The name Fanello
The Meili family history shows that foresight, timely planning, and occasionally making unconventional decisions are, and always have been, part of their daily routine. New things are not met with suspicion in the Meili household; rather, everything is generally seen as an opportunity.
This is what happened over 30 years ago with the natural fiber hemp. While some were still debating its potential uses and others condemned hemp as a narcotic, Meili was already conducting its first experiments with fabrics and yarns. In the following years, this centuries-old natural fiber became an important material for the Meili company. Given these circumstances, it was natural to look for a name for the new product segment, which also included a natural bed, along these lines. It had to be a name that was memorable, sounded good in all languages, was easy to pronounce, and could be effectively implemented in design.
After discussions and research, it turned out that there is a bird that feeds almost exclusively on hemp flowers and seeds. This little bird and its story immediately captivated everyone involved. However, it was clear that "Hänfling" (little hemp bird) was hardly an ideal name for a new product. Thus, the German "Hänfling" became the Italian "Fanello," which served as the inspiration for the registered trademark "fanello."
Meili Production AG now processes very few hemp materials. Instead, its focus is more than ever on the bed system developed under this name.
From backpack to bed
The roots of our company go back to August 1, 1937, when Hermann Meili founded Meili & Co. AG in Schlieren. Initially, the company focused on the production of backpacks and cases for musical instruments.
Expansion of the product range
Four years later, Hermann Meili decided to also manufacture cases, and his success proved him right.
Lack of space
In order to create sufficient production capacity, the company acquired buildings in Mogelsberg (SG) and Fahrwangen (Aargau) in 1945 and 1951 respectively.
renovation
Soon, backpack production at the company's headquarters in Schlieren also reached its limits. To keep up with increasing demand, Meili & Co. AG therefore expanded the third floor in Fahrwangen and relocated part of the department there.
secession
As suitcase manufacturing gained increasing attention, a second company was founded. Meili AG – Custom-Made Suitcases – was established under the management of Walter Meili. His brother, Franz Meili, continued to run the "old" Meili company.
Relocation
Relocation of the company headquarters to Fahrwangen and conversion into a family-owned public limited company by Herta and Franz Meili.
The 3rd generation
After completing his training as a travel goods saddler and language stays, Peter Meili joins the family business and later takes over the management.
Expansion
Due to renewed lack of space, the attic in Fahrwangen is being converted into a storage area. At the same time, the facade is being renovated.
50 years of (backpack) strength
The company Meili & Co. AG is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the entire staff.
Reorientation
Backpack production was discontinued due to competition from cheap backpacks imported from abroad. The focus is now on technical leather goods and natural bedding.
Fanello is created
The largest customer relocates its production abroad. Out of necessity, the company creates its own bed brand, fanello. From the very beginning, the focus is on custom-made leisure beds.
Vacant production spaces are used as a shop
Peter and Rosmarie Meili founded the trading company Perofa GmbH. Later, this became the retail store "Trendsetter".
Renaming of Perofa GmbH
To increase brand recognition, the company Perofa was renamed "Meili Huus." The logo now included the distinctive "Meili" lettering. Later, this often led to confusion between the two companies.
New beginning
What initially seemed like a painful end turned out, in retrospect, to be a new beginning. Peter Meili and his son Ady didn't give up. With the help of Peter Meili's father, Franz, who was still active in the company, they decided to start anew. Together, they founded Meili Production AG, which would focus on producing various bed models under its own brand, fanello, and also undertake contract work in the field of technical textiles. Now, things have come full circle. Today, Meili Production AG is located at Eggenstrasse 5 in Fahrwangen, the original headquarters of Meili AG.
Location Germany
Sabine and Achim Ossenbach are opening a new showroom in Rösrath near Cologne, which will showcase, among other things, fanello products. Furthermore, under the company name AOBAU, they will be participating in numerous new trade fairs in Germany.
A showroom of a special kind
In Fahrwangen, you can view, test, and purchase all fanello products in a space of almost 200 square meters. Thanks to a redesign by Fabienne Meier during the second COVID-19 lockdown, the industrial design is back, making the space truly unique. We look forward to your visit.
Insights into our production
