1939
Hamburg: The basic design principles of the world’s first infrared heater are established and the first patents are granted.

1949
Research & development progress is resumed after the War.

1950
The first household infrared heating appliance is developed after one year of preliminary work. With the establishment of a consulting engineering office in Hamburg, the first international links are forged.

1951
With demand for heaters increasing, it becomes necessary for Schwank to begin its own production and to conduct further development work in its own plant. Schwank GAS-GERÄTE GmbH is founded in Hamburg.

1952
The plant is opened in Cologne, being the center of the international radiant heating community even at that time. A total of 24 renowned German and foreign plants manufacture Schwank heaters and install these under a Schwank license. A central, national sales organization is established to manage the growing markets’ demands.

1955
Death of the company founder Günther Schwank.

1955-1958
Awarding of international licenses, such as to Rinnai Japan, Hupp USA, Pyrox Australia, etc.

1958
Construction of a new plant and administration offices in Cologne, our present head office. Next to gas infrared heaters, process heating equipment is manufactured for the first time.

1959
Creation of a decentralized sales organization in Germany with five affiliated engineering offices.

1963
Systematic extension of the sales organization by employing additional sales engineers. Development of new gas infrared product series and types. Due to the expiration of patents, license agreements transition to long-term extensive delivery contracts. Creation of an export sales organization.

1966
The company is renamed to Schwank GmbH. An extensive staffing increase takes place, especially in the technical departments.

1968
Production of foil shrinkage equipment starts. Over 350 shrinkage installations are sold within 3 years, most with fully automated conveying systems. Schwank quickly evolves into one of the largest European manufacturers in this field.

1969
Schwank invests over $1 million in the construction of the new Research & Development Center.

1970
Bernd H. Schwank enters the company and develops a new ceramic tile which continues to set the industry standard worldwide. Establishment of the Dutch subsidiary Schwank Nederland N.V. and of an affiliated production plant in the Netherlands to further increase production capacity and meet growing sales demand both domestically and internationally.

1973
Nomination of Bernd H. Schwank as the sole President and Managing Director of the Schwank Group.

1973-1976
Reorganization of the company and foundation of foreign branches in Austria, France, the UK and Canada. The first gas cooker using a ceramic tile is developed together with Schott, Germany.

1975
Bernd H. Schwank becomes the sole shareholder of the Schwank Group.

1981
Acquisition of a manufacture of kerosene and oil heaters in, Georgia, USA. Established in 1888, this manufacturer of kerosene and oil heaters is transformed into a manufacturer of gas appliances to service the North American and European markets.

1988
Production of radiant tube heaters in Germany starts.

1992
Acquisition of Gamat Wärmegeräte GmbH, Berlin. The first condensing boiler with a ceramic burner is jointly developed with Econostro.

1995
Joint-venture with Zapsibgasprom, a subsidiary of Gasprom, is founded in Tjumen, Russia. The SibSchwank company is established to manufacture and supply heating systems to the Russian market and former republics.

1997
A new centralized customer service network with 20 dedicated employees is created in Cologne as part of Schwank’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

1999
Sale of the domestic heating division (Gamat) to the Dutch Atag Group to focus on the core competence, i.e., heating solutions for commerce.

2001
50th anniversary of the Schwank Group. Foundation of fully owned subsidiaries in the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary. Creation of a second joint-venture in Russia: MegaSchwank located in Tombov to strengthen market leadership in Russia.

2004
The history of Schwank now spans into the 3rd generation: Oliver Schwank, son of Bernd H. Schwank, joins the company as managing director.

2005
100th anniversary of the founder and inventor, Günther Schwank.