At the age of 36, master saddler and dog owner Rolf Trautwein fulfilled his dream of producing high-quality accessories for dogs by founding the HUNTER business in 1980. Within the space of only a few years, what was initially a limited assortment of leather accessories made in Germany developed into an extensive product range, and the name HUNTER became a leading brand in the pet supply industry. Offering high-quality accessories for dogs and cats and even horses at the time, it wasn’t long before the family business broke into other market segments.
At the turn of the millennium, the business group was joined by the company founder’s daughter, Nadine Trautwein, who has been running the globally successful company since 2007 with the help of around 170 dedicated members of staff who share her enthusiasm for the brand and love animals. As in the past, new products and designs are discussed and developed in the “family network” – this tradition and the fact that most of the products are made in Germany are things the company is rightly proud of.
Marianne Trautwein, wife of the company founder, is passionate about running the HUNTER SHOP on the company premises; this flagship store showcases the brand and offers a true shopping experience for customers from all over the world. At the beginning of 2016, due to continual company growth, the administrative offices and production facility relocated to the new business premises in the east of Bielefeld, which is within easy reach of the A2 motorway exit “Bielefeld-Ost”. The HUNTER SHOP and the factory outlet with its little adjoining refreshment area and dog playing field are also situated at this new, more spacious and attractive location; they regularly attract countless dog and cat owners from near and far.
Office dogs – the “animal” members of the workforce – are a familiar sight in the administrative building. Customers and business partners are also welcome to attend the production and material demonstrations. At HUNTER, we don’t just pay lip service to the “family business” concept, but live it out in practice.
