The Wilhelm Frank company was founded in Stuttgart.
The key to Wilhelm Frank´s success was a brand new concept: The Roto N Tilt&Turn Hardware
The first mass-produced Tilt&Turn hardware system with which you could not only turn, but also tilt a window (3-handled operation).
1937
At the Leipzig exhibition, Wilhelm Frank exhibited a further innovation that was to become a household name that still sets standards today: The Roto loft-ladder
1938
The company relocated to Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen
Wilhelm Frank developed Tilt&Turn technology with 2-hand operation, which is still used today on modern windows: The Roto Rekord
1943
Manufacturing facilities destroyed.
1950
Production re-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 drive rod concealed in the overlap.
The first modular window hardware available.
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1966
Development of the Roto loft ladder with flat roof hatch.
1968
Wilhelm Frank developed the first top-hung roof window: The Roto roof window
Roof window production started.
1971
Transition from visible overlap hardware systems to Centro Eurogroove-fitted systems.
1972
Development of the aluminium loft ladder.
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1974
Launch of spiral staircases.
Production of the Intro renovation window system began at the Leinfelden plant.
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 a sales and distribution subsidiary.
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1981
Launch of the Centro 100 hardware system.
Launch of the Roto Fentro shutter hardware.
1982
Deutschmeister in Bad Mergentheim founded for the production of Intro replacement windows and insulating glass.
1985
Production off roof windows and loft ladders started in Chester, Ct. (USA).
1986
Takeover of the Columbus-Treppe GmbH in Neusaess, Germany
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1989
Takeover of Wilhelm Weidtmann GmbH & Co KG in Velbert, Germany. (architectural hardware)
Development of the Roto Royal concealed Tilt&Turn window hardware.
Change of company structure into AG: Roto Frank AG. (from Ltd. To Corp.)
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).
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1994
Launched the Roto ALU 200/500 hardware system.
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.
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1996
Deutschmeister started production of made-to-measure renovation roof windows.
1997
Centro 101 Tilt&Turn hardware system launched.
1998
New company structure in Roto Frank AG.
Launch of top-third pivot roof windows.
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1999
Introduction 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 E-Tec product range with a large selection of electronic components for windows and doors.
2002
Enlargement of the DoorTec product group around electronic components.
2003
Wilhelm Weidtmann GmbH & Co. KG was integrated into Roto Frank AG.
2004
Launch of the Patio Life product range for the convenient handling of large-area lift&slide units.
2005
Roto celebrates its 70th company anniversary.
2008
Two business divisions, one world. Roto's new brand appearance. This is valid for both the company group as well as for both of its independent business divisions 'architectural hardware technology' and 'building elements'.
