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NEWS
Mayser at 225 Tradition, renewal and
a view to the future
At the factory in Slovakia by Elly Stemerdink
This year marks 225 years since hat maker Leonhard Mayser opened his workshop in Ulm, southern Germany, laying the foundation for what would become one of Europe’s longest-standing hat manufacturers. From handmade felt hats for men to the later addition of women’s styles and the production of fabric and straw hats, Mayser’s history mirrors the broader evolution of the hat industry itself.
10 | the hat magazine #107
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Through more than two centuries of social and economic change, the company has continued to operate on the same principles of craftsmanship, quality and adaptability. Today, Mayser remains based in
Lindenberg im Allgäu, a town once home to dozens of hat manufacturers. While production moved to Slovakia in the early 2000s to secure continuity of European-made quality, the product design, development and customer service still take place in Germany. This balance between tradition and forward planning continues to underpin the company’s resilience.
A new perspective
Earlier this year, Jakob Orlowski joined Mayser as head of the hats division. With more than a decade at Hugo Boss and an MBA in international brand management, he represents a new generation of leadership. “Because I’m new to the
business, I have the opportunity and the beauty of questioning everything,” he says. “That’s one of the reasons they brought in someone from outside the hat industry – to bring a fresh view.” Since joining, Jakob has been reviewing
every part of the company’s operations – from trade fairs to production, pricing and customer engagement. “We want to go into the driver’s seat,” he says. “That means understanding our customers, not only internally but out in the markets, and deciding what direction truly fits the brand.” He sees Mayser’s strength as lying in its
traditions. “The hat business is our core. We’re known for quality, workmanship and perfect sizing. That’s our heritage and our wisdom. If we maintain those, most of the job is done.” At the same time, he is open to new methods. Under the guidance of a CEO with a strong interest in digital tools, Jakob and his team are exploring how artificial intelligence can assist
In the prototype workroom at Lindenberg
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