| 1939 |
Hamburg: The basic principles
of the design of the world’s first infrared heater are established
and the first patents are granted.
|
| 1949 |
Due to the War, research
& development progress is only resumed now.
|
| 1950 |
The first household appliance
is developed under great difficulties after one year of preliminary
work. With the establishment of the consultant engineering office
in Hamburg, it is possible to forge the first international links.
|
| 1951 |
With demand of heaters increasing,
it becomes necessary for Schwank to begin its own production and
to conduct further development work in its own plant. Schwank GAS-GERÄTE
GmbH is founded in Hamburg.
|
| 1952 |
The plant is opened in Cologne,
being the center of the international radiation heating community
even at that time. A total of 24 renowned German and foreign plants
manufacture Schwank heaters and install these under the Schwank
license. A central, national sales organization is established to
manage the growing markets’ demands.
|
| 1955 |
Death of the company founder
Günther Schwank.
|
| 1955-1958 |
Awarding of international
licenses, such as to Rinnai Japan, Hupp USA, Pyrox Australia, etc.
|
| 1958 |
Construction of a new plant
and administration offices in Cologne, our present head office. Next
to infrared-gas heaters, also process heating equipment is manufactured
for the first time.
|
| 1959 |
Creation of a decentralized
sales organization in Germany with five affiliated engineering offices.
|
| 1963 |
Systematic extension of the
sales organization by employing additional sales engineers. Development
of a new infrared-gas product series and types. Due to the expiration
of patents, transition time from license agreements to long-term,
extensive delivery contracts. Furthermore, creation of an export
sales organization.
|
| 1966 |
The company is renamed to
Schwank GmbH. An extensive staffing increase takes place, especially
of the technical departments.
|
| 1968 |
Production start of foil
shrinkage equipment. Over 350 shrinkage installations are sold within
3 years, most with fully automated conveying systems. Schwank quickly
evolves into one of the largest European manufacturers in this field.
|
| 1969 |
Schwank invests 1 million
€ in the construction of the new Research & Development
Center.
|
| 1970 |
Bernd H. Schwank enters the
company and develops a new ceramic tile which has set the standard
for the industry worldwide until today. Establishment of the Dutch
subsidiary Schwank Nederland N.V. and of an affiliated production
plant in the Netherlands to further increase production capacity
matching growing sales demands both domestically and internationally.
|
| 1973 |
Nomination of Bernd H. Schwank
as the sole President and Managing Director of the Schwank Group.
|
| 1973-1976 |
Reorganization of the company
and foundation of foreign branches in Austria, France, the UK and
Canada. The first gas cooker using a ceramic tile is developed together
with Schott, Germany.
|
| 1975 |
Bernd H. Schwank becomes
the sole shareholder of the Schwank Group.
|
| 1981 |
Acquisition of Perfection
Products, Georgia, USA. Established in 1888, this manufacturer of
kerosene and oil heaters is transformed into a manufacturer of gas
appliances to service the North American and European markets.
|
| 1988 |
Production start of radiant
tubes in Germany.
|
| 1992 |
| Acquisition of Gamat Wärmegeräte
GmbH, Berlin. The first condensing boiler with a ceramic burner is
jointly developed with Econostro. |
| 1995 |
Joint-venture with Zapsibgasprom,
a subsidiary of Gasprom, is founded in Tjumen, Russia. The SibSchwank
company is established to manufacture and supply heating systems
to the Russian market and former republics.
|
| 1997 |
A new centralized customer
service network with 20 dedicated employees is created in Cologne
as part of Schwank’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
|
1999
|
Sale of the domestic heating
division (Gamat) to the Dutch Atag Group to focus on the core competence,
i.e., heating solutions for businesses.
|
2001
50th anniversary of the Schwank Group. Foundation of fully owned
subsidiaries in the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary. Creation
of a second joint-venture in Russia: MegaSchwank located in Tombov
to strengthen market leadership in Russia.
|
2004
The history of Schwank now spans into the 3rd generation: Oliver
Schwank, son of Bernd H. Schwank, joins the company as managing
director.
|
2005
100th anniversary of the founder and inventor, Günther Schwank.
|
1958 - Head office in Cologne |
|
