In October, 2008, Goebel announced that it would cease production of the popular M.I. Hummel figurines at the end of the month. The surprise announcement shocked Hummel collectors across the globe. Though the timeless designs of MI Hummel figurines remained popular around the world, Goebel could no longer afford their production and wished to focus on other product lines.

After Goebel's announcement, the fate of the beloved Hummel figurine line became uncertain. Thankfully, a new company – Manufaktur Rödental – was founded to keep the legacy alive. An investor stepped in, resuming MI Hummel production under the newly founded Manufaktur Rodental GmbH. After agreeing to the sale of Hummel to Manufaktur Rödental GmbH, Managing Director of Goebel Porcelain Factory Kay Michael said “We have completed our restructuring by selling the M.I. Hummel business. Goebel is now exclusively focused on our very successful glass and porcelain accessories for the home and as gifts.”

Manufaktur Rodental now owns both the facilities and the rights to make Hummel figurines. At the time of the sale, Jörg Köster, the investor behind Manufaktur Rödental, spoke about his goals for the new company: “Our aim is to return to the high standing that M.I. Hummel figurines used to enjoy with fans and collectors in their heyday. We aim to emphasise originality, excellence and quality rather than quantity.” Although the Hummel name has changed hands, the new ownership promises that Hummel figurines will be made with the same dedication to artistic skill and integrity that Hummel collectors have come to expect.

Today's MI Hummel figurines are made using the same processes used by Goebel since the introduction of the Hummel line in 1935. Production resumed in February, 2009, with around 30 employees working in the old Goebel factory. These workers are being recruited from the former team behind Goebel's Hummel line, allowing Manufaktur Rodental to make use of the decades of porcelain crafting experience in Rodental, the site of the original Goebel factory. In the factory now owned by Manufaktur Rodental, a team of skilled craftspeople ensure the artistic excellence that Hummel collectors have come to know and expect.

The new company continues the tradition of making Hummel figurines in Rodental, Germany, relying on the same facilities and manufacturing processes that made MI Hummel figurines famous worldwide. Rodental has successfully brought these cherished figurines back to market without fundamentally changing the characteristics that have made Hummel figurines so popular over the past seven decades. Today, although the Hummel line has changed hands, MI Hummel figurines remain among the world's most beloved collectibles.

Want to learn more about the history of Hummel figurines? Check out these links for information about Goebel, the Convent of Siessen and Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel.