Founded in 1885 in Münsingen, Switzerland, USM Haller is a company that has successfully transformed itself from a traditional locksmith's shop to a pioneer in modular furniture design. This transformation, which began in the 1960s, led to the creation of iconic furniture systems that combine functionality, aesthetics, and adaptability.
Origins: from metalwork to furniture
In its early days, USM specialized in locksmithing and hardware, building a solid reputation in metalworking. This expertise enabled the company to dominate the Swiss window hardware market, with a market share of 50%. Old Bernese houses still bear the USM emblem on their hardware, bearing witness to this heritage.
In 1961, under the leadership of Paul Schärer, grandson of founder Ulrich Schärer, USM underwent a major transformation. A visionary, Paul Schärer wanted to modernize the company by constructing a new administrative and production building. He called on Swiss architect Fritz Haller, renowned for his modular building designs. Together, they designed a flexible building capable of adapting to the company's changing needs.
This collaboration did not stop at architecture. Faced with the challenge of furnishing these new spaces with suitable furniture, Schärer and Haller decided to create their own furniture system, reflecting the modular principles of the building. This led to the creation of the USM Haller furniture system, initially designed for internal use.
From internal use to international recognition
The commercial turning point came when a member of the Rothschild family was impressed by the furniture during a visit to the USM premises. Impressed, he expressed a desire to purchase this furniture for his own offices. This request prompted Paul Schärer to consider producing the USM Haller system for external customers, marking the company's entry into the office furniture market.
Since then, the USM Haller system has become a symbol of timeless design and functionality. Its sleek aesthetics and modularity have earned it a place in the permanent collections of prestigious museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. This recognition underscores the cultural and artistic impact of USM's design.
Design philosophy: modularity and timelessness
At the heart of USM Haller's success lies a design philosophy focused on modularity and timelessness. The system is based on three fundamental elements: connecting balls, chrome-plated steel tubes, and metal or glass panels. This combination allows for an infinite number of configurations, adapting to the specific needs of each user, whether in workspaces or private residences.
This flexibility is enhanced by a wide range of colors, offering customers the opportunity to customize their furniture according to their aesthetic preferences. In addition, the quality of the materials used guarantees exceptional durability, making USM furniture a long-term investment.
Furniture suited to modern spaces
True to its spirit of innovation, USM recently introduced USM Haller E, an evolution of the classic system incorporating technological elements. This new model integrates LED lighting and USB charging ports directly into the furniture structure, with no visible wiring. This seamless integration of technology meets contemporary needs while retaining USM's iconic aesthetic.
The versatility of the USM Haller system makes it ideal for a variety of environments. In offices, it offers elegant and functional storage solutions, promoting an organized and aesthetic work environment. In residential spaces, USM furniture fits in perfectly, adding a touch of modernity and sophistication.
This adaptability is particularly appreciated in environments where needs change rapidly. The modular system makes it easy to reconfigure furniture in response to changes in use or layout, offering valuable flexibility for growing businesses or individuals wishing to redesign their interiors.