One of the main problems with which the group was confronted again and again was the procurement of Montessori – material for the kindergarten which had a very low budget. The existing manufacturers material was overpriced which encouraged Katrin to establish the KATO gmbh Company.

The following two years were spent intensively investigating possible manufacturers. At that time due to high manufacturing costs, intensive fabrication processes and very high taxes in Europe local manufacturers were not affordable. The investigation also yielded that the large European manufacturers of Montessori products produced their material in Asia, (China or Sri Lanka). After finding only one local manufacturer willing to produce a limited line of products the search for a local manufacturer was abandoned. Other solutions had to be found.

Luckily during the search “The Montessori workshop” in Sri Lanka was discovered and an intensive and fruitful relationship quickly developed. The firm KATO gmbh was established on the 18th of June 2003 in Berlin which always retained in mind the discontent of pricing of existing suppliers. KATO gmbh represents the view that each child should get the opportunity to play with Montessori – material. Therefore KATO gmbh does without exorbitant profit margins and excellent quality Montessori – material can be offered at a fair price.

Katrin Panzek, born in 1975, is the managing director of KATO gmbh. She and the total KATO team are always gladly available for questions and orders.