Embracing the future and building on our heritage
For well over 125 years, the family-run Kessler Group has put the customer first, placing personal service at the heart of all it does.
Our Story
It began in 1893, when Bernhard Kessler, an exceptional designer and craftsman, became involved in the manufacture and sale of umbrellas. Subsequent generations of Kesslers used their skill and business acumen to steer the organisation forward and become leaders in their field.
The Beginning
Trained as a master craftsman in wood, Bernhard Kessler founded the family firm in Vienna, specialising in the manufacture of high quality umbrella handles and walking sticks crafted from wood, metal and horn. Business prospered, and by 1910 Kesslers began exporting its goods to London.
Kesslers in London
Leopold Kessler, son of Bernhard, opened and managed the Kesslers London branch near Old Street.
Parker Pen
The first display client was Parker Pen who visited from the States to show Leopold Kessler a photograph of a novel concept – the freestanding cabinet. This innovative idea meant that consumers could see the product and it was no longer stored behind the counter, but at the front of the store.
Leopold took the concept of the freestanding unit to the beauty industry, initially working with Max – the founder of the Max Factor company.
Kesslers During the War
When war broke out in 1939, the Kesslers company devoted its production to the war effort in a collaboration with Polish inventor, Josef Stanislav Kozacki, whose Mine Detector 2 was the world’s first electronic detector and a breakthrough in anti-personnel mine detection for the British Army. Leopold was closely involved in the design and manufacture of the mechanical parts and used great ingenuity to resolve a number of inherent problems.
As part of his contribution to the war effort Leopold Kessler gave the copyright of the mine detector to the MOD.
Kessler Group Adapts to Change
In the early 1950s, links with pre-war customers, including Max Factor, were revived and new ones forged. The Parker Pen Company and Dunlop Tyres commissioned Kesslers to make display stands.
Sam Berger
Willie Kessler and Sam Berger became Joint Managing Directors.
New Factory
An increase in the number of major new clients necessitated a move to a larger factory in Dalston where Kesslers became established as one of the leading UK manufacturers of display and manufacturing material. Clients included Sellotape, Mary Quant, Biba and Yardley.
Kessler Group’s Expertise in Beauty
Kesslers was always at the forefront of modern merchandising design from its post-war high quality wooden displays to modern-day fixtures that required complex display techniques.
Kesslers was renowned for its close relationships with its clients, which included the beauty world’s iconic founders and leaders, many exacting in their demands.
Elizabeth Arden, famed for her direct and forceful approach to business, wanted Kesslers to produce an innovative plastic merchandising unit to display lipsticks. The company specially purchased a moulding machine for the job, which was soon put to use with many top cosmetic brands, including Helena Rubinstein, Mary Quant, Charles of the Ritz and Yardley.
Fashion and cosmetics designer Mary Quant would repeatedly insist on changes to her retail display units until they met with her approval.
Kenneth Green, the charismatic chairman of Charles of the Ritz, was heavily involved in his brand’s displays and impressed with his professional eye for detail and natural flair.
Barbara Hulanicki, inspirational founder of BIBA, ensured the BIBA cosmetics displays reflected the brand’s iconic values.
George and Charles Kessler
In the mid 1970s, Willie’s sons, George and Charles, joined the business, helping grow Kesslers’ export business following UK’s membership of the EU.
Expansion
Further rapid expansion led to another move to a much larger plant in Stratford, East London. The increased space facilitated the latest manufacturing techniques as well as a multi-material approach – plastics, wood and metal could be manufactured in one plant. Kesslers became one of the pioneers in the introduction of computer assisted design and manufacturing. Helped by the UK joining the Common Market (EU) the export side of Kesslers was established.
Clarins
Logistics was a key part of the Kessler Group offering for almost 40 years. It all began in 1980, when Clarins, a small French brand, run by the former Marketing Director of Max Factor International, approached Kesslers to ask if they would store their goods for a few days.
The business evolved to become an ongoing consultancy, warehouse and delivery service which the company fulfilled impeccably.
It was from these small beginnings that BDM grew to become the international 3PL it is today.
Bridgewater Distribution & Management
The idea for a separate logistics business was born, named BDM.
Lord Mayor’s Prize
Care for the environment had long been an important priority for Kesslers. Staff spent many weekends to rid the canal of supermarket trolleys, rubbish and debris. In 1990, as a forerunner in environmental campaigning, Kesslers won the City Dragon Environmental Award for its work in cleaning up Bow Back Rivers, which ran close to Kesslers’ premises.
Volvo Penta Award
Kesslers won the Volvo Penta environmental award for outstanding awareness and action in their products.
Further Expansion
Kesslers expanded into Carpenters Business Park.
Kesslers Move
Rick Roberts Way Unit 1 site was completed and Kesslers moved into a state-of-the-art production facility.
BDM Expands
BDM continued to expand and moved into the larger premises at Carpenters Business Park. Tony Banks MP opened the new facility in October 1998.
Kessler Group’s Expertise in Beauty
In the 21st century Kesslers expanded to service clients all over the world. Global campaigns were launched for both Christian Dior and Chanel from Paris, and Estée Lauder and Revlon out of New York.
Awards
Kesslers International won a record number of European awards for outstanding merchandising programmes.
Duke of Edinburgh
HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh came to the factory to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Kesslers in London on 29 November 2001.
Kessler Properties
The Kessler Property business grew with acquisitions of important sites in London.
Preparations for London 2012 Olympics
Preparations for the London 2012 Olympics were underway and the Carpenters Road site was purchased so that the building of the main Olympic stadium could begin.
Charles Kessler recalls discovering that the Olympic diving pool was precisely where BDM was located, meaning that Tom Daley and others would have dived straight through the BDM offices on their way to medal victory.
BDM Move
BDM moved to purpose built new premises in Beckton giving 70% more capacity and room for growth.
Brand Technology in Dusseldorf
Brand Technology was launched at EuroShop in Dusseldorf.
Olympics
The world came to Stratford for the Olympics in London.
120th Anniversary
Kesslers proudly celebrated the 120th Anniversary of the Group at The Houses of Parliament.
Kessler Properties Development
A major refurbishment was undertaken to Notcutt House in Central London. Finished to the highest standard, the building is a prestige Head Office for major tenants.
Passing of William Kessler
In July 2019, William Kessler passed away, aged 92, after 77 years of continuous service to the business. He was closely involved in many aspects of the business right up until his passing.
Dr Edward Kessler and Charles Kessler
In March 2019 Edward Kessler, founder of The Woolf Institute, returned to the board of the family business.
BDM Further Growth
Record investment in BDM facilities led to further growth in capacity and IT facilities.
BDM Continues to Grow
Growth of B2C with global Instagram launches and supporting IT.
Future
From small beginnings in the manufacture of umbrella handles to the modern-day demands of global business, Kessler Group remains to this day a family-run business.
Throughout this time, Kessler Group has demonstrated an ability to embrace change and respond to the ever-changing demands of the retail and digital world.
Sustainability has moved front and centre and will dominate the way that companies conduct business in the future. Kessler Group will be there, ready to take on the challenge and work with its clients towards a sustainable future.