The History of MBA
Standing behind some of the world’s greatest art, design, and ideas.
Our History Timeline
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MBA History
1975 — The Beginning
A Simple Idea Changes the Industry
MBA introduced colorful surface coverings for exhibition walls. Before this, booth walls were painted or papered over chipboard and plywood. MBA’s coverings transformed walls quickly with vibrant colors and low-reflection surfaces.
Early 1980s — Global Expansion
A Brand Takes Shape
Within five years MBA established worldwide distribution and sold millions of square meters of milament surface coverings. The iconic rainbow MBA logo was created to represent the expanding color spectrum.
Late 1980s — Rethinking Architecture
From Surfaces to Walls
Inspired by Bauhaus design principles, MBA focused on reducing architecture to its essentials, combining architecture, marketing, and design into one modular system.
1990 — The Modular Wall System
The Birth of Mila-wall
MBA introduced the Mila-wall modular wall system at ART Frankfurt. Walls assemble in seconds using a tongue-and-groove system, leaving smooth exhibition surfaces with hidden hardware.
Built for Strength and Longevity
Precision Engineering
Each module uses an aluminum frame for durability and precision. Replaceable surface coverings and over 170 finishes allow walls to be refreshed for decades of reuse.
Continuing the Legacy of Innovation
What began with a simple idea has grown into a system trusted by museums and exhibitions around the world. Looking ahead, MBA continues to push the boundaries of modular design, creating wall systems that combine precision engineering, sustainability, and flexibility to support the exhibitions of tomorrow.