HERZ Taps
A balance between acceptance and innovation

Kitchen and bathroom taps are elements of every home that have to meet the daily demands of all of us. Every day, they accompany us in the small but essential rituals – from washing our hands in the morning to cooking in the evening. They should be easy to use and aesthetically pleasing, because they are not only functional tools, but also defining elements of a room. ‘Fulfilling real expectations’ is the slogan of HERZ taps, which are manufactured in the modern development and production centre in Šmartno pri Litiji, Slovenia. Quality, efficiency and aesthetics combined with years of experience have led to the international success of HERZ taps.

From the monarchy to the whole world

HERZ has been offering kitchen and bathroom fittings since the days of Gebauer & Lehrner. Back in the days of the monarchy, almost every city administration had its own tap models, so Gebauer & Lehrner produced around 60 different taps. With the different dimensions, the number of different taps was around 300. After Gebauer & Lehrner's reorientation and specialisation in heating taps in the 1950s, the fine taps went unnoticed. But once it's in your blood, it's hard to get out.

Unitas & Kovina become HERZ d.o.o.

In 2004, HERZ took over two traditional Slovenian companies: UNITAS ARMATURE, known for high-quality taps since 1933, and KOVINA, which has been setting industry standards with innovative technology since 1951. This step allowed HERZ to refocus on taps. The combination of many years of expertise and the latest technology has made it possible to revive and further develop the tradition of sophisticated sanitary solutions – and the HERZ brand was born. Since then, HERZ taps have been represented in 75 countries around the world, impressing customers with European HERZ quality and Austrian design.

Efficiency from a single source

HERZ d.o.o. covers all production phases of fine fittings in the company's own modern production facility in Šmartno pri Litiji. From forging to machining to surface treatment and assembly – every detail is created on site.

In recent years, the company has invested in automation to make processes more efficient and achieve outstanding results. The company is always looking ahead: HERZ d.o.o. is planning further investments for 2025, particularly in the grinding and polishing process, to take productivity and precision to a new level.

This continuous development underlines HERZ d.o.o.'s commitment to being a reliable partner that fulfils the highest standards in production.

Certified quality & efficient processing

All materials and components from HERZ taps meet the strictest European requirements for use in drinking water applications. Production also complies with the demanding EU environmental standards.

The taps are either cast, forged or made from brass rods. After precise mechanical processing and careful grinding and polishing, they receive a long-lasting galvanic coating: first 8–12 micrometres of nickel, followed by 0.2–0.4 micrometres of chrome. This process not only protects the taps, but also gives them their characteristic shine. A promise of quality that can be seen and felt.

Design from Vienna

In terms of design, HERZ is also second to none. "The strategy is not to copy others, but to be authentic and to adapt the products to the history of the brand." says Christoph Pauschitz, managing director and owner of GP designpartners GmbH. GP has designed the Elite, Zen and Lino series for HERZ d.o.o. "Taps must be timeless, incorporate the current trend, but still be compatible with all trends. When designing, we pay attention to the balance between innovation and acceptance. Modern and future-oriented, but still familiar." adds Christoph Pauschitz. Apart from the aesthetics, the design also has the task of communicating the quality to the end consumer and thus also the trust in the brand. "HERZ produces high-quality taps, but the technology is not noticeable to the end consumer, but it is to the plumber. We fulfil this task through proportions and weight. Here, too, a balance must be maintained between function and design." says Christoph Pauschitz.

From hotel complexes to private individuals

HERZ exports its taps across the globe. Most recently, a hotel complex and a shopping centre in Latvia were equipped with HERZ taps. From hospitals and hotel complexes to private individuals, people choose HERZ taps because of their quality and the 10-year guarantee.

In Austria exclusive at UNISAN

In Austria, HERZ taps are exclusively represented by UNISAN in Graz. "We are getting absolutely positive feedback, both from our customers and from service technicians." says Ing. Anton Berger, managing director of UNISAN GmbH. "HERZ has tradition – you don't have to explain this name. Everyone knows HERZ and that is a basic trust in the name." adds Ing. Anton Berger.

He is convinced by the design and technology: "The products are timeless and reflect the state of the art in every respect. When you touch HERZ taps, you feel something that is missing from other manufacturers. There is definitely “material” here, the fitting has mass and also class and that feels good. As a partner, HERZ also incorporates our suggestions into the range, giving us the unique opportunity to react quickly to changes in the market."

Finally, he would like to share the following with our HERZ News readers: "Trust in these taps – with a 10-year guarantee. Safety is absolutely essential today and feels good. The spare parts guarantee also helps to put your mind at rest, and the price-performance ratio will ultimately convince you. A glance at the HERZ emblem in the morning will get you in a good mood for the day and get you off to a good start in the bathroom!"

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