Congratulating JELD-WEN’s Oettingen, Germany plant on a half century of growth, innovation and excellence.
11/30/2023
50 years of excellence
Oettingen, Germany – a town in Bavaria situated by the River Wörnitz, a tributary of the famous Danube – may be best known as the home of the main brewery and headquarters of Oettinger, the country’s best-selling beer from 2004 to 2013.
The ancient city is also home to the Schloss Oettingen, a Baroque castle in the center of the city that was built between 1679 and 1687. It’s still in the same aristocratic family it was built for centuries ago.
But we’d like to add something to that list: Oettingen is also home to an expert door manufacturer who recently celebrated an incredible 50 years in business.
The ancient city is also home to the Schloss Oettingen, a Baroque castle in the center of the city that was built between 1679 and 1687. It’s still in the same aristocratic family it was built for centuries ago.
But we’d like to add something to that list: Oettingen is also home to an expert door manufacturer who recently celebrated an incredible 50 years in business.
Embracing growth in Oettingen
The Oettingen plant is one of four JELD-WEN facilities in Germany. It specializes in crafting interior wood doors for both our JELD-WEN brand and our German DIY brand, KILSGAARD.
Founded in 1973 by Moralt Fertigelemente GmbH, the plant manufactures high-quality interior doors and, until 2000, frames. Through five decades of new technology, acquisitions and expansions, what was a plant with only 94 employees now has a staff of more than 600.
Less than five years after its founding, the Oettingen plant produced its one millionth door. Now, 50 years later, that number has surpassed 32 million.
The Oettingen team has embraced new technologies over the years, allowing them to increase productivity. Through technological upgrades such as a new laminating line in 2004 and a new production and delivery system called “5plus” in 2009, the plant can now manufacture more than 6,000 doors in a single day.
Throughout all the growth, one thing has remained constant: the team’s dedication to producing the highest quality doors.
“I have been part of the Oettingen team for the last 37 of the plant’s 50 years,” says plant manager Wolfgang Oswald. “We have learned our lessons over the many years of ups and downs and know what is important and what our customers expect from us. With this spirit, a little better every day, the site has an excellent future ahead of it.”
Partying like it’s 1973
Half a century deserves to be celebrated and the employees at JELD-WEN’s Oettingen plant did just that. They invited customers and neighbors from the region to several celebrations and events. Those events gave the team the opportunity to showcase their new JELD-WEN campus, where training, workshops, get-togethers and more will take place.
The biggest celebration took place on Sept. 23. It was an employee party and a family-friendly open house for the entire region. More than 2,000 guests came to celebrate the milestone anniversary and see the new space.
Behind-the-scenes tours of the production facilities – where guests could see how JELD-WEN products go from raw materials to finished doors – were among the highlights. Guests also journeyed back in time to explore the history and evolution of the Oettingen plant.
The biggest celebration took place on Sept. 23. It was an employee party and a family-friendly open house for the entire region. More than 2,000 guests came to celebrate the milestone anniversary and see the new space.
Behind-the-scenes tours of the production facilities – where guests could see how JELD-WEN products go from raw materials to finished doors – were among the highlights. Guests also journeyed back in time to explore the history and evolution of the Oettingen plant.
Employees ensure success
A more intimate event honoring JELD-WEN customers was held two days prior to the community celebration. During that event, the team gave factory tours and showcased JELD-WEN’s 5plus system.
At the event, leaders awarded seven employees for their dedication to the company. Two employees were recognized for their 46-year tenure and five employees were spotlighted in celebration of their 40-year anniversaries at Oettingen.
At the event, leaders awarded seven employees for their dedication to the company. Two employees were recognized for their 46-year tenure and five employees were spotlighted in celebration of their 40-year anniversaries at Oettingen.
“We have learned our lessons over the many years of ups and downs and know what is important and what our customers expect from us. With this spirit, a little better every day, the site has an excellent future ahead of it.”
Wolfgang Oswald plant manager
Germany and JELD-WEN
Germany is central to the JELD-WEN story.
The company began in 1960 when American entrepreneur Richard “Dick” Wendt bought an Oregon, USA millwork plant with 15 employees. That was nearly a century after the first Wendts left Mecklenburg, Germany, to start a new life in the new world.
Incidentally, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA – JELD-WEN’s headquarters city – is in Mecklenburg County, named to commemorate the marriage of King George III to Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, for whom the city is named.
As the JELD-WEN Europe website points out: “It was perhaps only natural that JELD-WEN should eventually make the hop back over the Atlantic.”
Happy 50th anniversary, team Oettingen. And thanks for all you do to elevate and strengthen the JELD-WEN brand every day.
The company began in 1960 when American entrepreneur Richard “Dick” Wendt bought an Oregon, USA millwork plant with 15 employees. That was nearly a century after the first Wendts left Mecklenburg, Germany, to start a new life in the new world.
Incidentally, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA – JELD-WEN’s headquarters city – is in Mecklenburg County, named to commemorate the marriage of King George III to Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, for whom the city is named.
As the JELD-WEN Europe website points out: “It was perhaps only natural that JELD-WEN should eventually make the hop back over the Atlantic.”
Happy 50th anniversary, team Oettingen. And thanks for all you do to elevate and strengthen the JELD-WEN brand every day.