35 years of Schuchmann x Rifton
Successful partnership: Schuchmann and Rifton
We first came into contact with Rifton at the end of the 1980s, when we first saw the American manufacturer’s products at a trade fair. At that time, Rifton’s aim was to gain a foothold in the German market. Jörg Barth, now Rifton’s export manager, and his wife Mary traveled to Germany in the Westerwald region. At that time still under the name Gehrmeyer-Schuchmann, the first meeting took place between Jörg and our company founder Erni.
We were particularly impressed by the wave. bathing lounger, which can still be found in our product portfolio today – only significantly modernized and optimized. And of an innovative standing trainer, the “K16 Mobile Stander”. At that time, such products were not yet known in Germany and there was hardly anything comparable on the market. The uniqueness and quality of Rifton’s aids laid the foundation for a long and fruitful collaboration. We are and were impressed by the innovative way of working and the company philosophy. We have always been closely involved in the development process.
When asked how the cooperation came about, Jörg von Rifton says: “From the very beginning, we were fascinated by Erni’s kind and understanding approach to children and young people with disabilities. We later learned that her way of making contact was shaped by personal experience. Understanding people with physical or mental disabilities was still rather unique in those days. We were fascinated and quickly got talking.”
The shared philosophy and high quality standards are what make this partnership so successful to this day.
Cooperation based on trust
The first joint appearance at the REHACARE trade fair in Düsseldorf in the nineties was of particular significance. It was a symbol of how well and professionally Schuchmann and Rifton harmonize. Further joint stands followed, where we presented our extensive range of assistive products to visitors. This year, we will once again be represented at the trade fair in the immediate vicinity. And with the rifton stander, we are delighted to present an ingenious new product. (More information about REHACARE 2024).
We look back on 35 years of successful partnership and say thank you for the inspiring cooperation. Together we will continue to improve the quality of life of children and young people with disabilities.
