 steam bath wins Top Hotel Star Award 2010
The Top Hotel Star Award was launched in 2008 by the prestigious specialist journal of the same name, published by Landsberger Freizeit. The award pays tribute to outstanding performances in the hotel supplier industry.
KLAFS D12 steam bath wins iF Product Design Award 2011
In total, 2756 submissions from 1121 participants and 43 countries competed for the prestigious iF Product Design Award.
KLAFS D12 steam bath prevailed in a highly qualified and internationally competitive surrounding.VENTANO designer sauna: nominated for the German Design Award 2009"
The jury was impressed with the understated elegance of the VENTANO sauna, which was nominated for the award. The exterior panelling in American walnut and the offset glass-fronted corner entrance emphasise the subtly unobtrusive design. Inside the sauna, clarity of form dominates, with the walls and ceiling panelled in hemlock.
D12 steam bath nominated for German Design Award 2012
After winning the gold STAR AWARD from Top Hotel, the iF Product Design Award and the Golden Wave from Schwimmbad & Sauna, Klafs D12 steam bath was nominated for the German Design Award 2012.
CASENA wins Red Dot Award 2014
The Red Dot Award is one of the largest and most prestigious awards in the world. A coveted hallmark of quality, it is conferred by an international panel of experts for products which stand out from the crowd by reason of outstanding quality of design.
CASENA receives Special Mention at the German Design Award 2014
The German Design Award is a prestigious international award. It is given to top class products and projects from the fields of product & communication design, and also serves to distinguish outstanding or up-and-coming designers.
Profi infrared cabin wins Wellness Innovation Award 2012
The Profi Oakstone infrared cabin has been ingeniously designed down to the smallest detail, and combines sophisticated technology with bespoke design. An opinion shared by the German Wellness Association – who promptly proclaimed it winner in the category "Innovative Wellness Products".
Doing business responsibly
A strong team
Erich Klafs laid the foundation stone with courage and creativity, but who has made the company grow into an international market leader? Our employees! We’re very well aware that our success depends on the people who work with and for KLAFS. So we not only ensure our employees are professionally qualified for their work, but also that they have the necessary social skills for doing business successfully. We support our employees by offering good management, a good framework and good opportunities for further training. Because if you’re creating products to make people feel happy and healthy, it stands to reason that you should feel happy and healthy yourself.
A clear signal
Idealism is more important than materialism. From the start, this was a guiding principle for our founder Erich Klafs, and it’s a matter of honour for us, too – to work in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly manner and to treat natural resources with care and respect. A clear signal: KLAFS saunas bear the Blue Angel symbol – an immediate signal to our customers that we care for the environment when choosing and processing our materials.
A clear goal
Like our founder Erich Klafs, our primary focus is on the health of our customers. To this end, KLAFS operates an internal R&D department which constantly generates new ideas and revolutionises existing products to further enhance the healthful benefits of saunas & and spa facilities. This is how we manage to deliver fresh ideas for new and meaningful treatments and applications – again and again and again. Since 1990, KLAFS has patented more than 100 path-breaking ideas! So if a product bears the name of KLAFS, you know it’s not only packed with wellbeing and health benefits – but also with lots of innovative ideas.
Always somewhere near you
Naturally, our boss can’t pack every sauna into his trailer and deliver it personally to the customer – as did Erich Klafs when the company first started out. But the KLAFS team is still always here for you, whenever you need us. The whole world over, we employ qualified experts who offer competent advice and on-site service by experienced service teams. Because like Erich Klafs, we believe that each and every product is only as good as the support and service you receive before, during and after your purchase.
