Today. Tomorrow. Roto.

In 2024, the Roto Group kept its net revenue and results stable, reported Dr. Eckhard Keill, Sole Director of Roto Frank Holding AG, at the 19^th International Roto Trade Press Day. The Group achieved a net revenue of 885 million euros in 2023, recording single-digit growth compared to the previous year. The company is expected to end this year with a slight decrease of approximately 1%. The director describes this as “a temporary lull” in the Group’s growth. However, the expanding customer base is a reliable indicator that Roto would benefit from renovation and new construction gaining momentum again.

Dr. Keill believes that the positive environmental impact of millions of modern windows already installed is not sufficiently recognized. These windows have been reducing building emissions for many years. The Group director outlines the most urgent need: “37 million energy-saving windows have already been installed between 2021 and 2024. Around 209 million should be replaced if we want to take climate conservation seriously.” Replacing the 6 million least efficient windows in Germany would reduce the building sector’s CO₂ emissions by 700,000 tons.

In 1935, entrepreneur Wilhelm Frank paved the way for the industrial production of window hardware. Since then, Roto’s technology has been integrated into generations of buildings, each one a significant improvement. “90 years ago, the confidence in a better future and the benefits of industrial production led to the founding of Roto,” explained Dr. Keill. Today, the trust in the company’s contribution towards a better future remains strong.

In 2024, the Group created a message that embodies its continued commitment to sustainability and its optimism for the future: Today. Tomorrow. Roto. “These three words represent the strong belief that we will continue to make the future better” explained Dr. Keill.

The Roto director hopes the industry will exhibit a stronger sense of conviction. “We should recognize what has already been achieved. Even if the renovation rate remains low, tangible actions will be taken and investments made in support of environmental protection. By expressing pride in our achievements, we could inspire a genuine desire for new windows and encourage more customers to think of our industry first when it comes to saving energy.

Like Roto, window manufacturers worldwide are already in a good position to meet the continuously growing demand. Process optimization and automation play a significant role due to the skilled labor shortage, according to Dr. Keill. He emphasizes: “Collaboration among partners is becoming increasingly important for economic success. We must think about processes beyond our factories. Achieving a ‘perfect match’ in the product range and our relationships with suppliers and customers contributes to a better future.”

The Group director is expecting changes to continue and high costs to persist for all manufacturing companies. “Securing supply chains and the energy supply is challenging. Stepping up collaboration with customers and making our own contribution to the future is challenging. But, in the end, there are also many new opportunities, and Roto is determined to seize them,” Dr. Keill asserts.

The director believes that companies would benefit from collaborating with organizations and individuals who share their own views on sustainable development. “Now is the time for entrepreneurs, inventors, and professionals. All we need is the willingness to learn and work together.”

“Today. Tomorrow. Roto.” is Roto’s promise to continue acting as an innovator in the industry. It also expresses the commitment to take social and ecological responsibility. “Our increased commitment and transparency have highlighted Roto’s long-standing dedication to sustainable manufacturing, business practices, and construction.”

Many of the investments in progressive manufacturing technologies and digital-based services that Roto announced last year have already been implemented in 2024. The Holding director announced further modernization measures in all plants, as well as the expansion of various manufacturing capacities. “We’re confident that our products and services will play an important role in the future.” Dr. Keill concluded that the three Roto divisions will start the new year with clear goals and high expectations.