Karl Theodor RÖSLE - a master tinsmith from Schwabmünchen - established his company in the town centre of Marktoberdorf in the southernmost region of Germany in 1888. He strived to update traditional methods to meet modern standards of industrial production and improved them without sacrificing outstanding craftsmanship. Working together with a small team of collaborators, he first manufactured roofing components for the building industry.
The foundation for RÖSLE's second field of operation was laid in 1903 when kitchen equipment from enamel was incorporated into the product range. After the death of Karl Theodor Röslein 1907, his sons Karl and George went into business as Gebrüder RÖSLE KG and expanded the enterprise. They had great success and a larger factory was built outside the narrow confines of the town centre during 1918 and 1919.
Steady growth followed in the kitchen equipment sector and steel pans and tin-plated kitchen utensils were also incorporated into the manufacturing program. Chrome-plated kitchen items with a brass core were the next step. RÖSLE produced its first rustproof kitchen tools and cutlery in the thirties. After the Second World War, the program for superior quality equipment for household use and catering was systematically expanded and many new products were introduced. 18/10 stainless steel (a steel alloy containing 18% chrome and 10% nickel) gained increasing recognition as the most compatible basic raw material for the RÖSLE assortment which now keenly addressed the specific needs of the professional sector.
1957. The first spoon-grinding machine was set up in 1957 - developed from a Karl Rösle idea. The period from 1950 to 1980 saw steady growth with an expanding product range, an expanding task force and an ever higher turnover. In the following years, the premises saw regular expansion to accommodate new challenges, adjust to current market trends and assimilate innovative ideas and technology.
Since 1993, stainless steel kitchen and household utensils have been manufactured and sold bearing the RÖSLE logo. In addition to the professional range addressing the needs of professional catering, RÖSLE today offers an equally extensive selection of high quality kitchen utensils for home use. Among RÖSLE's outstanding and innovative achievements to date have been the revolutionary "Open Kitchen" system launched in 1990, the one handed Mezzaluna Chopper and a stainless steel Cookware series launched in 1992.
A new administrative building was completed and inaugurated in 1995. It is as much a symbol of the successful expansion of the firm as a reflection of a company philosophy that is open to new inspiration yet grounded in sound and proven concepts. RÖSLE's is a quest for product enhancement based solidly on the results of experience and with an emphasis on sustainability. With the market debut of the RÖSLE Bowl in 1995 a new benchmark was set. The RÖSLE Bowl series retains a unique market position to this day and is undeniably an example of excellence in its field. The RÖSLE Jars/Containers made their debut in 1996 mirroring the stylish line of the Bowls series and in 1997 it was soon clear that even the good old fashioned Cooking Spoon could be taught a lesson or two when the astonishing stainless steel variant from RÖSLE was introduced to the market.
The Direct Country Systemwas systematically implemented to meet the increasing necessity of competing in a global arena. RÖSLE is now established as a presence in the most prestigious department stores of over 50 countries. To name a few: Harrods of London, Rinascente of Milan, BHV of Paris and Williams Sonoma in USA.
In 2000, with the introduction of the Garlic Press and the exquisite range of Graters and Slicers, RÖSLE proved its metal once again, demonstrating with expertise the company’s superior standards in both quality and function. The Garlic Press is one of the best selling items in the popular product range. New developments in laser welding technology related to advanced production methods in the car industry have enabled us to set new standards in quality and hygiene for Graters and Slicers.
With the introduction of the Bar Utensils range, the south German company broke into a new area and were immediately onto a winner. RÖSLE's flashy Bar Accessories are the fusion of superior grade material with striking design. With the dialogue series RÖSLE started off a new trend in table culture. What’s special is the cooling element built into both the Serving System and the Butter Dish. Superior quality materials such as stainless steel, fine porcelain and sparkling lead crystal lend the dialogue series both sophistication and style.
In April 2004, the new RÖSLE sales outlet on the company premises opened its doors for the first time. On a sales floor of approx. 300 sq m./3200 sq ft. RÖSLE has around 700 unique stainless steel kitchen utensils on offer. Apart from gift sets, special offers, discontinued items and factory seconds, you’ll also find porcelain from “Friesland”, cooking and baking forms from “Emile Henry”and lead crystal wine and drinks glasses from the “Schott Zwiesel” brand.
Since summer 2005, the RÖSLE Brand Shop concept has been implemented and is used for enhanced presentation of RÖSLE products in stores. The RÖSLE Brand Shop is a well conceived shop module which can be implemented flexibly to create both order and an overview. Every product can have its specific position in the unit and be displayed in the style appropriate to a quality product from a premium manufacturer.
The world’s largest Cooking Spoon is situated in Marktoberdorf in Bavaria. The “just a little bit bigger”version is an exact scale copy of the original innovative stainless steel RÖSLE Cooking Spoon and measures 10.01 metres/32.8 ft. RÖSLE was the first manufacturer worldwide to develop a stainless steel Cooking Spoon and holds a European patent on the concept. Due to extraordinary design, realized in material not traditionally employed for Cooking Spoons, the newest generation display unbeatable qualities: they are versatile, flexible, neutral to flavours and odours, easy clean, effort-saving and durable. It’s not just the world record Cooking Spoon that’s outsize - it's also an all time world heavyweight among stirring utensils, weighing in at just 2 tons.