About Us – Zangenberg Sunshades Since 1860
A Story from Osnabrück
The roots of the Zangenberg company date back to the early 19th century. In Krahnstraße 21 in Osnabrück, Johann Christian Zangenberg crafted intricately turned walking sticks and umbrella handles. This craftsmanship and spirit of innovation laid the foundation for the company’s later umbrella production. On October 1, 1860, his son Heinrich Zangenberg founded his own umbrella factory at Große Hamkenstraße 17 – marking the beginning of a company history that spans over 160 years.
With the continuous growth of Osnabrück’s umbrella industry, a new factory was built in 1906 at Kollegienwall 12c. This facility allowed the company to meet increasing demand and modernize its production processes. In the 1920s, Zangenberg contributed to the development and distribution of the folding umbrella known as the “Knirps.” Produced under license in cooperation with other manufacturers, this compact umbrella quickly established itself as a practical everyday accessory.
Transformation in the 1960s and 1980s
By the mid-1960s, Zangenberg employed over 400 staff. Around 1.1 million umbrellas were produced annually – including compact umbrellas like the Knirps, classic men’s umbrellas, fashion umbrellas, and garden umbrellas. However, increasing imports of umbrellas made domestic production more economically challenging. As early as 1965, 2.3 million umbrellas were imported into Germany.
Horst Heinrich Zangenberg recognized the structural changes in the market. During the 1980s, the company strategically repositioned itself to focus on the development and distribution of high-quality sunshades. With proprietary designs and technical innovations, the product range was gradually expanded – including the large “Palma” parasol, which remains in use in the hospitality industry to this day.
Realignment and Expansion
In 1998, construction of the new company headquarters in Wallenhorst near Osnabrück began. With the entry of Ralf Zangenberg, the fifth generation assumed responsibility. In 2010, the company celebrated its 150th anniversary, looking back on a long tradition in umbrella manufacturing.
Today, Zangenberg offers a broad range of sunshades – from cantilever umbrellas for private use to large parasols for commercial outdoor spaces.
Over 150 Years of Umbrella Tradition
- 1800: Johann Christian Zangenberg manufactures finely crafted walking sticks and umbrella handles at Krahnstraße 21 in Osnabrück.
- 1860: His son Heinrich Zangenberg founds an umbrella factory on October 1 at Große Hamkenstraße 17.
- 1906: New factory built at Kollegienwall 12c due to the expansion of the umbrella industry in Osnabrück.
- 1920s: Development and distribution of the folding umbrella “Knirps” – produced under license with other companies.
- 1945: The factory is destroyed during World War II. Christian and Erich Zangenberg begin reconstruction.
- 1959–1961: Construction of a new umbrella factory in the Fledder industrial area – one of the most modern of its time.
- 1960s: Fourth generation joins the company: Horst Heinrich Zangenberg.
