our company
a company in continuous evolution
With almost 70 years of history, VIUDA DE JULIÁN NÚÑEZ, S.A. was founded in 1957 as a supplier to the cutlery industry, with a commitment to serving the cutlery sector—a philosophy that remains the cornerstone of the company. A project that has developed and evolved over time, thanks to the dynamism and expertise of our team and their
commitment to continuous innovation, always in close collaboration with the cutlery industry.
Today, it is Spain’s leading manufacturer and supplier of wooden materials and handles, exporting over 80% of
its production worldwide.
The use of certified wood from renewable forest plantations and other top-quality raw materials, combined with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to constant innovation, places the company at the forefront of the sector. Throughout its long history, NÚÑEZ handles has upgraded its facilities, machinery, processes and technology and continues to seek perfection, pioneering the research, development and production of new materials, such as MIKARTA, PRESSED WOOD, KRION®, CARBON FIBRE… to offer the best products to its customers. Whether producing handles for kitchenware, professional kitchen equipment, knives or pocket knives from around the world, the company combines design, technology and topquality raw materials to create exclusive designs, materials and products in new and diverse forms that meet the requirements of its customers.
pioneers in development of original, exclusive & sustainable materials
tradition, experience and innovation
NÚÑEZ handles is proud to be a third-generation family business. Its origins date back to Julián Núñez Matías, who started out in a workshop alongside his sons Amós and Julián, crafting handles for Albacete pocket knives. The legacy continues today under the management of Ana and Julián Núñez. Over the years, the company has received numerous awards and recognitions for its dedication and contribution to the cutlery sector.
history
Nearly 70 years of experience stand behind us
Núñez Handles was founded in 1957, when Julián Núñez Matías set it up as a subcontracting business specialising in the manufacture of wooden handles for knives and pocket knives. His son, Amós Núñez Juan, worked alongside him, and later his second son, Julián, joined the business as well.
The gradual mechanisation of the new facilities on Calle de Herreros reached its peak in 1967.
In 1969, the factory was registered in the name of the founder’s widow, Matilde Juan Hernández, and the youngest of the brothers, Rafael Núñez Juan, joined the business.
The early 1970s saw the first signs of the Núñez family’s business expanding internationally, with ventures in Venezuela, Brazil and Portugal.
This coincided with the factory’s relocation to the Campollano Industrial Estate.
During this decade, VIUDA DE JULIÁN NÚÑEZ took its business a step further by launching a project to manufacture one of its best-known materials in-house: pressed wood.
The 1990s were characterised by a commitment to developing new materials, such as MIKARTA.
It was also during this period that a major expansion of the facilities and machinery took place, to accommodate new technologies.
This period saw VIUDA DE JULIÁN NÚÑEZ establish itself as an export-oriented company.
With exports accounting for over 50 per cent of its production and access to new markets in the US, Japan, China and much of Europe.
Since 2013, the third generation – Ana Núñez and Julián Núñez – have taken over the administration and management of the production plant. NUNEZ HANDLES continues to manufacture all kinds of handles for kitchen utensils, cutlery, tools and tableware (3 million a year), with 90 per cent of the designs tailored to customers’ needs. The range of materials used in production has expanded to over 120 types, and more than 80 per cent of output is exported.
Núñez Handles exports 70 per cent of its handles for kitchenware, cutlery and tools to 22 countries. Wood, acrylics and new materials of its own design are the raw materials used for its handles. A product that stands out for its high quality, impeccable finish and innovative design.
Certifications
At Núñez Handles, we believe that the future of our planet depends on the decisions we make today.
For this reason, we are committed to working in a more sustainable way, incorporating responsible practices into every aspect of our business. Today, deforestation is one of the main threats to the environment. The destruction of forests contributes significantly to the climate crisis, reduces carbon sinks, affects the water cycle and jeopardises the livelihoods of communities, including indigenous peoples and local communities.
The EU has introduced a new Regulation (EUDR) to reduce the impact of deforestation worldwide. For some time now, at Nunez Handles we have been working hard to ensure that all our products comply with the requirements set out by the EUDR. This involves carefully selecting our suppliers and implementing responsible practices throughout our supply chain. We are constantly striving to minimise our environmental impact, both when selecting our materials and technologies, and throughout our production and distribution processes.
Our main aim is to offer high-quality products, whilst contributing to a more sustainable future for future generations.
Together, we can make a difference.
Sustainability and commitment to the environment
NUÑEZ HANDLES, in line with its commitment to biodiversity and its desire to protect the environment, uses 100% sustainable raw materials certified by the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) and the CITES Convention (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). As such, NUÑEZ HANDLES develops materials and manufactures its products using timber from sustainably managed forests, working with FSC®-certified timber, thereby complying with the strictest standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council®, CITES and the PEFC.
Excellence in materials
As proof of the quality and unique value of its production process, NUNEZ HANDLES currently holds four certifications awarded by the AIDIMME and AIDIMA laboratories:
• Dishwasher resistance (immersion and washing)
• Suitable for food contact
• Resistance to thermal shock (temperature contrast)
• Heat resistance testing (oven)
• Formaldehyde certificate
NUNEZ HANDLES regularly has its materials tested by external laboratories to ensure that its products offer excellent strength, long-lasting durability, robustness and high quality.
This ensures materials of exceptional quality in terms of performance and durability, whatever their end use: professional kitchens, kitchenware, cutlery, home décor, etc.
