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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
Restart after forced displacement to Leipheim: Rudolf Wanzl Sr and Jr found a
workshop for scale manufacturing and repair service.
1948
The very first pilot project for self-service in Augsburg includes individually handmade
shopping baskets from Wanzl. 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, the design of which remains virtually unchanged to this date.
1951
The first shopping trolley with 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 (Swabia)
1966
As fast as self-service spreads, Wanzl rapidly expands with it.
366 employees increase turnover to over 14 million German marks.
Many industries discover the benefits of the self-service system, and Wanzl
produces numerous special products for them.
1970-1985
The era of branch foundation ensues – the first are established in Austria,
Switzerland, England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
1989
1,600 employees in five German and one French production facility produce
well over 1,000 products for sale in more than 50 countries.
1990
The fourth plant commences operation in Leipheim, directly beside the A8 motorway.
1991
With the new shopfitting systems from Wanzl, markets can now be set up
completely.
1991-1995
The triumphant advance of self-service begins 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 as a retail partner. In its anniversary year,
Wanzl supports its trading partners with a seamless range of products for project planning.
1998
Establishment of branches in Spain and the People's Republic of China.
In Shanghai, production of shopping trolleys begins in 2000.
1999
Annual shopping trolley production exceeds 1 million units for the first time.
2001
Further branches are founded in Italy, South Korea, and Russia.
2001
Passenger Handling Services division is established.
2002
The new Logistics+Industry 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
divisions 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).
2007
Wanzl celebrates ‘60 years’ and extends the production areas in the Leipheim plants II and IV. The new Wanzl plant with administration and production is opened in China.
2008
Wanzl wins the "Bavarian Quality Prize" in the industrial company category. The new Wanzl branch in Dubai launches with the Shopfitting and Hotel Service divisions.
2009
Founding of the Wanzl sales branch in Pune, India.
Completion of the new 'Creative Center’ administration building next to Plant IV in Leipheim with communication centre and exhibition rooms for all business divisions.
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