History

The history of Braun Büffel dates back to 1887 when its founder, Johann Braun, began producing leather products such as carrier bags, purses and school satchels alongside his trade as a master saddler and upholsterer in the industrial leather town of Kirn, Germany. From this idyllic and inspirational location, Johann Braun laid the foundation for the proliferation of Braun Büffel distribution worldwide.

After more than 100 years building upon the founding principles of excellence in craftsmanship and design, Braun Büffel now possesses a global reputation for superior quality leather goods. The symbol of the Bull, Büffel, was chosen as a representation of the solidness and strength, durability and dependability of the brand name and quality.

Today, Braun Büffel has expanded from its original product lines to encompass a range of premium leather products for men and women. From briefcases, belts and travel bags to handbags, purses, wallets and key cases, Braun Büffel complements the professional wardrobe with a contemporary and sophisticated flair.


Milestones

1887 At just 26 years old, master saddler and upholsterer Johann Braun opened a workshop in Kirn, Germany.
1899 Braun opened a second, larger workshop in linke Hahnenbachstrasse 15.
1902 A store was added to the existing workshop and Johann Braun became a merchant and dealer.
1927 Alois Braun, son of Johann Braun, added the production of small leather goods to the existing saddler's range. Johann Braun purchased a plot of land in linke Hahnenbachstrasse 10 and set up larger production facilities for his son, Alois and his first five employees.
1933 Alois Braun became owner of the firm. He purchased a factory building in Halmerweg and converted it for the production of fine leather goods. The number of employees rose to 20.
1946 The factory, which was severely damaged during World War II, underwent makeshift repairs before production was resumed.
1952 Hans-Werner Braun, Alois Braun's eldest son, joined the firm. After attending the Offenbach School of Arts and Crafts and completing a Master's degree in the production of fine leather goods, he took over the technical management of the firm.
1959 Hans-Werner Braun expanded and modernised the factory buildings and the business grew into a family partnership, the Johann Braun Company.
1968 Hans-Werner Braun died from a tragic traffic accident.
1969 Karl-Heinz Braun, Alois Braun's youngest son, joined the family enterprise as a business executive and assumed management of the company in 1973.
1979 The expansion of the business required enlargement of the factory in Halmerweg and construction of a new distribution department with offices in Industriestrasse.
1983 Johann Braun KG transferred the entire production to the new building in Industriestrasse, the present Headquarters of the company, Braun Gmbh & Co KG.
1992 Christiane Brunk, daughter of Karl-Heinz Braun joined the company.
2005 Christiane Brunk took over the management of the company.