Our history
Over 70 years of innovation and accessibility
With more than 70 years of experience, Pressalit has evolved from a small local workshop in Denmark into a global leader in accessible bathroom and kitchen solutions. Our journey has been marked by continuous innovation, creativity, and a strong commitment to improving the quality of life for people of all abilities.
1954: A humble beginning
Our story began with an unexpected discovery. In a small workshop in the Danish city, Esbjerg, two carpenters witnessed an accident that sparked an idea—sawdust mixed with glue from a knocked-over pot had the potential to form a unique material. With the help of a chemical engineer, this discovery led to the founding of Pressalit two years later.
We set up our first production facility in Ry, thanks to local connections and a modest bank loan. What started with a small factory and a bakery mixer has grown into a company that today leads the industry in design and functionality.
The 1960s: Welcome to the decade of design and export
The 1960s were a pivotal decade for Pressalit, setting the stage for its future success. In 1962, Mogens Boyter, father of Kim and Dan Boyter, joined the company after completing his business education. He quickly embarked on expanding Pressalit's presence in the German market, marking the beginning of our export journey.
A major milestone came in 1966 when Pressalit introduced its first designer toilet seat, the Pressalit Comfort. The seat was the result of a collaboration with renowned designer duo Sigvard Bernadotte and Acton Bjørn, who initially worked with Pressalit on a radiator valve.
Inspired by the project, they proposed designing what they envisioned as the toilet seat of the future. The Pressalit Comfort was born - an innovative and striking design that stood out in its time and set the tone for Pressalit's design-led approach in the years to come.
The 1970s: Accessible design and function
The 1970s were a turning point for Pressalit. In 1975, the "Scandinavia" toilet seat, designed by renowned designers Sigvard Bernadotte and Acton Bjørn, became a major success. During this period, we expanded our export business, growing our international presence.
The mid-1970s also saw the birth of what would become Pressalit Care, our division dedicated to products for people with disabilities. What started as a collaboration with an architect working on accessible bathroom products has evolved into a full range of adjustable solutions that enhance independence and dignity in the home.
The 1980s: Expanding markets and embracing technology
The 1980s were a decade of rapid growth and technological advancements for Pressalit. In response to the increasing demand for DIY (do-it-yourself) building products, we established SaniScan in 1982. This allowed Pressalit to tap into the booming construction market by offering toilet seats directly to end consumers through building supply stores, marking a significant expansion of our business.
As demand grew, so did our export business, with exports reaching 75% of total sales by 1985. The need to support this growth pushed us to innovate in production technology. In 1989, we opened a state-of-the-art plastic factory equipped with computer-controlled pressers and robots to handle the more demanding tasks. These advancements not only increased efficiency but also solidified Pressalit's position as a leader in both design and manufacturing innovation.
The 1990s-2000s: A commitment to social responsibility
Our commitment to social responsibility became even more central to our mission during the 1990s. Pressalit became known for its people-centered approach, earning recognition and partnerships with public sector organizations to promote workplace inclusion and social co-responsibility.
By the early 2000s, Pressalit embraced value-based management and streamlined our business into focused divisions. In 2003, we launched the "Ry – A Municipality for Everyone" initiative, further demonstrating our dedication to inclusion. These efforts were recognized with the CSR People Prize, awarded to companies for outstanding contributions to social responsibility.
The 2010s: Innovation in adjustable solutions
Innovation has always been at the heart of Pressalit’s success, and the 2010s were no exception. In 2012, we expanded our accessible product range with height-adjustable kitchens. This enabled individuals with disabilities to purchase adaptable kitchens from standard retailers, offering greater flexibility and choice for customers.
This increased focus on adjustability also paved the way for solutions that help increase self reliance and ensure dignity for people with complex needs.
Pressalit Today: Leading the way in innovation
Today, Pressalit continues to innovate and set new standards in accessible design. Our recent advances include the introduction of height and sideways-adjustable washbasins, providing even greater flexibility for users with different mobility needs. These solutions are part of our ongoing mission to create functional, stylish products that make life easier for everyone.
A key area of focus in recent years has been our dedication to Changing Places—providing fully accessible bathroom facilities for people with complex needs.
Pressalit is committed to delivering solutions that offer dignity and ease of use in both public and private spaces, ensuring that accessible bathroom facilities are available for everyone, including those who require additional support. Through height-adjustable features, space-efficient designs, and the ability to cater to a wide range of needs, we continue to make a difference in people’s lives by ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for accessibility.
With decades of experience behind us, Pressalit remains committed to our founding principles: a passion for design, a deep-rooted sense of responsibility to our community, and an unwavering focus on innovation. From the accidental discovery in a small workshop to our cutting-edge solutions today, Pressalit continues to create opportunities for people - wherever and however they live.
Let's make room for people.