VS Story Can Value Grow From Roots?

We are a traditional family business in its fourth generation that has been supporting the development of modern learning environments for over 125 years. Our independence enables us to focus on the highest quality – from production to close, personalized customer support.

Quality & Sustainability

Longevity leads to continuous improvement. This isn’t always the case, but for VS, it holds true. We have witnessed and supported the development of modern learning environments and educational reform ideas from their beginnings around 1900 to today – as consultants, designers, and pioneers. We prioritize high-quality manufacturing, responsible sourcing, and fair working conditions – ensuring our products support both people and the planet. We also value close relationships with our customers and partners, working collaboratively to find lasting solutions for their learning space needs.

Honesty & Reliability

We are constantly developing our products and concepts in line with the latest requirements in terms of functionality, sustainability, design, and ergonomics. In doing so, we are both inspired and supported by our diverse network of partners. In addition to architects and designers, these include experts from the fields of movement science, ecology, education, didactics, and spatial psychology.

Design & Learning

We are experts in education and understand how learning environments shape the way people learn, collaborate, and grow. Our furniture and room concepts – whether for K-12 schools, colleges, or libraries – are designed to support knowledge exchange, lifelong learning, and dynamic engagement. We focus on creating adaptable environments that put people first.

Asking Questions, Seeking Answers, and Finding Solutions This Passion for Knowledge Has Always Been at the Heart of VS

Over 125 Years of History

For over 125 years, VS has been dedicated to shaping learning environments that support education and innovation. Our journey reflects a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and forward-thinking design.

1898

Establishment of VSOn May 15, 1898, the company started business under the name Vereinigte Schulbankfabriken. The production site was Tauberbischofsheim, the commercial side was managed by the firm’s headquarters in Stuttgart. In the year it was established, VS employed around forty staff, one year later it was already sixty-five. Many groundbreaking process innovations and furniture solutions followed that made the VS name known worldwide.

Albert Ramminger (1851-1898), a vocational school teacher in Tauberbischofsheim since 1876, set up his own business.

Ramminger and his brother-in-law, Konrad Stetter, operated a steam joinery in a newly erected factory. Starting in 1890, Ramminger & Stetter manufactured the patented Columbus school bench in Tauberbischofsheim – a robust item of furniture with cast iron side pieces and movable pendulum seats.

By far the most successful school bench in Germany was the Rettig bench, conceived by architect Wilhelm Rettig. Its design was patented by Berlin-based company P. Johannes Müller & Co. The heightened footrest made getting into and out of the school bench much simpler. Thus space was saved and folding seats were no longer needed.

On May 15, 1898, the amalgamated company started business under the name Vereinigte Schulbankfabriken. The production site was Tauberbischofsheim, the commercial side was managed by the firm’s headquarters in Stuttgart. P. Johannes Müller & Co continued to exist as an independent company in Berlin and looked after the entire Northern German sales area.

Paul Johannes Müller brought the patent for the manufacture of the Rettig bench into the new company and thus held a special position in the partnership contract.

In the year it was established, VS employed around forty staff, one year later it was already sixty-five.

Have Questions? Connect With Us

More Company Resources

VS America

Learn about VS America’s showroom and warehouse locations, along with information on our history.

School Museum

Journey through the history of school furniture from the early 20th century to the present day.

Furniture Design Partners

Learn how our collaborations with design partners are reshaping learning environments.

VS Manufacturing

Discover how our cutting-edge manufacturing processes bring innovative, high-quality furniture to life.

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