BOSCHAGROUP
In March 1927 Ottmar Bodenschatz, trained in textile business, as one of seven children of Heinrich and Babette Bodenschatz, applied for registration of a commercial company that his father had already established. He registered the company in thanksgiving for his deceased father under the name "Heinrich Bodenschatz Junior", mechanical weaving mill. This was the to be the cornerstone of the present day company "BOSCHAGROUP GmbH & Co. KG". In cooperation with his brother Alfred, the company developed quickly. Ottmar manufactured textiles and organized the weaving of raffia mats in cottage industry from which Alfred manufactures decoratively embroidered shopping bags.
In 1940 they exhibit their bag collection for the first time at the Leipzig Trade Fair. The company is formed under the name "Bodenschatz Jun. KG". During World War II the production nearly grinds to a halt due to a shortage of material. Toy animals are manufactured to utilize production capacity.
The end of the war releases a tremendous pent-up demand for necessities
and consumer goods. The 50's are the years of economic upswing with
great dynamics. Ottmar replaces the production of raffia mats with
additional modern mechanical looms. Out of the production of raffia
bags a future-oriented manufacture of shopping bags and handbags is
developed under Alfred's direction. Tartan cloth, woven by his brother
Ottmar, and purchased specialty textiles and plastic materials are used
in production. The "Boscha" seal with three spruce trees is conceived. By the mid 1950's the company employs already about 200 workers.
The end of the war releases a tremendous pent-up demand for necessities
and consumer goods. The 50's are the years of economic upswing with
great dynamics. Ottmar replaces the production of raffia mats with
additional modern mechanical looms. Out of the production of raffia
bags a future-oriented manufacture of shopping bags and handbags is
developed under Alfred's direction. Tartan cloth, woven by his brother
Ottmar, and purchased specialty textiles and plastic materials are used
in production. The "Boscha" seal with three spruce trees is conceived. By the mid 1950's the company employs already about 200 workers.
In 1959 Ottmar Bodenschatz
unexpectedly passes away. Alfred directs the business of two different
industries alone with vigor, supported by two confidence clerks. He
develops goal-oriented advertising campaigns in the trade journals,
designs innovative shop windows, works together with TV and film stars
and produces TV spots. These capital-intensive campaigns can not be
financed in the long run, but they certainly attract attention. In the 60's the use of genuine leather gains importance. The number of employees grows to 250. The assortment is expanded to include luggage and suitcases. Klaus and Bernd Bodenschatz, both sons of Alfred Bodenschatz, assume key positions after their apprenticeship and journeyman years. Klaus specialises in administration, personnel and sales and Bernd is responsible for design. Additional significant branch plants are procured in Stadtsteinach and Helmbrechts.
The success continues into the 1970's. In 1971 a major contract for 1.2 million toiletry bags is executed in nine months and delivered on time. This remains the single largest order ever in the company's history. 320 employees and 100 cottage workers, as well as subcontracters in the Offenbach area are proofs of growth.
In 1972, the company "Bodenschatz Junior KG" is legally separated into two independant companies for textile manufacture and leather goods. The textile manufacturing company is registered under the name "Webotex KG" and is managed by Wilhelm Bodenschatz, son of the deceased Ottmar Bodenschatz. The leather goods company is registered under the former name "Bodenschatz Junior KG". Klaus and Bernd Bodenschatz become company partners and their father Alfred moves into the background.
In the mid 70's imported goods appear on the scene. The first exploratory trips are made to other European countries and the Near and Far East. The survival of the company must be secured. Although fighting to maintain jobs at home, Alfred must transfer manufacturing step by step into foreign lands. The division of labour is established. Bernd is responsible for manufacturing, Klaus tends to the development of imports and the complete administrative tasks. The first collection manufactured abroad comes on the market in 1978 under the name "Petite Fleur". Turnover in the domestic market stabilises, export and corporate accounts increase.
A delicate balancing act — the transformation of a manufacturing
company into a commercial company has begun — with special
consideration for long-time employees, "Petite Fleur" secures 40% of
the company turnover, the brand "BOSCHA" comes under scrutiny and in 1984
is re-launched under the family name "Bodenschatz". Distinctive,
resonant and positive in expression. However it soon becomes apparent that two major brands in the long run are financially overtaxing and can't be actively promoted so that "Petite Fleur" is discontinued in the same stroke. In 1987 the offer of imported products is expanded to include small leather goods, an important and positive decision for the future. In 1989 a buying office for the purpose of quality control is opened in India.
After the fall of the iron curtain and reunification in the 90's opportunity stands literally at the front door. It is the first West German leather goods brand to penetrate and saturate the market in the former East German territories. Turnover increases within one year by more than 40%.
In 1992 the first German Leather Goods Prize is awarded by the Federal Ministry of Economy. In 1993 an additional purchasing office in Hong Kong is established. In the mid 1990's Bodenschatz becomes the first German brand in the leather industry to be represented in the Baltic States and Russia. The manufacturing in Germany which in the meantime has been greatly reduced, was kept busy with corporate orders and production of the brands MCM and BMW before it was ceased in 1996.
At the same time Holger Bodenschatz and Uwe Budemann join the company management, first as confidential clerks. The generation change is effected step by step. At the beginning of the new millennium they set out as company directors for new horizons and from now on are solely responsible for day to day business operations. Bernd Bodenschatz left the company as director in 2004. Klaus Bodenschatz followed him in July 2007.
In 1992 the first German Leather Goods Prize is awarded by the Federal Ministry of Economy. In 1993 an additional purchasing office in Hong Kong is established. In the mid 1990's Bodenschatz becomes the first German brand in the leather industry to be represented in the Baltic States and Russia. The manufacturing in Germany which in the meantime has been greatly reduced, was kept busy with corporate orders and production of the brands MCM and BMW before it was ceased in 1996.
At the same time Holger Bodenschatz and Uwe Budemann join the company management, first as confidential clerks. The generation change is effected step by step. At the beginning of the new millennium they set out as company directors for new horizons and from now on are solely responsible for day to day business operations. Bernd Bodenschatz left the company as director in 2004. Klaus Bodenschatz followed him in July 2007.
In December 2000 the company lands the license to produce and market worldwide a leather goods accessories collection for "Betty Barclay". The licensing business is expanded. In 2004 follow Lloyd Men and 2005 Lloyd Women, 2007 the license for “Olsen bags” and the trendy brand elgg-of-switzerland. 2009 a full license contract for the design, development and distribution for the cult brand “Sansibar Sylt” is signed. A cooperation for development and distribution of exclusive evening bags for “Vera Mont” begins. Expertise in product and design reaps its rewards. For the second time in history the German Leather Goods Prize for 2006 goes to Presseck. 
