Source: https://vkr-holding.com/history/timeline/?lang=en
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 18:43:58+00:00

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approximately 14,000 people in 41 countries worldwide.
Please explore the VKR Group’s milestones over more than 75 years.
The founder of the VKR Group was born on the Danish island of Mandø.
The founder of the VKR Group, Villum Kann Rasmussen (KR) was born in 1909 on the Danish island of Mandø, where his father was the pastor. He graduated from Sorø Akademi highschool in 1927 and got a degree in structural engineering in 1932 from the Polytechnic University of Denmark. Mandø’s unique natural environment and its maritime light were a lifelong source of inspiration for KR. It was here that he tested several of his early products. If the roof windows could perform in the harsh conditions here, they could make it everywhere, he argued. KR was an innovative experimental scientist and product developer with the motto “One experiment is better than a thousand expert views”.
The Rasmussen family. In the front from left: Fride, Villum and Aage, 1911.
In 1941 Villum Kann Rasmussen established the company V. Kann Rasmussen & Co.
On 1 April 1941, Villum Kann Rasmussen (KR) established his firm V. Kann Rasmussen & Co at Hammerichsgade, Copenhagen, specializing in glass roofing. The company’s first order was for a 900 m2 glass roof for the Cooperative Wholesale Society’s flax scutching mill in Aarhus. The contract was landed thanks to KR’s TUBUS glazing bar, which secured the glass using clips without the use of putty. It also drew water off with the aid of condensation drains, thus keeping the glass roof watertight. TUBUS was registered in 1944 as KR’s first patent.
In 1942, Villum Kann Rasmussen developed his first VELUX roof windows for a number of school buildings.
In the autumn of 1941, KR was asked to supply roof windows for a number of school buildings, in which the loft spaces were to be fitted out as classrooms. His self-appointed task was: “…once and for all to make a skylight – a roof window – that in every respect was just as good as the best vertical window”.
The windows were made of wood, and had an exterior cladding in zinc. They featured condensation drains, were watertight and largely maintenance-free. This meant that the windows could withstand their exposed placement on a sloped roof.
Thanks to the roof windows it was now possible to transform many unused attic spaces into cheap and comfortable housing.
The first roof windows were delivered to Slagelse Vestre School in 1942. On the invoice, KR had handwritten the name VELUX, derived from VE for ventilation and LUX for light. VELUX was registered as a trademark in Denmark on 3 October 1942. Today, VELUX is perhaps the world’s best-known brand in the building components industry.
Villum Kann Rasmussen developed the pivot hinge to the first fully reversible VELUX roof window.
In order to enhance the functionality of the roof window, a great deal of effort went into product development. In 1945, Villum Kann Rasmussen filed a patent application for a fully reversible VELUX window with a pivot hinge, which was not actually registered until 1949, and in 1946, one for an independent pivot hinge, which was registered in 1948.
The pivot hinge, which made it possible to rotate the zinc-clad sash on its own axis, which was crucial since it made it easier to clean the outside of the pane from indoors. The pivot window with coupled sashes and double glazing was named FV, and went on to become the most popular roof window in the 1950s and 60s.
V. Kann Rasmussen & Co established new headquarters at No. 4 Maskinvej in Søborg.
In the late 1940s, the company was cramped for space at the Copenhagen business address. In 1950, the decision was therefore made to build corporate headquarters on a site at No. 4 Maskinvej in Søborg, north of Copenhagen.
In 1951, a workforce of 22 salaried employees and 13 hourly-paid workers moved into the new premises, which covered a total area of 1,250 m2. The workshops were constructed using the VELKIN system, which KR had developed in 1945. This system was Denmark’s first standardized system for cinstruction of factory halls.
A VELUX factory was also established in Østbirk, Jutland in 1946.
VELUX GmbH Bauzubehör was established in Germany together with a local partner.
In 1952, KR formed a partnership with Ernst Günter Albers, the owner of the joinery E. Albers & v. Drathen (ALDRA) in Meldorf in Germany. Together they established an agreement so that the windows for the German market would be manufactured in Meldorf, while hardware and know-how would be supplied from Denmark.
The introduction of the first vertical windows.
In 1944, Villum Kann Rasmussen (KR) designed his first vertical window, which he initially called VITREA. Around 1950, KR returned to his work on the vertical window, which was launched in April 1952 under the VELUX name. The vertical windows were produced in Østbirk and, from 1957, at No. 4 Maskinvej in Søborg.
The introduction of VELTOR garage doors.
The late 1940s saw the development of vertical-lifting and overhead wooden garage doors for installation in both VELKIN halls and ordinary garages. The garage doors were called Hi-lift but were further developed in aluminium and in 1953 called VELTOR.
The first VELUX company in the UK.
Internationalisation led to the establishment of the first VELUX company in the UK in London in 1954. Later the company moved to Scotland.
VITRAL glazing panels and VELTA remote openers.
Villum Kann Rasmussen and his staff of employees developed glazing panels that were fixed using aluminium rails, which made them easier to install. The panels were sold under the name VITRAL, which was registered as a trademark in 1956. As an accessory product for VITRAL, a mechanical remote opening system based on compressed air was developed in 1960 and marketed under the name VELTA.
Acrylic dome skylights for flat roofs.
In order to be able to provide daylighting for buildings with flat roofs, V. Kann Rasmussen & Co started producing VELUX acrylic dome skylights in 1957-58. The skylights were produced at the Østbirk factory.
VELFAC vertical windows and elements for residential estates.
In 1961, the VELUX vertical windows changed their name to VELFAC, which was registered as a trademark on 22nd October 1962. The vertical windows were supplemented by the VELFAC prefabricated elements in wood for residential estates e.g. in the Copenhagen area and for 3,000 flats in Greenland.
VELDO dome vents for flat roofs.
As a supplement to the VELUX acrylic dome skylights, in 1958 V. Kann Rasmussen & Co started producing small dome vents for flat roofs. These were given the name VELDO, which was registered as a trademark in 1963.
No. 10 Tobaksvejen in Søborg was inaugurated as the new headquarters for the parent company of the VKR Group.
In 1963, a new building at No. 10 Tobaksvejen, was taken into use as headquarters of the parent company of the VKR Group, where it remained until 2007, when VKR Holding moved to its new premises at No. 18 Breeltevej in Hørsholm. Today, No. 10 Tobaksvejen is the headquarters of THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS.
VELUX sales company is established in France.
In 1964, VELUX France was established in rented offices in Bagneux, south of Paris. In 1969, VELUX France moved to its own premises in a new building in Morangis near Orly.
Lars Kann-Rasmussen joins the VKR Group.
The eldest son of Villum Kann Rasmussen, Lars Kann-Rasmussen (LKR) is a graduate engineer, and joined the company as an employee of VELUX France in 1964. After having held several posts within the VKR Group, in 1970 he joined the management of Dansk VELUX A/S. In 1976 he became chairman of the board of the parent company, and in 2005 chairman of the board of VILLUM FONDEN. LKR resigned from the business side of the VKR Group in 2010, and as chairman of VILLUM FONDEN in 2014. He was a powerful driver for the modernisation of the VKR Group that took place most notably after 2000 when a new holding company was established.
Core values and the Model Company Objective that Villum Kann Rasmussen penned in 1965.
A classic roof window is developed.
In the mid-1960s, the focus on the roof windows business area intensified and new markets were cultivated. The year 1968 saw the launch of the new VELUX GGL roof window. This window featured a full-width control bar, a pivot hinge (PV-68) with full friction, a ventilation flap and the company’s own insulation pane. The window became a huge success and received the Danish Design Award in 1973.
To secure the company and the vision of a philanthropic foundation and the creation of an enduring business.
In the 1960s, Villum Kann Rasmussen (KR) started to consider arrangements for corporate succession. A number of family matters and tax-related aspects had to be settled in order to secure the company would be able to continue as a sound and financially independent entity. The focus turned to the creation of a foundation that could act as the VKR Group’s principle shareholder. On 21st December 1971 the foundation today known as VILLUM FONDEN was established, and in 1981 was followed by VELUX FONDEN.
The concept of a foundation appealed to KR because it would allow a large proportion of business revenue, to be channelled into a philanthropic foundation, which could in turn reinvest the funds in society and support a number of purposes. The main thematic areas for support were to become science, and technology, voluntary social work, culture and the environment.
VELUX America Inc. is established.
The VKR Group’s first overseas company, VELUX America Inc. was established in Woburn, Massachusetts in 1975. Following the pioneering efforts of VELUX CEO, H.N. Brandt in 1978-80, a VELUX production company was established with a manufacturing facility in Greenwood, South Carolina.
The VKR Group’s acquisition of the company RIBO Vinduer in Ringkøbing.
Villum Kann Rasmussen’s ambition to be firmly positioned in vertical windows led to the acquisition in 1978 of the company RIBO Vinduer A/S in Ringkøbing, Denmark, which changed its name to VELFAC A/S in 1992.
The foundation VELUX FONDEN is established.
The VELUX FONDEN is established in 1981. The foundation supports activities for the elderly, gerontological research, ophthalmology research and research projects within humanities. Furthermore, the foundation supports large-scale projects with cultural, environmental, social or artistic purposes.
The VELUX Collection opens in Østbirk.
In connection with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the VKR Group, the VELUX Collection opens in Østbirk, Denmark.
VELUX-Japan Ltd. is established with the aim of selling roof windows and skylights on the Japanese market.
The VELFAC 200 vertical window in wood and aluminium is introduced.
Around 1985 a new vertical window model was developed featuring a maintenance-free aluminium sash on a pinewood frame. This elegant, slimline construction also lets in more light. This window was named VELFAC 200 and set new standards within the industry and has been continuously enhanced ever since.
The VKR Group is established in Eastern Europe.
In 1986 – three years before the fall of the Berlin Wall – a joint venture agreement is signed with Fertödi Épitökomponens Kft. on the sale and production of VELUX roof windows in Hungary.
The VELUX product range is standardised between Germany and the other European countries.
1991 sees the introduction of the VELUX European Standard range (VES). The VES range harmonises the product range between Germany and the other European markets in order to fully utilise the manufacturing capacity and prepare for the EU single market. To that end, the decision is made to introduce a new joint VELUX logo, which was most recently updated in 2005.
The VKR Group celebrates its 50th anniversary and establishes the Employee Foundation of the VKR Group.
In connection with the VKR Group’s 50th anniversary in 1991, an independent Employee Foundation is established. The foundation provides support for employees and their immediate families who face unfortunate situations with serious consequences, as well as support for the education of their children.
In 1996, the Employee Foundation grants the VILLUM KANN RASMUSSEN AWARD for the first time. The award is given to employees who have made a special contribution to realising the Model Company Objective. In 1998, the Employee Foundation also introduces grants to charitable causes in the local area of the VKR Group companies.
Villum Kann Rasmussen dies at the age of 84 and is buried in Mandø cemetery.
On 24th August 1993, the founder of the VKR Group, Villum Kann Rasmussen (KR) dies and is buried in the cemetery on the island of Mandø , a few hundred metres from where he grew up. KR was awarded 55 registered patents and 9 designs in Denmark alone. In 1991, he was made honorary Doctor Technices honoris causa by the Technical University of Denmark, which stated the following: “You are awarded this degree in recognition of your many years’ exceptional work in structural research and design”.
The Danish window company Rationel Vinduer A/S merges with the VKR Group.
In 1998 the Danish window company Rationel Vinduer A/S merges with the VKR Group. Today Rationel Vinduer A/S is a part of the DOVISTA Group, which produces vertical windows and doors for markets in Northern Europe and Scandinavia.
Svenska Fönster AB merges with the VKR Group.
The Swedish window company Svenska Fönster AB merges with the VKR Group and becomes part of the holding company DOVISTA A/S. Two years later another Swedish window company Traryd Fönster AB was to merge with the VKR Group.
The VELUX Group takes over all VELUX activities in Germany.
The VELUX Group takes over full ownership of the VELUX companies in Germany with the Albers family in Meldorf selling its 50% stake in the German VELUX companies. This ends a partnership that has lasted half a century.
DOVISTA A/S is established as a holding company for the business area of vertical windows and doors.
DOVISTA A/S is established as a holding company for the business area of vertical windows and doors. In 2002, the companies VELFAC A/S, Rationel Vinduer A/S, Svenska Fönster AB and Traryd Fönster AB became members of the DOVISTA Group.
VKR Holding A/S moves to No. 18 Breeltevej in Hørsholm, north of Copenhagen.
In August 2007 VKR Holding moved to the newly built headquarters at No. 18 Breeltevej in Hørsholm, north of Copenhagen, on a site adjacent to VELUX A/S headquarters at No. 99 Ådalsvej. In 2012, VELUX Danmark A/S also moved to No. 18 Breeltevej.
The VKR Group’s first Active House is built in Lystrup near Aarhus, Denmark.
In 2007, VKR Holding initiates a project to build eight demonstration buildings in Europe between 2008 and 2011. The objective is to demonstrate how energy-efficient buildings of the future can be built with special focus on the Active House vision. VELFAC A/S, VELUX A/S and SONNENKRAFT joined forces with local architects to develop these projects applying the VKR Group’s technologies. Special emphasis is placed on the Active House principles: low energy consumption, a healthy indoor climate and a positive impact on the environment. In collaboration with national research institutes, the buildings are monitored to register their performance and to understand the users’ experience of living and working in them.
Lars Kann-Rasmussen retires from his position as Chairman of the Board of VKR Holding A/S and VELUX A/S.
Lars Kann-Rasmussen steps down as Chairman of VKR Holding A/S and VELUX A/S. He started in the VKR Group in 1964 and has been a powerful driver for the modernisation of the VKR Group that took place most notably in the years after 2000 when a new holding company was established. With his diligence and immense knowledge, Lars Kann-Rasmussen was also the driving force behind the internationalisation and market development achieved in this period.
New VELUX Modular Skylights for public and commercial buildings.
As part of its strategic focus on the commercial project market, the VELUX Group introduces VELUX Modular Skylights, which are energy-optimised and installation-friendly modules for public and commercial buildings.
Arcon-Sunmark A/S is Europe’s leading manufacturer of large-scale solar thermal heating systems.
Through the 2015 merger of Arcon Solar A/S with Sunmark A/S, the VKR Group saw the creation of Europe’s leading manufacturer of large-scale solar thermal heating systems.
Arcon-Sunmark has supplied solar thermal heating collectors to the 35 largest systems in Europe. Lately, the company has delivered the world’s largest solar thermal heating system of 156,694 m2, in Silkeborg, Denmark. The plant covers about 20% of the total annual district heating consumption in Silkeborg, which equals the energy consumption of 4,400 homes and reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 15,700 tonnes per year.
VKR Holding opens the VILLUM Window Collection in Søborg.
VKR Holding opens a new exhibition at No. 4 Maskinvej, Søborg: the VILLUM Window Collection. A three-dimensional time tunnel charting the history of windows through the ages was designed by VKR Holding in collaboration with Rosan Bosch Studio, the graphic designer Maria Hagerup and the lighting designer Kim Borch.
The museum, with a collection of approximately 400 historical windows, was originally established in 2006 on the initiative of Lars Kann-Rasmussen. The purpose of the VILLUM Window Collection is to document and communicate the history of the window and its significance to the quality of human life and access to light, air and a view to the outside.
In 2015, VILLUM Window Collection received the Danish Light Design Award and was nominated to the Nordic Light Design Award 2016.
On 1st April 2016, the VKR Group celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Mads Kann-Rasmussen is appointed CEO of VKR Holding A/S.
Mads Kann-Rasmussen is appointed CEO of VKR Holding A/S and is thus the 3rd generation of the Kann-Rasmussen family in the position. Mads Kann-Rasmussen is educated in economics, holds an MBA from Copenhagen Business School, and has taken courses at IMD Business School in Switzerland. Formerly, he worked as a consultant for Boston Consulting Group. He began his career in the VKR Group in 2001.
The VELUX Collection was inaugurated in 1981, but was completely redesigned and rebuilt in 2017-2018. The new VELUX Collection was inaugurated on 13th September 2018, in the presence of 600 VELUX employees. The VELUX Collection provides the story of the VELUX roof window and the company group’s founder Villum Kann Rasmussen. The collection is housed by the farm, on which land A/S Østbirk Bygningsindustri was later built.
In 2018 the establishment of a position within the commercial segment was greatly advanced by the acquisitions of US-based Wasco Skylights, German JET Group and Vitral in Denmark. The acquired companies complement the VELUX Group’s existing daylight solutions for commercial buildings, VELUX Modular Skylight, and will form a new division in the VELUX Group, VELUX Commercial.
Vitral glass roof in MT Højgaard’s new headquarters, Søborg, Denmark.

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