VS Story Can Value Grow From Roots?

We are a fourth-generation family business with more than 125 years of experience in school furniture and modern learning environments. Our independence allows us to focus on quality – from manufacturing in Germany to close, personalised support for customers and partners.

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 prioritise high-quality manufacturing, responsible sourcing and fair working conditions, while developing durable furniture designed for long-term use. We also value close relationships with our customers and partners, working collaboratively to find lasting solutions for their learning-space needs.

Honesty & Reliability

We continuously develop our products and concepts in line with changing requirements for functionality, sustainability, design and ergonomics. In doing so, we are inspired and supported by a diverse network of partners. Alongside architects and designers, these include experts in movement science, ecology, education, didactics and spatial psychology.

Design & Learning

We are experts in education and understandhow space and furniture can support 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.