Schwank History

The History of Infrared Heating and the Schwank Company

1933

Günther Schwank founds his company in Fegersheim, Alsace, France.

1939

Günther Schwank invents and patents the world’s first gas infrared radiator.

1951

Commencement of series production in Hamburg.

1956

Schwank moves to Cologne. The new building from that time has since become a venerated establishment in the city, where we have been working to this very day producing efficient heating solutions for industry and commerce.

1970

Bernd Schwank, son of company founder Günther Schwank joins the company; foundation of the first foreign subsidiary.

1981

Foundation of the North American subsidiary in Waynesboro, Georgia.

2004

Oliver Schwank becomes the third generation family member to lead the company.

2009

2nd millionth device sold

Handelsblatt: Schwank is named as one of the Top 100 medium-sized enterprises in Germany.

2010

Inauguration of the new Schwank Innovation Centre for the development of tube and luminous (plaque) heaters and new HVAC technologies.

2016

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Friedhelm Schlößer enters the company at an exciting point.

Schwank wins the Industriepreis with tetraSchwank, the innovative heat recovery system.

2017

World premiere of deltaSchwank: Schwank presents the first tube heater with gas-air combination at the ISH.

2018

Schwank is awarded TOP100 of the most innovative medium-sized enterprises in Germany.

2019

Schwank launches renewable energy products: electric heat pumps and air handling units with integrated heat recovery.

2020

Foundation of another foreign subsidiary: Schwank Slovakia.

2023

Schwank patents and launches the world’s first 100% hydrogen heating system.

Further, Schwank celebrates its 90th anniversary and reports record sales.

2024

The renowned German business magazine “Wirtschaftswoche” names Schwank World Market Leader.

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