The milestones of our company

1935

The Wilhelm Frank company was founded in Stuttgart, Germany. The key to success of our company founder Wilhelm Frank was a revolutionary idea: The Roto N Tilt&Turn hardware – the first industrially produced hardware with which you could not only turn, but also tilt a window (3-handled operation).

1937

At the Leipzig Exhibition, Wilhelm Frank presented another world first that was to become a household name and that still sets standards today: The Roto loft ladder.

1938

Company relocation to Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.
Wilhelm Frank developed Tilt&Turn hardware technology with
2-hand operation, which is still used today on modern windows: The Roto Rekord.


1943

Manufacturing facilities destroyed

1950

Production started in Leinfelden.
The company set out on the road to becoming Europe’s leading hardware manufacturer.

 

1955

Roto Oke hardware for large sashes is launched.
Roto Rekord for steel windows is developed.

1957

Development of the aluminium hardware system.

1960

Development of the Roto Axial with a connecting-rod concealed in the overlap. The first modular window hardware available.

 

1966

Development of the Roto loft ladder with flat roof hatch.

 

1968

Wilhelm Frank developed the first top-hung roof window worldwide. The Roto roof window.
Roof window production started.

 

1971

Transition from visible overlap hardware systems to the
rebate-fitted Centro hardware system.

 

1972

Development of the aluminium loft ladder.

 

1974

Launch of spiral staircases.
Production of the INTRO renovation window system began at the Leinfelden plant.

 

1975

Roto Lož (Slovenia) hardware assembly plant founded.

 

1979

Roto Faulquemont (France) roof window and loft-ladder production plant founded.
Takeover of Lapp-Finze AG in Kalsdorf (Austria).
Roto Frank of America Inc. founded as sales and distribution subsidiary.

 

1981

Launch of the Centro 100 hardware system.
Launch of the Roto Fentro shutter hardware.

1982

Deutschmeister in Bad Mergentheim, Germany founded for the production of INTRO replacement windows and insulating glass.

 

1985

Production of roof windows and loft ladders started in Chester, Ct. (USA).

1986

Takeover of the Columbus Treppen GmbH in Neusäß (Germany).

 

1990

Company founder Wilhelm Frank died.

 

1992

Takeover of the Elzett hardware factory in Sopron (Hungary).

1993

Launched the Roto DoorSafe multi-point door lock system.
Started production of the new timber roof window system in Faulquemont (France).

 

1994/95

Started production of PVC roof windows in Bad Mergentheim.
Set up the hardware production in Lövö (Hungary).

1995

Roto Frank AG Leinfelden was certified in accordance with DIN ISO 9001.

 

1996

Deutschmeister in Bad Mergentheim started production of made-to-measure renovation roof windows.

 

1997

Launch of the Centro 101 hardware system.

1998

New company structure of Roto Frank AG.
Launch of the top-third pivot roof windows.

 

 

1999

Launch of the completely new Roto NT Tilt&Turn hardware system with silver surface finish.
Introduction of new business divisions: Solar thermal heating & photovoltaic conversion.

 

2001

Launch of the Roto E-Tec product range with a large selection of electronic components for windows and doors.

 

2002

Roto Door product range extended with electronic components.

 

2003

Wilhelm Weidtmann GmbH & Co. KG integrated into Roto Frank AG.

2004

Launch of the hardware product range Roto Patio Life for easy operation of large Lift&Slide elements.

2005

Roto celebrates its 70th anniversary.

2008

Two divisions, one world: The new brand appearance.
Roto expresses its position as an international leader in innovation and quality and its ambitious focus on the future through a suitable brand appearance. This includes a corporate design coordinated within the Group and the shaping of the two business segments. Architectural hardware technology will become Roto Window and Door Technology and the building element sales company will be called Roto Roof and Solar Technology in future.

2008

Roto integrates the Gluske BKV GmbH located in Wuppertal, Germany, in the Group as of 1 October. In future, the door and window specialist will be called Roto Gluske BKV GmbH. Its product portfolio includes glazing packers, door hinges and main-door thresholds.

 

2010

75th anniversary.

2011

Launch of the new Roto DoorSafe 600 lock generation.