ROCA Industry 50 years – a timeline of our history

 

Where it all began: The roots of ROCA Industry are on Erstagatan 17 in central Stockholm, were Watski ("Vattenskidspecialisten"), was located. One of the founders of Watski was Hans Rösmer - the "Ro" in ROCA. For the business of marine fittings, what 1976 became our company, he and his companion Arne Carlsson (the "Ca" in ROCA) employed Heinz von Luschan as designer and product developer.

 

Watski turned into a trade chain during the later 1970s, and the two companies parted ways, both in business operations and addresses.

 

ROCA Industry switches locations several times in the early years. An apartment on Norrlandsgatan serves as the first HQ, but the office is soon moved to the area of Albano, which is in North Stockholm. The then four employees design and trade smart, durable fittings and marine hardware for local boat builders.

 

We move to Tyresö, but rent only three rooms in the beginning. Our range of marine fittings and related components grows. We acquire the patent of Rakego, and the first wiper motor becomes part of our assortment. We release the classic seat cushions in three colors. ROCA Taiwan is founded and our customer base grows in the Nordics.

 

We now are 20 employees i Tyresö, and in this decade ROCA Finland Oy is founded, as well as a Danish and Norwegian subsidiary. Back then, local marine stores still were important customers, but in 1995, we start making fittings for "industry customers". The management changes: One of the founders, Hans Rösmer, leaves.

 

We extend our business in glass fittings, mainly by Finnish initiative. We made an investment in LED lamps for marine customers and a daring move opening a wiper motor factory in China. Further we got our ISO certification and built a presence in mainland Europe by opening our German office. However in spite of these developments, the economic outcome was poor during these years.

 

In 2011, ROCA Industry faced financial challenges. Hans Lindbohm and Magnus Eriksson joined and implemented decisive restructuring measures, including site closures and portfolio simplification. Step by step, profitability was restored. In 2014 they acquired ROCA Industry, focusing on product families, customer partnerships, and building a strong, respected brand.

 

Today, ROCA Industry remains a family-owned company, with a dedicated team of 55 colleagues spread across Europe and Asia. We serve 65 markets all over the world global as a supplier of premium fittings for marine applications, glass and sauna applications plus doors and windows. Heading to create 50 more years of company history together!