Designer Gerd Lange passed away at the age of 94.

Our condolences go out to his family, his companions and his wife Renate, who accompanied him for 70 years. After completing his carpentry apprenticeship and studying in Offenbach, Gerd Lange opened his design studio in Kapsweyer in the Palatinate in 1961, where he worked until old age.

He dedicated himself to serving people and created everyday products that made life easier. However, his domain remained furniture design. In 1965, he designed the first self-assembly wooden easy chair, ‘Farmer’ (re-edition 2021 by COR), and in 1973, the first chair made of wood and plastic (the ‘Flex 2000’ chair for Thonet). His designs were simple, ergonomic and functionally innovative, always paired with a durable design approach. Gerd Lange goes down in German design history as someone who walked softly, never placed much value on fame, and yet set standards that continue to have an impact far beyond his time.

Two upholsterers at COR Sitzmöbel completed their apprenticeships this year with outstanding results. Celina Marie Berkemeier and Nelly Pagenkemper gained the highest grades in East Westphalia, and Nelly Pagenkemper is also the best apprentice in the…

Three CORians marked their 40th anniversary this year and eleven celebrated 25 years with the company. There were warm tributes and congratulations from Leo Lübke, owner and managing partner, the works council and the department heads.