The brand name OWA, established in 1964, has been synonymous with a unique entrepreneurial success story.
Since founding our company and in addition to our internatinoal corporate alignment we have focussed on strengthening the industrial site of Amorbach. From healthy and informal structures, as a global leader of modern ceiling systems we rely on the vast wealth of experience that we have accumulated. We present the most important cornerstones of our corporate history below.
The State Office for Wood in Munich approved the construction of a wood fibre board plant in Amorbach (11th November, 1946).
The ground-breaking ceremony – the factory is erected (17th March, 1947).
Foundation of Holzfaserplattenwerk Odenwald GmbH and start of production with 60 employees.
Inauguration of the plant, start of production of wood fibre insulation boards.
Deutsche BAU Würzburg, the first construction trade fair after the war.
The first wood fibre board Dachowa is manufactured.
Expansion of hall 1, significant increase in production.
Launch of sales to France.
During a visit to America, Friedrich-Karl Rogge becomes aware of a board made of mineral fibres and recognizes the suitability of the material for ceiling tiles. Mineral fibre is a material that is optimally suited to the manufacture of fire protection ceilings.
Ceremonial launch of mineral wool in Germany.
Development of the first production line for acoustic tiles made of wood and mineral fibres.
Company renamed to Odenwald Faserplattenwerk GmbH. The OWA brand is created.
Promotion of environmental production. Production is connected to the new natural gas pipeline.
Following his training in the USA and taking the examination to become Diplom-Wirtschaftsingenieur [graduate in industrial engineering], Dirk Rogge joins the company and becomes its technical manager.
Friedrich-Karl Rogge celebrates his 60th birthday, the speech is given by Prime Minister Dr. Alfons Goppel.
OWA celebrates its 25th company anniversary.
Planning, development and commencement of mineral wool production. This way OWA creates its own raw material base for the production of mineral wool.
Considerable expansion of the existing raw tile production line. Over 40 million DM are spent in the following years on air pollution control, prevent noise and vibrations and on sewerage and waste management; 7 million DM alone are spent on setting up a highly modern electro filter for exhaust air purification. Best year yet in the company’s history, highest production output.
Friedrich-Karl Rogge receives the The Federal Cross of Merit [Große Bundesverdienstkreuz der Bundesrepublik Deutschland] from Economics Minister Anton Jaumann.
Dirk Rogge takes over technical management
R.A. Wagenmann becomes commercial director.
The fourth raw tile production line commences operations, capacity is expanded by approximately 60%.
Friedrich-Karl Rogge celebrates his 80th birthday, is awarded the State Medal for outstanding services to the Bavarian economy and is nominated honorary citizen of Amorbach. OWA is certified according to DIN EN 9001.
Modernisation and conversion of the mineral fibre facility to a new raw material: biodegradable KI40 wool. Components: sand, lime, waste glass and dolomite. Introduction of the new biodegradable mineral wool (white wool) – environmentally-friendly basis of the future OWAcoustic ceiling systems.
OWA celebrates its 50th birthday (24th September, 1998). First ground-breaking ceremony and building starts on the innovative office building.
Administration department moves to the “House of Ceilings”, a pioneering office building at the time. In 2012 it was certified with the LEED® standard for existing buildings and awarded gold rating.
OWA celebrates the new millennium as a market-leading company in its sector and one of the most important employers in the Bavarian Untermain region.
Opening of a production facility for OWAconstruct rail systems in China together with our joint venture partner Buima Group Inc. Production according to German and European quality standards. OWA launches its own rail system.
OWA wins the E.ON environmental award.
With the ceremonial unveiling of a dedication plaque on 11th May, 2012, the Board of Management and the workforce honour Dirk Rogge for his life’s work.
Launch of the design ceiling collection OWAconsult collection.
Management taken over by Maximilian von Funck, a grandson of company founder Friedrich-Karl Rogge, and Jürgen Theobald.
Introduction of the holistic recycling concept OWA Green circle and 10-year anniversary of OWA Metallic ptc. Ltd in China.
Norbert Müller joins the Board of Management. He has had close ties with OWA since his training.
Presentation of the Corpus product line at the BAU trade fair in Munich. Awarded the German Design Award and MIAW Award for Corpus.
Foundation of additional OWA sales companies in China and in the U.S.
Awarded the Reddot (Best of Best) design award for Corpus, Iconic Award:Interior Design/Innovative Architecture (both Best of Best category), iF Award and the China Good Design Award for the OWAconsult collection.
Sustainable investment in one of the most modern filter systems in Europe.
Start of business activities of our sales office in Australia.
On July 1, 2024, Mr. Sascha Maciejewski took up his position as Managing Director for the Finance / Controlling / Administration divisions. The business will thus be jointly managed by Mr. Theobald and Mr. Maciejewski.
