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Israeli Wissmann Holdings receives Outstanding Leader Award at the 2021 International Furniture Leadership Awards

The sustained excellence and clear vision of Wissmann Holdings, a furniture company founded by immigrants before the state of Israel had even been founded, was recognized recently when President Arie Wissmann received the Outstanding Leader award at the 2021 International Furniture Leadership Awards. This award, the latest in a long line of achievements for the Wissman family, shines a spotlight on a unique Israeli success story.

Ninety years ago, artisan Leo Wissmann, and his wife Yehudit, emigrated from pre-World War II Germany. Founding a furniture business in Jerusalem, they gradually built a reputation for quality craftsmanship. None other than Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben Gurion, turned to the Wissmans to furnish his home, as did many of Israel’s early ministers. Their handiwork was also used in many famous buildings around Israel, including the President’s Residence, Hebrew University, Mormon University, Israel Museum, Hadassah and Shaare Zedek hospitals and the King David, Hilton and Four Seasons hotels. Internationally they carried out projects in Egypt, Iran, Mauritius and Africa. 

Ensuring that their business would continue as a family affair, sons Arie and Nachum studied furniture and interior design before assuming leadership positions in the company. Today they are the Chair of the Board, and President, respectively. The company has grown to employ over 150 workers, with its US $10 million 7,700 square meter industrial center at Bar-Lev Park in Western Galilee.

The company goals include a target to have Wissmann furniture in every home in Israel, along with broadening their international impact. They provide a wide range of products, including imports from 16 countries, geared towards 35-65 years old customers living all over Israel, as well as abroad. 

In addition to their longevity, growth, and local impact, the most recent award highlights the long-standing achievements of the Wissman furniture company on an international scale. In addition to the quality of their products, the family business turned industry leader prides itself on its customer service and attention to detail.

Chairman Arie Wissmann noted that over the years there have been many challenges, but that “our golden path was always, first of all, professionalism. There was no middle path for us. Success was achieved according to the rules. Honesty and fairness towards our employees and suppliers, who are partners on the road to success.” The company further promotes social cohesion by employing both Arabs and Jews who work in harmony together.

Previous awards include the “Jerusalem Honored Citizen Award” awarded to Leo Wissman in 1976. Leo and both of his sons have all received the “Medal of Honor of Israeli Industry” - Leo in 1982, and his sons over three decades later, in 2013, in a rare instance in which both father and offspring were bestowed the award. Now there is one more award to add, a well-deserved honor.