Oventrop History

History

Grüne (Iserlohn), 1907

Knickhütte" in Bigge (Olsberg), around 1920

Window and door fittings, end of 19th century

Tap, beginning of 20th century

1851	Arnold Oventrop (1820-1871) founds the "Arnold Oventrop & Co. Messing- und Broncewaarenfabrik zu Altena" (bronze and brass works). From the start, the manufacturing programme is founded on materials containing copper. Brassware, e.g. fittings for furniture, doors and windows are produced.
1871	The company is passed on to the sons Friedrich Wilhelm (1847-1935) and Adolf Oventrop (1851-1912).
1886– 1904	The town of Altena is by now highly industrialised. Employees are hard to find. Therefore Oventrop sets up further production places in the "Sauerland" region (amongst others in Iserlohn and Bigge).
1922	The son of Friedrich Wilhelm Oventrop, Paul Oventrop (1886-1974) takes over the works in Bigge. (The other works are gradually closed.)
1952	The families Fähnrich and Rump become partners of the company. The company is leading in the field of oil products.
1973	The first oil crisis means drastic cutbacks after the "Economy Miracle" years.
1975	Due to new municipal restructuring, Bigge becomes part of the town of Olsberg. The company's head office is consequently Olsberg.
1980	New manufacturing premises are opened in Brilon. Thermostatic and other valves and controls dominate the programme.
1990	The reunification of Germany and the opening of borders to the East contributes to the company's strong growth.
Today	Today Altogether the company employs 800 people at their two facilities in Olsberg and Brilon. The company has a varied portfolio of over 4,000 products for heating, sanitary and industrial installations on offer. These products are now sold in most countries throughout the world.