Hafele was founded on December 1, 1923, by Adolf Hafele and Hermann Funk as a specialty supplier of joinery hardware in Aulendorf, Germany. The company later relocated to Nagold, in the historic furniture-making region of Wurttemberg, which remains its headquarters today. Now in its third generation of family leadership under Sibylle Thierer, Hafele has grown into a global supplier serving more than 160,000 customers in over 150 countries.
Product Lines
Hafele's catalog centers on furniture fittings and architectural hardware, including cabinet hinges, slides, and pulls, along with sliding and folding door hardware. The company also supplies electronic locking systems and lighting solutions used in cabinetry and architectural millwork. Its range covers both the fittings that go inside cabinet boxes and the hardware that finishes doors, drawers, and closets.
Why Contractors Specify Hafele
Cabinet installers and millwork contractors specify Hafele hardware for the depth of its catalog, which lets a single order cover hinges, slides, pulls, and specialty fittings for a full kitchen or closet package. Decades of manufacturing experience in joinery hardware translate into consistent tolerances, which matters when hinges and slides need to align precisely across dozens of cabinet openings on a job. Hafele's presence in more than 150 countries also supports easier sourcing of matching parts for callback and warranty work.
How to Choose Hafele Products
Selecting cabinet hardware starts with matching hinge and slide type to the cabinet construction, framed versus frameless, since mounting patterns differ between the two. Weight capacity matters for drawer slides carrying heavier items like pots or files, so installers should check load ratings against intended use before specifying a slide. For door and drawer pulls, finish consistency across a kitchen or bath package is worth confirming at time of order, since Hafele offers matching finishes across its hardware lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Hafele founded?
Hafele was founded on December 1, 1923, by Adolf Hafele and Hermann Funk in Aulendorf, Germany.
Where is Hafele headquartered?
Hafele is headquartered in Nagold, Germany, in the historic furniture-manufacturing region of Wurttemberg.
What types of hardware does Hafele manufacture?
Hafele manufactures furniture fittings and architectural hardware, including cabinet hinges, drawer slides, pulls, sliding door hardware, electronic locking systems, and lighting solutions.
Is Hafele still a family owned company?
Yes, Hafele remains a family enterprise, now led by Sibylle Thierer as the third generation of family leadership.
How widely is Hafele hardware distributed?
Hafele serves more than 160,000 customers in over 150 countries.