1918
Rudolf Wanzl Sr. opens a locksmith's in Giebau (Sudetenland). It is expanded into a scale manufacturing business and agricultural machinery store with 20 employees.
1947
New beginning after the expulsion to Leipheim: Rudolf Wanzl Sr. and Jr. found a workshop for scale manufacturing and repair service.
1948
Hand-made custom Wanzl shopping baskets are included in the first self-service pilot project in Augsburg. The opportunity presented by the self-service concept is recognised and the cornerstone is laid for the company's success.
1949
Self-service begins to conquer Germany with wire products from Leipheim. The first self-service shop in Hamburg provides its customers with 20 "Pick-up" shopping trolleys and 40 shopping baskets.
1950
The first patent: the stackable basket, whose design remains virtually unchanged to this date.
1951
The first shopping trolley with a fixed basket is patented. The company now employs 50 staff and achieves a turnover of DM 750,000.
1956
74 employees primarily manufacture shopping baskets and sales tools and achieve a turnover exceeding DM 1 million for the first time.
1957
Rudolf Wanzl Jr. travels to America and meets the inventor of the shopping trolley, Sylvan N. Goldman. Inspired by this encounter, the revolutionary CONCENTRA shopping trolley is created. It becomes the prototype for all subsequent models and establishes the reputation of the company as a shopping trolley specialist.
1962
The third plant is built in Kirchheim (in the German region of Swabia)
1966
As fast as self-service spreads, Wanzl rapidly expands with it. 366 employees increase turnover to over DM 14 million. Many industries discover the benefits of the self-service system, and Wanzl produces numerous special products for them.
1970-1985
The era for establishing branches follows – the first are founded in Austria, Switzerland, England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
1989
1600 employees in one French and five German production plants manufacture over 1000 products for trade in more than 50 countries.
1990
Plant 4 goes into operation in Leipheim directly by the A8 motorway.
1991
With new shopfitting systems from Wanzl, markets can now be fully equipped.
1991-1995
Self-service begins its unstoppable expansion in Eastern Europe. Branches are established in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. In 1992, sales of DM 300 million are exceeded for the first time.
1997
50 years of Wanzl – 50 years a partner of retail. In its anniversary year, Wanzl supports its trading partners with a seamless range of products for project planning.
1998
Branches are established in Spain and the People's Republic of China. In Shanghai, production of shopping trolleys begins in 2000.
1999
The annual production of shopping trolleys exceeds one million units for the first time.
2001
Further branches are founded in Italy, South Korea, and Russia.
2001
The Passenger Handling Services business division is set up.
2002
The new Logistics+Industry business division taps into new customer groups.
2003
Wanzl Australia Pty. Ltd. is founded in Melbourne.
2003
The largest order for an international airport: 11,000 luggage trolleys are supplied to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
2005
Wanzl, who was a first-hour exhibitor, takes part in Euroshop as for the 15th time. The new Security Products and Hotel Service business areas expand the Wanzl product range.
2006
Expansion works carried out at Leipheim plants 2 and 4 to increase production capacities in Germany. A new Wanzl plant is opened in Shanghai (China). |
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