Our History

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Our company history

Gerhard Gollnest and Fritz-Rüdiger Kiesel started selling toys in 1981.

Over the years, the small two-man business in Hamburg has become Northern Germany‘s largest toy manufacturer. Today the company is located in Güster and employs more than 450 people worldwide. With a deliverable range of more than 2,000 articles, it is also one of the largest producers of wooden toys in the world. Up to 200 product developments see the light of day every year. 20 million toys are delivered to over 80 countries annually. But size is not the benchmark for Gollnest & Kiesel.

What really counts

- are the motivated, committed employees who shape the company image with their unmistakable style
- is the joy of developing innovative products
- is the extremely honest, open relationship with our business partners
- is sustainability and social commitment, which have shaped our business policy for years
- is the fact that we have been able to preserve our ideals and dreams
- but most of all, we care about children. And that is why quality, safety and the joy our products bring to the little ones are our top priorities

Our promise

Gollnest & Kiesel puts a lot of love, experience and responsibility into the development of toys for the young adventurers. If they are to help develop and encourage a child‘s imagination and creativity, toys must have a high play value. The absolute safety of the products is important for the company, as children approach new things without prejudice and are unable to assess possible risks.

Before a toy leaves our warehouse, it is subjected to intensive testing that goes beyond the requirements of legal regulations. For this purpose, Gollnest & Kiesel has its own test laboratories which are equipped with state-of-theart technology.

Chemical studies are performed by independent, accredited institutes.

With almost 40 years of experience in the manufacture of toys, a strong sense of responsibility for child safety and a highly developed quality management system, the company ensures that toys from Gollnest & Kiesel are safe.