Foundation
Having just returned from the war, Otto Johannes Müller founds a small business with a great deal of optimism. Working out of a laundry room, he produces the first brushes and comes up with the MÜHLE logo.
Setback
The company founder specializes in MÜHLE shaving brushes and acquires its first export customers abroad. A fire destroys the company headquarters, but Otto Johannes Müller soldiers on bravely.
New generation
After the untimely death of his father, Hans-Jürgen Müller takes over the company with 40 employees. MÜHLE now exports its products to 36 countries.
Expropriation
The great wave of expropriation by the GDR leadership also affects MÜHLE. Under pressure from the state, Hans-Jürgen Müller sells his company, which becomes a “state-owned enterprise”.
Farewell
As part of VEB Flamingo-Bürsten Schönheide, MÜHLE now produces brushes for the GDR. Hans-Jürgen Müller leaves the company and sets up shop as a freelance brush maker.
New beginning
With the fall of the Berlin Wall, Hans-Jürgen Müller takes back ownership of the expropriated family business. From now on, it operates under the name Hans-Jürgen Müller KG, which retains the MÜHLE logo.
MÜHLE’s 50th anniversary
In the early years after reunification, MÜHLE struggles to survive from day to day. Bit by bit, the company acquires new customers and re-hires former employees.
Upswing
In the period after the turn of the millennium, the product range is expanded to comprise a high-quality full range for wet shaving. The MÜHLE brand comes to the fore.
Third generation
The sons Christian and Andreas Müller take over management from their father. Despite the economic crisis, the company turnover grows and the vertical range of manufacture is further increased.
Berlin
The company is now celebrating shaving culture from the Ore Mountains in the metropolis of Berlin – with the first MÜHLE store complete with a barber shop in the Hackesche Höfe.
Design Award
In cooperation with the Berlin designer Mark Braun, the product series HEXAGON is created and received two awards – the Red Dot Award and the German Design Award.
London
MÜHLE opens its second store in the heart of London’s West End on Newburgh Street, not far from Piccadilly Circus.
MÜHLE’s 75th anniversary
From a small brush manufacturer to a global brand with classic status, MÜHLE celebrates its 75th anniversary and continues to focus on shaving culture made in the Ore Mountains. Fittingly, a treatment space is now also being opened at the MÜHLE Store London.
COMPANION
MÜHLE is breaking new ground with the COMPANION: our first unisex model with a patented razor head is being launched. Gone are the days when only men reached for the safety razor. Developed for people who are looking for a unisex product that no longer makes any difference - except, of course, in terms of sustainability and zero waste.