Germany-based Schorn & Groh has been among the leading companies in the veneer industry for over half a century. The company’s most influential product remains high-quality veneer from raw material wood, which is sourced from around the globe. More than 140 species of wood are on offer, including many FSC- and PEFC-certified fiddle-back flitches, figured veneers and other rarities. In recent years the veneer manufacturer has created many distinctive products and ideas, earning a reputation as the “innovation engine” of the industry.
Schorn & Groh introduced its Butt Cut razor-thin veneer to the market last year. Available in practical sheets and eight design variations, the veneer is cut directly from end-grain wood, boasting a natural aesthetic that opens up new design options. Fleece on the rear of the cross-cut spliced veneer lends to wood stability and simplifies processing.
Seekers of the distinctive have come to appreciate Schorn & Groh’s exclusive collection, One-of-a-Kind, in recent years. The veneer originals feature delicate grains, extravagant eye-catching looks and their own stories. Fire Roots, for example – a vavona burr flitch fashioned from a 500-year-old tree root from California – bears the traces of several forest fires. As with all premium veneers from this collection, Fire Roots can be acquired only in its entirety.
In March, Schorn & Groh added lumber to its extensive offering of more than 8m m² of veneer in its Karlsruhe warehouse, one of the largest in Germany. As such, more than 400m³ of popular wood species are now in stock. The lumber is obtained from trunks that approach veneer quality – European species of oak, walnut and sycamore in A and A+ quality are particularly well represented. Schorn & Groh acquires lumber from the same growing regions that yield high-quality veneer, meaning that customers can select lumber that complements their choice of veneer.
Schorn & Groh has offered a broad range of lumber for years, but this was previously only available in the company’s branch in Ehrenkirchen. Here, customers find more than 1000m³ of dried lumber in approximately 60 different species of wood. Ehrenkirchen has two of its own drying chambers, and all logs from which lumber is obtained are bottom logs with large diameters. The lots are individually inspected and approved. Flitches are available in standard sizes of 26-65 mm.
Schorn & Groh has long supported sustainable forestry, and prefers to buy in growing regions and from businesses that practice regulated logging and replanting. Its experienced purchasing team travels around the world – particularly in the winter months – to find suitable wood for veneer manufacturing. The most prominent regions are the forests in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and North America. A good portion of the raw material is also sourced from plantations.
Carefully-selected factories produce fine veneers from logs under the supervision of Schorn & Groh. A significant portion of Schorn & Groh veneer is sold as raw veneer. The Schorn & Groh branch in Eschelbronn produces spliced and fleece-backed veneers according to customer specifications.
The company will present its wide variety of products at Interzum this week, with the focus Designing with Veneer. Diverse design possibilities will be demonstrated, with backlit veneer and some original veneers from the exclusive One-of-a-Kind collection on display in Hall 5.1, Stand 040/041.