About
Krakowska Spółdzielnia Niewidomych “SANEL” was established in 1952 and specializes in the production of a wide range of toothbrushes, brush products, cosmetic items, household goods, and sanitary products. We continuously modify our products to align with current market trends while maintaining the highest quality. Our commitment to quality is underscored by our ISO 9001:2008 certification for quality management, received in 2008.
Our modern machinery park, high level of computerization, and decades of experience have solidified our position as a leading brush manufacturer in Poland. As a Sheltered Workshop, we are dedicated to social responsibility. We employ visually impaired and partially sighted individuals, ensuring their effective functioning in the workplace and society. Every day, we support the rehabilitation and professional development of disabled individuals.
The main idea behind establishing the Cooperative was to provide employment and enable rehabilitation for people who are blind or visually impaired. The first General Assembly of Founders took place on July 25, 1952, marking the beginning of the Cooperative’s history. Władysław Poleski, who was blind, was both the founder and the first president. In the initial period of operation, all work was done manually at various locations in Krakow.
By 1966, the Cooperative employed 942 people, including 724 disabled individuals—mostly blind and deaf. Among this group, 501 were blind outworkers working across the present-day Małopolska voivodeship.
Currently, the Cooperative employs around 70 people at its Krakow facility, with the majority being blind or visually impaired. The production profiles have been maintained, with a continued focus on the brush and cosmetic industry, supplemented by the production of metal and electrical products. We continuously improve our production processes, emphasizing product quality.
In December 2008, the company successfully underwent a certification audit for the implementation and application of the PN-EN ISO 9001:2008 standard. The audit was conducted by the renowned certification body TÜVRheinland, which awarded the ISO certificate with registration number 0198 100 00153.