The Roto chronicle

	1935	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. .
	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. .
	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 a sales and distribution subsidiary. .
	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 .
	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). .
	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. .
	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. .
	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'.
	2008	Roto integrates the Wuppertal-based Gluske BKV GmbH into the company group on the 1st of October. In future, the window and door specialist - with currently approximately 100 employees - will operate under the name ‘Roto Gluske BKV GmbH’. Glazing blocks, door hinges as well as main-door thresholds pertain to the product portfolio.