Founded in 1885 as a metalworking and locksmithing company, USM takes its name from the initials of its founder, Ulrich Schärer, and his birthplace, Münsingen. Over the decades, USM specialized first in window fittings, then in decorative hinges and precision steel sheets. In 1962, Fritz Haller and Paul Schärer began developing a modular and versatile furniture system in keeping with new architectural trends. Designed with modular steel components that could easily be moved around, these pieces of furniture were meant to keep up with the changing needs of factories and offices. The essence of this system lies in an elegant and ingenious spherical joint, patented in 1965. Despite being around for sixty years, the USM Haller system has retained its modern appeal. Based on an assemblage of steel tubes and connecting ball joints, it keeps evolving with the introduction of a new variation: Soft Panels. These fabric panels clip directly onto the structure using a system of built-in magnets. Made from synthetic fibers containing a significant proportion of recycled marine plastic, they give the USM aesthetic a more muted feel. Beyond their visual appeal, they help improve acoustics and allow the appearance of the furniture itself to be customized by revealing or concealing its contents. A subtle evolution that contributes to the personalization of interiors.