In 1998 Villeroy & Boch celebrated its 250th anniversary. Reaching such an historic milestone is a glowing testimonial to the vision of our creators and each succeeding generation of family who have brought new life and interpretation, direction and imagination, integrity and quality to an abiding spirit of innovation and development. Uniquely, to this day, the 8th generation of Villeroys and Bochs continues to manage the company--upholding the high standards of design and quality which have earned the brand its status image.

Villeroy & Boch is the world's largest ceramics producer, making everything from egg cups to bath tubs. Our tiles line the Holland Tunnel, linking New York and New Jersey. Our dinnerware sets the tables of the Pope, crowned royalty, households of the rich and famous, and renowned restaurants and chefs all over the world. An acknowledged innovator in the tabletop industry, Villeroy & Boch designs are forever being imitated and its success coveted. Our Switch series, for instance, put an imaginative spin on mix-and-match patterns and helped trigger a trend at the table, while our "collection" concept has influenced how retailers merchandise tabletop as a lifestyle aspiration rather than a commodity household need.

Villeroy & Boch produces dinnerware in a variety of ceramic materials--porcelain, bone china and earthenware. Additionally, consumers now can look to us as a total tabletop resource, because we also offer crystal and glass stemware and giftware, and stainless steel cutlery- even oven to tableware items called "Vilbofour." Many of these other products are designed to complement and accent the dinnerware patterns, helping to complete a customer's tablescape with style and class.

Composition of Products & Care

All types of fine ceramics are basically produced from the following raw materials-kaolin, clay, feldspar, quartz. What differentiates them is their individual "recipes" for production plus the firing temperatures.

Porcelain: The combination of raw materials, plus the firing temperatures and processes determine the type of ceramic. Villeroy & Boch's core group of dinnerware designs, are either vitro-porcelain or fine china, meaning the body was fired at an extremely high temperature, making it non-porous and particularly resistant to breaking and chipping.

Bone China: The same raw materials used in porcelain, but with the addition of 40-50% animal bone ash, and an even higher firing temperature yield bone china and its aesthetic qualities--an intense whiteness, a special reflective nature, a soft luster, and translucency.

Earthenware: The earthenware body is more porous than other fine ceramics, giving it a more rustic appearance. It is ivory colored and along with its lustrous glaze creates a feeling of warmth that complements and accessorizes well with many of our dinnerware patterns.

Crystal: Among all the substances of which glass is composed, lead is the most important refining element. The 24% lead content increases the refraction of light and thus gives the glass its brilliance and fire; it becomes more stable and "rings" more beautifully.

Vilbofour: This is Villeroy & Boch's proprietary porcelain product which contains a high proportion of calcined aluminum oxide making it oven to table to freezer proof. And, due to its metal-free glaze, it can even be used in the microwave. Vilbofour is designed specifically to coordinate with Villeroy & Boch's dinnerware collections.

Stainless Steel: "18/10" refers to the alloy compromising 18% chromium, 10% nickel and 72% steel. The chromium gives flatware its "stainless" property making it durable, rustproof and stain resistant. The nickel gives flatware its luster and shine. All of Villeroy & Boch's cutlery is 18/10 stainless steel. We offer European design, sizing and styling, and in a range of patterns to satisfy classic, transitional and contemporary tastes. Polished and satin finish options also are available.
Most all of Villeroy & Boch's products are designed to be used everyday, and consumers should be encouraged to do so. Fragile looks belie china and crystal's extraordinary durability. All of it is dishwasher & microwave safe.

Durability applies to the decoration, as well. All of Villeroy & Boch's porcelain and bone china patterns feature a glazing process which protects the decoration against wearing away or fading. In fact, even the foot of the plate is glazed-a detail on the underside of the plate demonstrates the lengths we go to produce the ultimate in quality. The benefits? It won't scratch a table surface or the surface of other plates when stacking.

Although Villeroy & Boch's dinnerware is dishwasher safe, patterns with gold may be affected by the type and amount of detergent, excessively hot water temperature, or a local water's chemical composition. In general, a few precautions are advised:
oWhen loading, be careful that items won't knock or hit each other.
oSelect a low temperature program or mild wash cycle.
oUse a name brand detergent rather than an off-brand, and only use the recommended amount.
oOpen the dishwasher once the wash cycle is completed to release the steam and prevent condensation from forming.

Gold is not microwave safe.

Mix and Match Concept

Taking a step right out of the fashion world, the idea for mix and match dinnerware was an instant trend from the moment we introduced Switch 3 nearly a decade ago. It is still as hot as ever, as we've experienced with all our designs since, including such current favorites as French Garden and Casa Azul.

It also has proven to be the most versatile approach, with everything sold open stock-no confinements or restraints of a five-piece placesetting.
It frees the consumer to create an individualized look, choosing among a selection of three or four compatible decorated patterns within a "collection" to compose a custom setting that is all one's own. It also addresses a couple's lifestyle needs. What if they prefer cups and saucers vs. mugs? Or, if they like the size of buffet plates instead of a standard dinner plate? This is the advantage, too, of the concept, and why it has become so immensely appealing.

And, it's only where the fun begins. Then we give them choices of layering in all kinds of coordinating designs in earthenware, glass, metal or wood-accents that add color, texture and greater visual interest…options that become endless and ever-changing.

Dress It Up/Dress It Down
Isabelle von Boch, our national spokesperson who speaks at bridal fairs and other retail events-and, yes, is a direct descendant of the family of founders-advises brides and all consumers to take a fashion strategy toward choosing-and using-their china. She says, "Think of your china as the little black dress or basic flannel suit. If it's a good quality to begin with, it can be dressed up for formal occasions, or dressed down for more casual looks with the simple use of accessories. A crisp damask tablecloth, sparkling crystal stemware, and candlelight obviously will create a more formal mood; but, the same pattern can take on a completely different, more low-key and casual personae when paired with placemats and colored glassware."

She contends that the biggest mistake people make when choosing china is that they buy it to fulfill a fantasy, thinking they must have a matching formal setting. "Then they get stuck with it years later when they realize it doesn't suit their lifestyle," she said. "In America, china has become synonymous with formal, when it actually is about everyday living. People need to realize it is not only about special occasions and entertaining. They should be comfortable using their china everyday."

And, that is exactly what Villeroy & Boch is about-everyday use and everyday enjoyment.


VILLEROY & BOCH TIMELINE
1748 In Audun le Tiche (initially in Germany, but annexed by France), Francois Boch installs a pottery on his property to make earthenware. Boch is poised to meet the growing European demand for elegant dinnerware by producing fine ivory-colored earthenware. This is 40 years after the European invention of porcelain.

1767 The Septfontaines factory is founded in Luxembourg by Francois Boch's sons. It is called "Manufacture Imperiale et Royale", a privilege granted by the Empress Maria-Theresia of Austria who was then ruling over Luxembourg. She gave the Boch's tax rights to start business in Luxembourg. Over the next 20 years, the factory grew to be one of the most prestigious in all of Europe, employing 300 people.

1770 The dinnerware pattern "Vieux Luxembourg" is produced.

1791 The Vaudrevange earthenware factory is founded by Nicolas Villeroy.

1809 Jean-Francois Boch acquires the Mettlach Benedictine Abbey by the Saar river. He builds in it the third earthenware factory. To this day it has remained the company headquarters. A neighboring 10th century bell tower is adopted as the company's emblem, a symbol of endurance to be imprinted on each piece of china.

1810-1812 Villeroy & Boch revolutionizes the pottery process by developing a water-driven, instead of foot driven, potter's wheel, allowing artists to concentrate on fine detailed work rather than waste their strength pumping a wheel.

1836 Boch joins forces with Nicolas Villeroy, whose artistic specialty is decorative, transfer printing, which is applied to dinnerware, as well as objects of art.

This is during a time when ceramic manufacture is superior in England to that in mainland Europe. It made economic sense for the families to join their factories to form the Villeroy & Boch group.

1842 Eugen Boch marries Octavie Villeroy which consolidates the already existing business alliance bonds between the two families.

1843 Villeroy & Boch found their first joint factory: the Wadgassen Crystal Factory by the Saar river.

1850 Villeroy & Boch begins production of fine bone china.

1852 A well-preserved Roman mosaic floor inspires interest in wall and floor tiles.

1869 In Mettlach, the first factory for tile production is constructed: the MOSAIKFABRIK. Tiles are laid in railway stations, churches, hospitals, post offices, theaters, town halls and castles. They can be found in places such as the Cologne Cathedral, Holland Tunnel, and Bolschoi Theater. Today there are 8 factories that manufacture tiles.

1900 Around this time interest in sanitaryware comes about in response to the advance of hygienic needs (i.e. wash basins, toilets, and urinals)

1901 In Merzig, the first factory for sanitary appliances is founded. Today, there are 8 sanitary appliances production sites.

1976 Villeroy & Boch acquires the Heinrich Porzellan factory in Selb, Bavaria; a factory producing dinner services with elaborated patterns.

Additionally, Villeroy & Boch officially enters the U.S. market, and it helps trigger a period of dynamic growth as the company expands its scope to become a total tabletop resource offering dinnerware, crystal, flatware, glassware, gourmet cookware and gifts.

1979 The Villeroy & Boch Ceramic Museum is set up at the Ziegelberg Castle. (Francois Boch started the museum collection).

1980 Villeroy & Boch begins production of fine bone china at the Heinrich factory.

1986 To add a younger and more fashionable line to its tableware range, Villeroy & Boch acquires the brand name, Gallo Design.

1987 Villeroy & Boch changes its juridical status from a limited partnership to a limited company, but the capital remains in the family.

1988 The first Paloma Picasso dinner service is created.

1989 After 222 years of existence, the Luxembourg factory starts up its second porcelain factory (automation of the manufacturing process). The Koch & Bergfeld silverware factory in Bremen is taken over by Villeroy & Boch.

1990 Villeroy & Boch is introduced into the Stock Exchange.

1991 Merzig porcelain factory is inaugurated..

2005 Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl presents Villeroy & Boch with the distinguished German Business Innovation Award for 2004, recognizing the 257-
Year-old ceramics manufacturer for development of the distinctive New Wave cup
pattern and its pioneering production techniques (formation of the cup in one single uninterrupted unit)

1748-present = 250+ years of existence and fine ceramics know-how

WHO IS VILLEROY & BOCH?

" A 250+ year-old company - established in 1748.

" A family operated (8th generation) company.

" A household name in Europe.

" The #1 ceramics manufacturer in the world.

" Villeroy & Boch manufactures tiles, sanitary ware and dinnerware. Products are produced in Germany, France and Luxembourg.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES VILLEROY & BOCH?

" Mix & match/open stock. Allows flexibility to individualize one's table.

" Patterns. Patterns are bold and vibrant, and have a personality of their own.

" Accessory pieces. We make up numerous pieces per pattern/collection. We make bowls and cups in 4-5 different sizes in order to cater to lifestyles.

" Quality. We are known for a strong, durable, nonporous body, our decoration (family art, hand-applied decals, and hand painting), and our inglaze.

" Superior Firing/Glazing Process. We produce a vitreous porcelain body with the hardest glaze and the most clarity; multiple firings.

" Superior Glaze. Resists scratching, knife-edges; ensures decoration is fade free; easy to clean; hygienic; dishwasher and microwave safe.

" Design. Uses shapes from the 17th century, as well as new innovative, contemporary shapes such as New Wave, Flow, and Innova.

WHO ELSE USES VILLEROY & BOCH?

" Reigning European monarchs

" The Pope

" Celebrities (Rod Stewart - Sienna, Barbara Streisand)

" TV shows & commercials (Friends)

" Hotels (Marriott Marquis in NYC, Green Valley Ranch, Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Ritz Carlton's in Florida, San Francisco, and Philadelphia)

" Fine restaurants (Tavern on the Green, Le Cirque, Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park NY)

" The fact that restaurants use V&B every day testifies to the mechanical abuse that the dinnerware can endure.