Group history

Every future needs a past

From a family-run business to the leading sanitary group in Europe – here are some milestones in our company’s history.

  1. 2022

    New CO2 strategy

    The new CO2 strategy will be integrated into all relevant business processes in future. As a result, Geberit aims for a CO2 reduction of 5% per year in the medium term, in relation to currency-adjusted net sales.

  2. 6x6 design competition

    Geberit 6x6 design competition

    Architects and designers throughout Europe were invited to design bathrooms with a size of 6 m2 and to equip them with Geberit products. In an online vote, the design by Bjerg Arkitektur from Denmark was chosen as the winner.

  3. Innovations 2022

    Major product launches are:

    • Flush valve 212
    • Offset Fitting Silent-db20
    • Infrared remote control type 10
    • Concealed cistern Alpha 12 cm
    • Extensions of the bathroom series Geberit ONE
  4. 2021

    Record sales growth

    In 2021, the Geberit Group achieved its strongest sales growth since going public in 1999. In the last six quarters, sales grew around three times faster than usual. And, from an operational point of view, under very challenging circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic.

  5. Geberit FlowFit

    Major product launch

    With FlowFit, Geberit introduced a new piping system for drinking water and heating applications. The pressfittings are establishing new standards in terms of easy and reliable installation, but also in terms of their flow characteristics. The development is financially one of the most significant development projects in the history of Geberit.

  6. Geberit Innovation Days

    As no trade fairs were possible in the first half of 2021 due to the pandemic, Geberit launched the “Innovation Days”. The company started to present new products and key topics from its new trade fair booth, the “House of Geberit”, streaming them online.

    "House of Geberit"
  7. New products 2021

    Major product launches are:

    • Geberit FlowFit supply system
    • Extensions to the Geberit ONE bathroom series
    • Sanitary flush for installation in concealed cisterns
    • Alpha concealed cistern 12 cm for the Asian region and Africa
    • An app for end users for AquaClean shower toilets with an option for remote maintenance
  8. 2020

    Geberit defies te COVID-19 crisis

    Geberit defies the COVID-19 crisis and is able to further consolidate its position as the leading supplier of sanitary products, as demonstrated by the very good annual results.

  9. Second stage of brand consolidation

    2020 sees the second stage of the Europe-wide brand consolidation. In France, Italy and the Netherlands, the brands Allia, Pozzi-Ginori and Sphinx are replaced by Geberit (see also 2019).

  10. Premiere in India

    Premiere in India with the world’s first installation of the new Geberit SuperTube technology. The efficient drainage system is installed in the “Gateway Towers 1” construction project.

  11. Product launches 2020

    Major product launches are:

    • CleanLine80 shower channel
    • Expansion of the Renova, Selnova and VariForm bathroom series from Geberit
  12. 2019

    Keramag becomes Geberit

    The brand switch primarily affects the largest sales market – Germany – and allows for the focusing of marketing activities, consolidation of product information and simplification of logistics.

  13. Better bathrooms, better lives

    With the campaign “Better bathrooms, better lives”, Geberit has set out on the path of communicating directly with the end user. The campaign focuses on their most important requirements – cleanliness, optimisation of space, comfort, user-friendliness, accessibility and design.

  14. Enervit burner technology

    Ten kilns in seven ceramics plants are now fitted with Enervit burner technology. As a result, around 27,500 MWh of natural gas and 6,500 tonnes of CO2 can be saved each year.

  15. Product launches 2019

    Major product launches are:

    • Geberit ONE (bathroom series)
    • SuperTube (drainage system for high-rise buildings)
    • AquaClean Sela (shower toilet, enhancement)
  16. 2018

    Prepared for the future

    Geberit prepares for the future with record investments in the Operations division, focusing on the ceramics plants in Ekenäs (FI), Slavuta (UA) and Gaeta (IT) as well as on the capacity expansion in Pfullendorf and the modernisation in Langenfeld (both DE).

  17. Initial use of CT scanner

    In the measuring laboratory in Rapperswil-Jona (CH), a CT scanner is used for the first time. In addition to measuring inner and outer geometries as well as wall thicknesses, this machine also detects irregularities in the plastic.

  18. Product launches 2018

    Major product launches are:

    • VariForm (washbasins)
    • Energy retaining valve
  19. 2017

    Expanded logistics centre

    The expanded logistics centre in the southern German town of Pfullendorf takes over the storage, order picking and shipping of long goods.

  20. Expertise in front of and behind the wall

    “Know-How Installed” has been joined by the claim “Design Meets Function” in order to bring the company’s expertise in front of and behind the wall to the attention of a wider audience.

  21. Product launches 2017

    Major product launches are:

    • Setaplano (shower surface)
    • AquaClean Tuma (shower toilet)
    • Acanto (bathroom series)
    • Tap system
  22. 2016

    Sanitec is a single unit

    With the start of the new year, the Sales teams of Geberit and the former Sanitec are operating as a single unit. Customers can ask one and the same contact person questions about the entire product portfolio.

  23. AquaClean from Germany

    The integration of the Ceramic division is also pushing ahead in production: Since the beginning of the year, the Geberit AquaClean Mera shower toilet is in part being produced in the Wesel plant in Germany.

  24. First volunteering project in Nepal

    For the first time, a volunteering project is carried out in Nepal in cooperation with the Swiss aid organisation Helvetas.

  25. Product launches 2016

    Major product launches are:

    • Urinal system
    • Silent-Pro (drainage system)
  26. 2015

    New CEO

    Christian Buhl, the successor to Albert M. Baehny, takes up his new role as CEO on 1 January 2015.

  27. Takeover of Sanitec

    Geberit takes over the Finnish Sanitec Group, Europe’s leading provider of ceramic appliances. The total value of the transaction, which was announced in October 2014, amounts to 1.29 billion Swiss francs. The Sanitec Group is home to well-known brands such as Keramag, Ifö, Kolo, Allia and Pozzi-Ginori.

  28. New plant in Slovenia

    The opening of the new plant in Ruše (SI) is celebrated.

  29. Product launches 2015

    Major product launches are:

    • CleanLine (shower channel)
    • AquaClean Mera (shower toilet)
  30. 2014

    50 years of concealed cisterns

    Geberit celebrates 50 years of concealed cisterns. As if further proof of its reliability were still required, a set of first generation “UP” cisterns is being replaced in a Swiss alpine hotel – for purely aesthetic reasons.

  31. New production hall in Villadose

    A 6,600 m2 production hall is completed in Villadose (IT) and a third extrusion line for Silent-PP discharge pipes is commissioned.

  32. Product launches 2014

    Major product launches are:

    • Omega concealed cistern and flush plates
    • Sigma70 (actuator plate)
  33. 2013

    New plant in India

    Production begins at the plant in Pune (IN), where the Alpha concealed cisterns are being manufactured for the Indian market.

  34. AquaClean Sela is being launched

    One of the highlights at the ISH in Frankfurt is the presentation of Geberit AquaClean Sela – the first shower toilet that looks like a normal toilet.

  35. Apprentices in China

    For the first time, apprentices are given the opportunity to gain practical experience overseas after completing their apprenticeships – the plant in Shanghai (CN) is the first destination.

  36. Product launch 2013

    Major product launch: AquaClean Sela (shower toilet)

  37. 2012

    Showroom in Denmark

    The first Geberit showroom with a “mini acoustics lab” is opened in Copenhagen (DK).

  38. Geberit at Olympia

    The Aquatics Centre, which was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is one of the most spectacular venues at the Summer Olympic Games in London. This iconic building contains various Geberit products.

  39. Biomass heating in Pfullendorf

    The new block heating station at the Pfullendorf plant (DE) serves as a role model – it is operated using biomass from regional sources.

  40. Product launch 2012

    Major product launch: Alpha (concealed cistern, flush plate, specifically for India)

  41. 2011

    New Chairman of the Board of Directors

    Günter F. Kelm steps down as Chairman of the Board of Directors. At the General Meeting, Albert M. Baehny is elected his successor.

  42. Shower toilets made in Jona

    The specially set-up Geberit Apparate AG begins producing shower toilets itself at the Rapperswil-Jona site (CH).

  43. Geberit on Tour

    The “Geberit On Tour” campaign is launched in several European countries. The technical advisors travel through their countries in stages in order to pass on their know-how on site.

  44. Product launches 2011

    Major product launches are:

    • DuoFresh (integrated odour extraction unit)
    • Wall drain for shower
  45. 2010

    New Headquarters Asia/Pacific

    The official opening of the new Asia/Pacific headquarters in Shanghai (CN) takes place.

  46. Logistics centre Pfullendorf inaugurated

    The logistics centre in Pfullendorf (DE) is inaugurated and immediately begins to systematise processes and consolidate consignments across Europe.

  47. Most sustainable company in Switzerland

    During the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos (CH), Geberit is named Switzerland’s most sustainable company.

  48. Product launches 2010

    Major product launches are:

    • Monolith sanitary module for WCs
    • Shower element with wall drain
  49. 2009

    New name for shower toilets

    The shower toilet is relaunched under the name Geberit AquaClean in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The core message of the advertising campaign is „I Love Water”.

  50. Product launches 2009

    Major product launches are:

    • PushFit (supply system)
    • Silent-PP (sound-insulating drainage system)
  51. 2008

    Balena is integrated

    Geberit Balena – the sales company responsible for the shower toilet – is integrated into the Swiss sales company.

  52. Joining “Global Compact”

    Geberit joins the “Global Compact”, a United Nations initiative to promote social commitment by companies.

  53. First social project with apprentices

    Geberit runs a social project for the first time, with eight apprentices taking part. The project is based at the “Colegio Pomasqui” in Quito (EC).

  54. Product Launches 2008

    Major product launches are:

    • Sigma10, Sigma20, Sigma50 (actuator plates)
    • UP320 (the first concealed cistern that can be installed without tools)
  55. 2007

    AMS is acquired

    AMS, hitherto the exclusive importer of Geberit products in South Africa, is acquired.

  56. First code of conduct

    Geberit introduces respective codes of conduct for employees and suppliers.

  57. 2006

    Animals advertise Geberit

    In a campaign, elephant, eagle and other animals draw attention to the many benefits of Geberit prewall systems: design freedom, stability, concealed technology, versatility.

  58. 2005

    First drinking water tower

    The world’s first drinking water tower is inaugurated at the Langenfeld plant (DE). This makes it possible to experience sanitary expertise interactively.

  59. Splitting in Villadose

    Geberit splits from Deriplast’s underground piping systems segment. The production of PE and Silent-db20 pipes as well as the manufacture of special piping components remain at the Villadose site (IT).

  60. Geberit International Sales AG founded

    Emerging from the former export department, Geberit International Sales AG (GISA) is founded; it serves over 35 markets and initially has branches in Dubai, Moscow and Bucharest.

  61. 2004

    Geberit acquires Mapress

    Geberit acquires Mapress Holding GmbH in Langenfeld (DE), for 372.5 million euros. The Mapress Group is the leading provider in the area of high-quality metal pressfitting piping systems and drainage solutions made of stainless steel, carbon steel and copper.

  62. “Know-How Installed”

    The marketing slogan (claim) “Know-How Installed” is introduced. From this time on, it can be seen on packaging, amongst other things.

  63. CEO stands down

    Günter F. Kelm stands down from his position as CEO as of 31 December and is replaced by his successor Albert M. Baehny.

  64. 2003

    New building in Manno

    The Italian sales company moves into a new administration and customer training building in Manno (CH).

  65. Sales Company in Russia

    Geberit opens an official sales company in Moscow (RU).

  66. 2002

    Expansion in the USA

    Geberit expands its operations in the USA and acquires all shares in the Chicago Faucet Company headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois; shortly afterwards, it also acquires WC Technology Corporation in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

  67. Acquisition of Huter interests

    Geberit acquires an interest in Huter Vorfertigung GmbH, a company based in Matrei am Brenner (AT). It will acquire the remaining shares in 2004.

  68. New sales company in Autralia

    A new sales company is opened in Australia with its headquarters based in Sydney.

  69. 2000

    New Information Centre in Jona

    The new Geberit Information Centre is opened in Jona (CH).

  70. 1999

    Going public at Swiss Stock Exchange

    Geberit successfully goes public on the Swiss Stock Exchange. At the same time, it introduces an attractive employee participation plan.

  71. New logistics centre

    A new logistics centre commences operations in Pfullendorf (DE).

  72. 1998

    Sales surpass one billion Swiss francs

    For the first time, Geberit Group sales surpass one billion Swiss francs. The company begins preparations for a listing on the stock exchange.

  73. 1997

    Family shareholders sell company

    The family shareholders sell the company to the British investment company Doughty Hanson & Co. The Group Executive Board, together with other executive managers, acquires an interest in the company and thus preserves the operational independence of the Geberit Group.

  74. New laboratory in Jona

    The building technology and acoustics laboratory in Jona (CH) is completed.

  75. Prosan is acquired

    Prosan, a company based in Ruše (SI), is acquired. It produces concealed cisterns and interior fittings for ceramic cisterns.

  76. 1995

    Deriplast is fully taken over

    Deriplast S.p.A., a plastic pipe manufacturer from Villadose (IT), is fully taken over; Geberit had held a minority interest of 26% since 1989.

  77. 1992

    Geberit Lichtenstein founded

    Geberit Lichtenstein GmbH is founded in St. Egidien, Saxony (DE); from this point onwards it produces installation elements and frames.

  78. 1991

    Founding family retires

    The members of the founding family retire from operational management. In the following years, the new CEO, Günter F. Kelm, leads the restructuring of the Geberit Group, with the sales, production and services activities being grouped into separate divisions while all research and development activities are centralised at the Jona site (CH).

  79. 1990

    New plant in Pottenbrunn

    A new plant is constructed in Pottenbrunn (AT).

  80. Information Centre in Pfullendorf

    A new Geberit Information Centre is constructed in Pfullendorf (DE).

  81. First environmental strategy

    The first comprehensive environmental strategy is developed.

  82. 1985

    Acquisition of Sanbloc

    Acquisition of Sanbloc GmbH in Weilheim (DE). This company manufactures prefabrication components.

  83. 1984

    Information Centre in Manno

    A Geberit Information Centre specifically for the Italian market is opened in Manno (CH).

  84. New sales company in Denmark

    The local sales company for Denmark is founded, with its headquarters in Lystrup.

  85. 1978

    Geberella Shower Toilet launched

    The Geberella shower toilet is launched; the WC enhancement solution is sold until 1993.

  86. 1977

    First installation systems

    With the introduction of installation systems, the range of products is expanded.

  87. 1976

    Geberit becomes Holding

    Geberit’s corporate structure is reorganised and Geberit Holding SA established.

  88. Expansion into the USA

    Geberit expands into the USA and establishes the subsidiary Geberit Manufacturing Inc. with its headquarters in Michigan City, Indiana.

  89. 1973

    New sales company in Amsterdam

    The local sales company for the Netherlands is founded, with its headquarters in Amsterdam.

  90. 20 years Heinrich and Klaus Gebert

    For a period of 20 years, the brothers Heinrich and Klaus Geberit have been at the helm of the enterprise that has become an international corporation by now.

  91. 1972

    New technology for cisterns

    Blow moulding technology is introduced; this enables the rationalised production of cisterns.

  92. New Plant in Pottenbrunn

    Geberit opens a new plant in Pottenbrunn (AT), 50 kilometres west of Vienna.

  93. Sales company in Belgium

    The local sales company for Belgium is founded, with its headquarters in Brussels.

  94. 1967

    New plant in Pfullendorf

    A completely new factory is opened in Pfullendorf (DE).

  95. 1964

    First concealed cistern

    Introduction of the first concealed cistern.

  96. 1962

    Expansion in Jona

    Geberit expands further and moves into new premises in the industrial park in Jona (CH), Rapperswil’s neighbouring municipality.

  97. 1959

    Sales company in Paris

    The local sales company for France is founded, with its headquarters in Paris.

  98. 1957

    Venture into drainage technology

    As a logical consequence of the market success experienced by the plastic cisterns, Geberit takes up production in the area of drainage technology. In this field, the company also predominantly uses plastic, producing traps and other moulded components from polyethylene (PE).

  99. 1955

    Sales company in Pfullendorf

    The German sales company is founded in Pfullendorf. It has its own production facilities.

  100. 1953

    Geberit is being registered

    The name “Geberit” is registered as a trademark and is used as the brand name and quality label for all Geberit products from this point on.

  101. Third generation takes over

    With Heinrich (1917-2007) and Klaus Gebert (1926-1998), the third generation of the founding family takes over management of the ailing company.

  102. 1952

    First plastic cistern

    The first plastic cistern is produced, with the company experiencing a marked upswing in the wake of this product breakthrough.

  103. 1939

    Flat roofs instead of cisterns

    During the Second World War, the company keeps afloat by building flat roofs made of pumice slabs, with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich among its clients (picture: Swiss National Exhibition in 1939, Zurich).

  104. 1935

    Venture into plastic processing

    The company ventures into the new field of plastics processing, at this time a very new technique – a groundbreaking development.

  105. 1929

    First foreign office

    Albert Emil Gebert opens the company’s first foreign office with retail depot in Paris.

  106. 1921

    New manufacturing building

    In the new manufacturing building on Falkenstrasse, production is concentrated on lead-lined cisterns with brass and lead mechanisms and ballcocks; traps and stop valves made of lead for the acids industry are soon added to the range of products.

  107. 1916

    Purchase of plot in Rapperswil

    A milestone is reached in the history of Geberit with the purchase of a plot in the Falkenstrasse in Rapperswil (CH). Albert Emil Gebert buys a 1,493 m2 piece of land for the price of 8.50 Swiss francs per square metre; construction of the new production plant begins the next year.

  108. 1912

    First patent for “Phönix”

    The first patent for the “Phönix” wooden cistern is registered. The company is soon supplying customers throughout Switzerland and neighbouring countries with this reliable cistern.

  109. 1909

    First swiss cisterns

    The first cisterns produced in Switzerland leave the production plant in Rapperswil.

  110. Sons take over

    After the death of their father, the sons Albert Emil Gebert (1880-1969) and Leo Gebert (1888-1964) take over the business.

  111. 1905

    First lead-lined wooden cistern

    The sons Albert Emil and Leo Gebert succeed in manufacturing the first, lead-lined wooden cistern with lead fittings; called “Phönix”, this product is the cornerstone for future growth.

  112. 1897

    Purchase of “Phönix” property

    The ”Phönix” property on the sunny side of the Engelplatz is purchased. One year later, the workshop is moved to these premises and a store is opened on the ground floor.

  113. 1876

    Founder marries and buys property

    The company founder marries Josefina Domeisen, three years his junior. He purchases the corner property at Herrenberg 25/Halsgasse 39 from her family. The marriage produces the sons Albert Emil and Leo Gebert.

  114. 1874

    Caspar Gebert opens tinsmith business

    Caspar Melchior Albert Gebert (1850-1909) of St. Gallenkappel, Switzerland, opens tinsmith business on the Engelplatz in the old town quarter of Rapperswil (CH).