Innovation, quality and reliability characterize HALBE frames
Churches, 19 Sept. 2025 - An invention that revolutionized picture frames: 50 years ago HALBE (www.HALBE-rahmen.de) launched the world's first magnetic frame on the market. A brilliant idea from Heinrich HALBE gave rise to a system that has proven itself millions of times over and continues to set standards in terms of quality, workmanship and handling to this day. The magnetic frame from HALBE makes it possible to frame pictures conveniently from the front - a milestone that has had a lasting impact on art and photography. For the innovation and continuous further development, HALBE has received several internationally acclaimed awards. The magnetic frame was the starting point for a success story that turned from a resourceful family business into an internationally recognized innovation leader . Today, the magnetic frame forms the basis for all frame types from HALBE - from the CLASSIC and PROTECT to the CONSERVO-DISTANCE frame.
HALBE - Tradition and innovation
What began as a book and art shop after the Second World War quickly developed into a renowned family business with a spirit of innovation. The customer's desire to present pictures in a worthy manner sparked Hubert HALBE 's entrepreneurial spirit and laid the foundation for a passion that continues to this day. Grandma's small kitchen became a workshop in which wooden strips were nailed together under the simplest of conditions. It was the beginning of a success story - the foundation stone of HALBE-Rahmen.
From these humble beginnings, a company has developed that has made it its mission to always frame pictures comfortably and to a high standard. With a clear demand for quality and durability, timeless modern frames are created that last for generations and preserve the value of art and memories.
A flash of inspiration revolutionized picture framing
In the 1970s, Heinrich HALBE - Hubert's son - was working on the drawing board at his technical college. As he did so, his gaze repeatedly fell on the magnets that held his designs and elaborations. This observation led to a simple but crucial question: why not use magnetic force to frame pictures precisely from the front - without any staples or screws? When he told his father about this, the vision was born: the magnetic frame - a world first.
The first models did not meet their quality standards, but in June 1975 they were ready and applied for a patent. A short time later, they presented the magnetic frame principle to a wide audience for the first time at photokina - the leading international trade fair for photography - in Cologne. The response was overwhelming. The trade visitors immediately recognized the advantages of the system. It was the hour in which a small, resourceful family business became an innovation leader. Today, the idea of Heinrich HALBE is emblematic of the spirit of the company - observing carefully, questioning the status quo and boldly breaking new ground.
Magnetic frames - a story of innovation
From the very beginning it was clear: the magnetic frame is more than just a holder for pictures - it is a stage, protection and expression at the same time. The success of the magnetic frame series is closely linked to the continuous development of its profile cross-sections. The Alu-8 was the first profile to be developed specifically for the series and is now considered a classic. In the years that followed, further aluminum profile widths and color variants from white to black to gold were added. Today, the wide range of magnetic frames is also characterized by real wood strips from maple to oak, alder and walnut. Further product series such as PROTECT, CONSERVO and CONSERVO-DISTANCE have been introduced to meet the highest protection requirements for framed works of art - especially in museums.
Magnetic frames: Multiple awards for timeless design and top quality
The magnetic frame principle forms the basis of all product series and profile cross-sections from HALBE. The magnetic frame has received several international awards for its timelessly modern design, sophisticated construction, high level of quality and degree of innovation. Among the awards received are the German Design Award, the Red Dot Award, the Fespa Gold Award and the German Brand Award.
Magnetic frames - forward-looking, sustainable and innovative
After 50 years, the magnetic frame is more than just a classic - it is the starting point for the frame technology of the future. David Halbe - the third generation of the family to run the company - and his team are dedicated to the perfect framing of everything from small memories to large works of art. The resource-conserving use of raw materials takes center stage alongside the high quality of workmanship. The foundation for further growth with the magnetic frame principle has been laid.
In the beginning, grandma's small kitchen served as a workshop in which wooden strips were nailed together under the simplest conditions - the cornerstone of HALBE-Rahmen.
At the beginning of the 1970s, while observing his magnetically attached works on the drawing board at his technical college, Heinrich HALBE asked himself the crucial question: Why not use magnetic force to frame pictures precisely from the front?
After applying for a patent, HALBE presented the magnetic frame principle to a wide audience for the first time at photokina - it was the hour in which a small, resourceful family business became an innovation leader.
Growth necessitates expansion - in the 1980s, HALBE expands its premises to 3,500 square meters.
High-quality materials and precision workmanship make the magnetic frames from HALBE a valued companion for art lovers young and old - they present pictures in style and preserve them for generations.
Whether wooden or aluminum profile, 13 x 13 cm or 200 x 300 cm - each magnetic frame is manufactured in a CNC-supported symbiosis of high-tech and craftsmanship at the production site in Kirchen (Sieg).
"In 1946, my grandfather made the first wooden frames for pictures of saints. Over the decades, a company full of passion for picture frames has grown from these small beginnings. The magnetic frame that we developed 50 years ago is at the heart of our work today," says David Halbe.
"The magnetic frame principle, which has proven itself millions of times over, has formed the basis of our frames for 50 years - and will continue to do so in the future. We are constantly working on optimization to create perfect frames that will last for generations and secure the jobs of our more than 60 employees," emphasizes David Halbe.
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