THPG

About

THPG: Illuminating the Path of Tradition, Innovation, and Durability

THPG stands at the intersection of time-honored craftsmanship, innovative technology, and enduring quality. With a rich history rooted in its affiliation with the Manufactum Group, THPG has been instrumental in producing and distributing high-quality switch and lighting systems throughout Europe. These solutions are the epitome of timeless elegance and resilience, making them ideal for various settings, from heritage properties to modern structures.

Championing Traditional Materials for Timeless Beauty and Functionality

At THPG, we proudly work with traditional materials because they offer more than just aesthetic appeal. We understand that porcelain, ceramic, Bakelite, metals like iron, copper, bronze, and brass, as well as wood and textiles, all carry inherent advantages that complement their specific applications in switches, sockets, fittings, and lights. Our commitment is unwavering: when it comes to these domains, it must be these materials and no others.

The Elegance and Durability of Porcelain and Ceramic Materials

Porcelain, with its enchanting beauty and exceptional technical properties, finds favor in the restoration of heritage sites and contemporary living spaces alike. It is a silicate ceramic material made from kaolin, feldspar, and quartz, with properties optimized for its intended purpose during the production process. The sintering process, occurring at high temperatures over several phases, enhances porcelain’s density and strength while reducing volume and porosity. This material forms the heart and soul of our porcelain switch systems and fittings, and it even adorns some of our lights.

Key Advantages of Ceramic Materials:

• Excellent insulating properties, making them indispensable in early electrical engineering applications.
• Resistant to corrosion, high temperatures, scratches, cuts, and acids.
• A smooth, shiny finish that remains unaltered for years, retaining its original color.

Underneath the surface of our rotary switches lies a sophisticated ceramic switch mechanism, offering not only functional reliability but also a tactile and auditory experience. The clacking noise emitted by these genuine rotary switches is as delightful as it is authentic.

Bakelite and Thermosets: Resilience at Its Best

In the early 20th century, Bakelite had become synonymous with plastics, although it is, in fact, a brand rather than a generic term. This durable thermoset material boasts exceptional resistance to mechanical stress, high temperatures, and excellent insulation properties. Notably harder and more brittle than today’s common thermoplastics, Bakelite remains unchanged in color for years, defying the discoloration that affects other materials.

The interior of our Bakelite switch series shares its robustness with its porcelain counterparts, thanks to the presence of steatite. The ceramic switch mechanism under the surface of these switches exhibits a similar clacking noise, offering a genuine experience to the users.

THPG: From Materials to Masterpieces

The ingenuity behind the THPG switch systems crafted from porcelain and Bakelite is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. We have these systems manufactured with precision in Westphalia for switch mechanisms, Bakelite covers, and central inserts, while porcelain covers and central inserts are produced in Silesia, Poland.

Our meticulous approach ensures each component adheres to the highest standards of quality, with material thicknesses ranging from 2.5 mm for Bakelite covers to 13 mm for porcelain covers. Whether they are used in electrical engineering or modern living concepts, these materials are more than just ‘vintage or retro dummies’; they’re the embodiment of unwavering craftsmanship and a legacy that endures.

Elegant Exteriors and Reliable Interiors: Lights by THPG

Our dedication to materials that promise durability, functionality, and beauty extends to our light fixtures. Like our switches, these lights incorporate the finest porcelain, Bakelite, or steatite frames, top-quality textile-coated cables, and robust switching mechanisms. We take pride in manufacturing many parts using our own tools, guaranteeing the same level of commitment to longevity and repairability that defines our products.

At THPG, we believe that “Things last.” In the rare instance when repairs or spare parts are needed, our commitment to lasting quality ensures that we will continue to provide support and solutions in the future.