Since 1907: Innovation – Quality – International Presence
The Gretsch-Unitas group of companies has stood for excellent building, window and door technology for over a century: with more than 30,000 products, an international network and state-of-the-art manufacturing. Get to know us – with figures that speak for themselves.
0
Year founded
0
Branches
0
Employees
0
Products
Gretsch-Unitas Group of Companies
We offer perfectly coordinated solutions that give you a real advantage in residential and commercial construction. With our brands Gretsch-Unitas Baubeschläge, BKS, GU Automatic and FERCO, we develop, manufacture and distribute building hardware, locks, automatic door systems and intelligent access solutions – bringing modern buildings worldwide up to the latest standards.
From the beginnings to global presence
The history of our group of companies began in 1907 with Hermann Gretsch GmbH and Unitas Metallwarenfabrik. Since then, numerous inventions, innovations and continuous worldwide success have followed. To this day, the company is family-run, with employees, customers and partners always at the center. Our products and solutions contribute to safety and efficiency worldwide.
Founding of BKS
In 1903, master craftsman Adolf Boge and locksmith Fritz Kasten founded the Rheinische Türschließerfabrik in Solingen - BKS.
Founding of Hermann Gretsch GmbH
The name Gretsch-Unitas is derived from the name of the company founder Viktor Gretsch and the UNITAS Metallwarenfabrik, where the successful Unitas pivot windows were manufactured.
Johann Maus: Managing Director and Partner
The managing director and co-partner Johann Maus became the namesake of the street where the group's headquarters have been located since the 1970s.
GU files patent for sliding door hardware
Gretsch-Unitas develops hardware for sliding doors for both exterior and interior use.
BKS develops round cylinder
The development of the round cylinder in 1938 marked another milestone for BKS and paved the way for our current locking cylinders.
BKS launches the panic lock
Another innovation in Europe in the 1950s was the panic lock, which allows locked doors to be opened from the inside.
GU files patent for lift-and-slide hardware
Since Gretsch-Unitas invented the first hardware system for lift-and-slide doors in 1958, large-format lift-and-slide doors have been at the top of the architectural wish list for discerning builders.
FERCO joins Gretsch-Unitas
Founded in 1934, FERCO is located in Réding (Moselle). In 1975, Gretsch-Unitas acquired shares in the largest French building hardware manufacturer.
GU develops multi-point locks
This year, the GU SECURY multi-point locking systems were developed. Some of them can still be found in doors today.
Founding of Agena
Founding of Agena GmbH, company for organization and information processing.
BKS joins Gretsch-Unitas
The GU Group takes over the well-known and long-established manufacturer of door technology, such as lock cylinders, locks, locking systems, panic locks and system solutions for access control.
ela-soft joins Gretsch-Unitas
GU Automatic joins Gretsch-Unitas
Founded in 1977 as "ats – Automatik-Tür-Systeme GmbH" in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, the company has been part of the Gretsch-Unitas group since 2001, has operated as "GU Automatic GmbH" since 2009 and has been based in Rietberg since 2015.
Founding of GU Logistics
Whether single orders or full truckloads, from order to delivery, a just-in-time service for every customer worldwide.
GU Slovensko – Plant opened in Nitra
Introduction of the group's corporate design
GU front door package
– multiple award-winning and VdS-certified.
ixalo
Unlock more flexibility: ixalo – the electronic locking system from BKS.
HS ePOWER
Sliding into the future: the motorized lift-and-slide door HS ePOWER is completely barrier-free.
GU system floor threshold
Flush GU system floor threshold awarded as Product of the Year by bfb.
GU Group worldwide
Our presence in more than 35 countries enables us to offer individual and tailor-made solutions with deep regional understanding. Thanks to our global network, we are always close to our customers – competent, personal and reliable. Wherever you are, the GU Group is there for you.
Find out how we are there for you worldwide and provide real added value.
Your career at GU
Discover your career opportunities at the Gretsch-Unitas group of companies – a leading innovator in window, door and building technology. With around 3,700 employees worldwide, we develop tailor-made solutions for the highest demands under the brands GU, BKS and FERCO.
Become part of our family business and help shape the future with us – grow together with us!
