Some of the most important elements in furniture production are also the least visible. Connectors, runners and cabinet feet may disappear once a piece of furniture is complete, but they have a significant impact on the strength, alignment, durability and ease of installation of a product.
For more than 100 years, Häfele has been developing and supplying the components that sit behind furniture design and production. Today, Häfele UK works with manufacturers and joinery businesses of all sizes, helping them improve efficiency, simplify assembly and deliver consistent quality.
One of Häfele’s best known innovations is Minifix, which was introduced in 1983. Designed to create a secure, accurate panel connection while remaining discreet in the finished piece, it is widely used in furniture production across the globe. In fact, more than 500 million Minifix connectors are produced annually at Häfele’s Berlin manufacturing facility and in more than 30 variants.
Minifix forms part of Häfele’s wider Ixconnect range, which includes panel, shelf and drawer connectors. In particular, the Häfele Ixconnect SC 8/25 is a spreading connector designed for small furniture and drawers. The one-piece connector fits into standard 8 mm drill holes and allows furniture components to be joined without tools. As the panels are pushed together, both ends of the connector expand inside the drill holes to create the connection. Once assembled, the fitting disappears completely within the furniture.
Pacofix is another recent addition to the Ixconnect family and is a multipurpose hook-in panel connection system. Its push-fit technology creates a strong, precise connection without visible screws or fixings, helping manufacturers achieve a clean finished look while simplifying assembly.
The system also allows panels to be assembled and removed when required, supporting maintenance and servicing or where ongoing access needs to be considered. Once fitted, the connector remains largely out of sight, leaving the furniture design to take centre stage.
As well as inside the cabinet, Häfele also helps with the underneath. Axilo combines adjustable cabinet feet and a purpose-designed extension tool, allowing installers to level cabinetry from the front rather than repeatedly reaching underneath units. The tool can access both the front and rear feet, helping to make adjustments quicker and kinder to the fitter’s back. The system can be used across plinth heights from 53 mm to 220 mm and is suitable for kitchens, cabinets and wardrobes.
While these components are hidden from the end user, their impact can be felt throughout the manufacturing and installation process. From faster assembly to more consistent, easier alignment, the smallest fittings often have the greatest responsibility.
