History

Four generations of MacLean family laid the foundation for our current company. What began over 100 years ago as a haberdashery has grown into one of the most renowned Dutch trading companies in furniture fittings and LED lighting.

In 1900, as a sixteen-year-old boy, Karel MacLean (1884–1952) left Klundert in North Brabant for Rotterdam. Around 1918, he met the German Unverzagt family, of which "red Theo" was the best known. Theo Unverzagt (1885–1954) was a woodturner by trade, but also had expertise in the production of window fittings. In 1921, Theo and Karel jointly founded a company that manufactured wooden, veneered window fittings. When Theo began spending his profits on spirits, Karel decided to continue alone. Thanks to the dedication and work ethic of his son Martinus Cornelis (1907–1996), also known as MC, production expanded considerably.

Initially, both production and sales were managed independently, and the company flourished. As demand continued to rise, they sought ways to purchase more affordably. This led to a partnership in 1925 with veneer manufacturer Roux-Baudrand Frères in Paris, where Karel and MC made their first purchase. To stock larger quantities of veneer, warehouses were rented near Crooswijksestraat in Rotterdam. This significantly increased the interest of local furniture makers in veneer.

At MC's insistence, his younger brother, Karel Jr. (1915-2004), was also brought into the business by his father. He would eventually become the founder of what is now Mac Lean Industrie in Zwijndrecht, a supplier of edgebanding. In the late 1930s, sales of wooden curtain rods stagnated due to the rise of metal curtain rails. MC, who had taken over management from his father in 1936, decided to focus on metal rails. The large stocks of wooden rings were offered to the first DIY stores in Rotterdam, which also showed interest in knobs and pulls. These furniture fittings were purchased both domestically and internationally, laying the foundation for MC's current wholesale role in furniture fittings.

In 1953, Dick ( 1939–2024) , MC's son, joined the family business. This resulted in the founding of Mac Lean Ironware in Rotterdam.

The eldest son, Charles (1937-2023), joined the company in 1955 and founded MacLean Agencies BV in 1984, with GRASS as its main agency. MacLean BV is no longer an agent, but has been active as an importer and distributor for decades—with the fourth generation at the helm.

In 2009, the company began selling LED lighting for furniture, kitchens, and bathrooms from the renowned German brand Hera. At the end of 2017, it acquired a manufacturer of LED products for offices, warehouses, and shops. The thriving company has since grown into one of the leading suppliers of furniture fittings and LED lighting in the Dutch market.