Philosophy
addi needles and hooks are synonymous with excellence for knitting and crochet fans around the world. And we couldn’t be happier: we have been working tirelessly in Altena since 1829 to meet the high demands our customers place on our products. Ongoing quality control throughout up to 25 manual stages of the production process, technological developments in production and regular exchange with our customers and our employees all help drive quality.
Made in Germany. Our promise.
We have been producing knitting needles and crochet hooks in Altena, Westphalia for almost 200 years. The family-run company is now in the hands of the 6th generation, and 93% of our range is manufactured in Germany. The origin of our products is fully traceable. Fair working conditions, including at our non-EU suppliers, are an integral part of our philosophy. Conditions are ultimately part of sustainable business, and we are all about sustainability. This is the only way that “luxury for your hands” can truly bring joy to everyone.
Made in Germany. Our promise.
We have been producing knitting needles and crochet hooks in Altena, Westphalia for almost 200 years. The family-run company is now in the hands of the 6th generation, and 93% of our range is manufactured in Germany. The origin of our products is fully traceable. Fair working conditions, including at our non-EU suppliers, are an integral part of our philosophy. Conditions are ultimately part of sustainable business, and we are all about sustainability. This is the only way that “luxury for your hands” can truly bring joy to everyone.
We have always been a reliable and attractive employer in Altena, committed to fostering strong links to the local community. Supporting public institutions such as schools has always been a privilege and never a duty for us. In our position as a well-established family business, it is a pleasure to be able to give something back.
Success together.
We firmly believe that the respect we show each other at all levels of the business is essential, for fairness, supportiveness and respect are the basis for shared success both in the good times and in tougher times. We deeply value the fact that our staff, customers and suppliers are genuine partners, and that we can rely on each other: long-term business relationships are an asset to everyone, particularly in today’s fast-moving world. That is why we support our customers – and their customers – wherever we can. For example, complaints are dealt with quickly, delivery times cut where possible thanks to our Lean Lift warehouse and customers kept up to date (through our website and newsletter and by our office staff).
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Serap Olgun olgun@selter.com or Anne-Marie Stehle stehle@selter.com We look forward to hearing from you.
Our home town.
Our popular addi knitting needles and crochet hooks have been manufactured in the small town of Altena in the Märkischer Kreis district of Sauerland, North Rhine-Westphalia since 1829.
The town emerged in the shadow of the 12th century Altena Castle, where Richard Schirmann set up the world’s first youth hostel in 1914.
Iron ore and an abundance of water and timber led to the development of a strong local wire production industry. Today, you will probably find Altena wire in every country in the world: the town exports several thousand tonnes of wire each month.
It was this wire that the company’s founder, Peter Heinrich Selter, used to launch production of the very first crochet hooks nearly 200 years ago.
Our home town.
Our popular addi knitting needles and crochet hooks have been manufactured in the small town of Altena in the Märkischer Kreis district of Sauerland, North Rhine-Westphalia since 1829.
The town emerged in the shadow of the 12th century Altena Castle, where Richard Schirmann set up the world’s first youth hostel in 1914.
Iron ore and an abundance of water and timber led to the development of a strong local wire production industry. Today, you will probably find Altena wire in every country in the world: the town exports several thousand tonnes of wire each month.
It was this wire that the company’s founder, Peter Heinrich Selter, used to launch production of the very first crochet hooks nearly 200 years ago.
Altena has a number of tourist attractions and great leisure opportunities, and is a popular destination for day trips. The highlight is, of course, Altena Castle, but there’s also the first German Wire Museum, the River Lenne and the “Lenne terraces”, and the Adventure Lift, which takes you through the castle hill. Add in hiking trails, sports and cultural facilities and historic churches, and you have a flavour of just what the town has to offer.
People in Altena have strong roots, and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Just like at addi. We know each other, we respect each other and we help each other. In the green heart of North Rhine-Westphalia – right here in the Sauerland.
