50 years of Küng Wellness: A conversation about innovation, tradition and the future of relaxation
In an interview to mark Küng's 50th anniversary, Damian Stricker, owner and Managing Director of the company, talks about the manufactory's impressive success story and the challenges of combining traditional values with a modern spirit of innovation. Stricker shares his fascination for founder Tony Küng and his foresight, which made Küng a pioneer in the wellness industry. He also provides insights into future trends, the fusion of wellness and technology and the growing importance of mindfulness and sustainability. A look into the future and at the same time a tribute to five decades of craftsmanship at the highest level.
- When you look back on the history of Küng, what impresses you in particular?
- The founder, Tony Küng, built a solid foundation for the company. What fascinates you most about your predecessor?
- Every company is about continuity, but also about renewal. That requires a sure instinct. How do you see that?
- What type of sauna or wellness enthusiast are you personally?
- Health topics and wellness are in the zeitgeist. Where do you still see development potential in this respect?
- And what trends do you see in the wellness sector?
- The manufactory is the heart of Küng. What goals/plans do you have in this regard?
- What message do you have for employees on the occasion of the 50th anniversary?
- High-quality materials are a key player in sauna construction and wellness products in the upmarket sector. With Steinhaus, Lorenzi and Granimor, you have important additions to your value-added group. How important are these?
- What vision of Küng do you have for the next 10 years?
The founder, Tony Küng, built a solid foundation for the company. What fascinates you most about your predecessor?
Tony Küng not only created a solid foundation, but also laid the foundations for our innovative strength today. His vision of creating wellness at the highest level still shapes us today. I am particularly fascinated by his flair for design and quality as well as his entrepreneurial vision and creative power. This spirit is still at the heart of our work today.
Every company is about continuity, but also about renewal. That requires a sure instinct. How do you see that?
Continuity and renewal are like two sides of the same coin. It is essential to preserve the traditional values and high quality that characterize Küng. At the same time, however, we must also be courageous and innovative enough to break new ground in order to meet the constantly changing needs of our customers in a highly dynamic market environment. It takes a sure instinct to find the right balance between innovative strength and the preservation of Küng's core values, which have evolved over 50 years.
Health topics and wellness are in the zeitgeist. Where do you still see development potential in this respect?
The trend towards better health and prevention will continue to grow as more and more people recognize the importance of prevention, self-care and conscious regeneration. In Switzerland and in general, I still see great potential in the targeted use of wellness facilities, e.g. conscious use to strengthen the immune system or for the prevention of cardiovascular civilization diseases. This is linked to the personalization of wellness offers and therapies. People are increasingly looking for customized solutions that are tailored to their individual needs and health goals.
And what trends do you see in the wellness sector?
One clear trend is the increasing fusion of wellness and technology. Smart, networked devices that record and evaluate individual health data are becoming increasingly popular. Not only is athletic performance being measured, but also the regeneration effect of activities. The demand for natural and sustainable materials in wellness architecture is also increasing. People are placing more emphasis on sustainability and want to know that the products they use are environmentally friendly and ethical. Mindfulness is also becoming increasingly important - wellness is no longer just physical, but also mental. For this reason, our wellness control system is now supplemented with rituals that serve precisely this level with meditation and breathing work in predefined sequences.
What message do you have for employees on the occasion of the 50th anniversary?
I would like to thank our employees from the bottom of my heart. Without their passion, commitment and high level of expertise, Küng would not be what it is today. Each and every one of them has contributed to the fact that we have been able to offer our customers unique wellness experiences for 50 years. Together, we have achieved great things in the past and I am convinced that we will continue to grow in the future and make a contribution to promoting the health and relaxation of our customers.
High-quality materials are a key player in sauna construction and wellness products in the upmarket sector. With Steinhaus, Lorenzi and Granimor, you have important additions to your value-added group. How important are these?
Our partnerships with companies such as Steinhaus, Lorenzi and Granimor are invaluable to us. High-quality materials are the foundation of our work, and cooperation with reliable partners in the areas of our high-tech material WSP®, natural stone or large-format ceramics ensures that we can offer our customers the best quality for their wellness areas. This cooperation within the group enables us to develop innovative and holistic solutions from a single source time and time again.
What vision of Küng do you have for the next 10 years?
My vision for the next 10 years is to further consolidate Küng as a synonym for exclusive, personal wellness solutions. We not only want to remain the market leader, but also set new standards, be it in design, sustainability or technology integration. At the same time, I want us to preserve and develop our values - quality, craftsmanship and customer focus. It's about maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation while always focusing on the well-being of our customers.
