Our Story
Wunders History
The Wunders story begins long before the company itself.
Born in Switzerland, Paul Wunder entered the furniture industry at an early age, studying interior design and furniture manufacturing before immigrating to South Africa after the Second World War.
Over the following decades he became one of the most respected figures in South African furniture manufacturing. As a founder member and director of the Afcol Group, Paul helped shape the local furniture industry and became affectionately known throughout the trade as “Mr Furniture”.
His commitment to craftsmanship, training and manufacturing excellence established the principles that continue to guide Wunders today.
Fresh from completing his Business Science degree at the University of Cape Town, Peter Wunder joined forces with his brother-in-law Søren Lassen to acquire and grow Upholster All.
Combining entrepreneurial vision with manufacturing expertise, the business quickly earned a reputation for quality upholstered furniture and exceptional customer service.
What began as a small family operation would become the foundation of Wunders.
The early years focused on building a world-class manufacturing operation.
The leadership team included:
- Peter Wunder — Managing Director
- Paul Wunder — Production & Technical Development
- David Morgaas — Production Director
- Arnold Moorgas — Product Design & Development
Together they developed a culture of craftsmanship, innovation and pride that still exists within the factory today.
As demand increased, the company expanded beyond upholstery into comprehensive furniture manufacturing.
Bentwood production, timber furniture, custom upholstery and large-scale manufacturing became key capabilities.
Wunders became known for combining traditional techniques with modern manufacturing processes.
Craftsmanship Becomes the Brand
Through the late 1990s and early 2000s, Wunders established itself as a trusted supplier to homeowners, interior designers, architects and hospitality projects across South Africa.
Every piece reflected the same commitment to quality and longevity that had defined the business from the beginning.
Laura Wunder and her daughter Dana Blumberg took leadership of the Cape Town showroom.
Together they helped transform Wunders from a manufacturing company into a design-led furniture brand, creating stronger connections between customers, designers and the factory floor.
The showroom became a destination where clients could experience the making process behind every piece.
Under the leadership of Nicole Botha, Wunders strengthened its Johannesburg presence and built relationships within the design community.
Her contribution helped establish the brand nationally and expand awareness beyond the Western Cape.
Bianca Shapiro, daughter of Laura Wunders, always had the business in her blood. As a young child, she remembers running around the factory floor while her mother worked the sales floor. A memory that never left her. It's what drew her back.
Returning to the family business, Bianca brought renewed focus to operational excellence, growth and transformation. Alongside her sister Dana Blumberg, and together with an amazing team, the two are steering Wunders into its next chapter, one defined by growth, stability, sustainability, and the enduring strength of a family legacy now carried forward by a new generation.
Recognising the need for greater capacity and future growth, Wunders embarked on one of the most ambitious projects in its history.
The company invested heavily in systems, infrastructure, workflow and people while planning the move into a new manufacturing home.
Our Forever Factory
In 2024 Wunders moved into its new 4,500m² manufacturing facility in Cape Town.
The new factory brought every department together under one roof:
- Design & Development
- Timber Manufacturing
- Assembly
- Prep & Foam
- Cutting
- Upholstery
- Cushion Manufacturing
- Quality Control
- Logistics & Dispatch
Shortly after moving in, a fire damaged part of the facility.
The team continued production while rebuilding and upgrading affected areas, demonstrating the resilience that has defined Wunders throughout its history.
Today Wunders is a fully integrated furniture company where design, manufacturing and retail operate as one.
The business continues to evolve while remaining grounded in the values established by Paul Wunder decades ago.
Leadership Today
Dana Blumberg and Bianca Shapiro represent the next chapter of family leadership.
Alongside them, Brandon Bruintjies leads manufacturing operations, overseeing the skilled team responsible for bringing every Wunders piece to life.
Together they continue building a business focused on craftsmanship, innovation and sustainable growth.
- 1983 Founded
- 4,500m² Manufacturing Facility
- 80+ Skilled Team Members
- Flagship Cape Town Showroom
- Residential, Hospitality & Commercial Projects
- Proudly Made in Cape Town
Looking Forward
What began with a Swiss craftsman arriving in South Africa has become one of Cape Town’s most respected furniture manufacturers.
Today, every piece that leaves the Wunders factory carries the same principles that have guided the business for generations:
- Craftsmanship.
- Quality.
- Innovation.
- Family.
Four Generations.
One Legacy.
Crafted in Cape Town.
