The history of Schenker Storen

A sustainable success story spanning 140 years. The story behind Schenker Storen, number 1 in the Swiss sun and weather protection market, is long and varied. This traditional company stands head and shoulders above the rest thanks to its comprehensive, innovative product range, and its high-quality installation services and support.

Founded in 1881

It all started in 1881, in an ordinary barn in Schönenwerd, in the canton of Solothurn. In those modest surroundings, Emil Schenker made innovative blinds that were completely ahead of their time. Word soon spread about the quality of his products providing the platform for the company’s steady growth.

First application for a patent

The company’s innovative streak set it apart, right from the word go. It already applied for its first patent for a window blind design in 1895.

Emil Schenker & Co. AG

The company, Emil Schenker, underwent a name change in 1934 to become Emil Schenker & Co. AG, and then again in 1984 to become Schenker Storen AG, as it is still known today. Its propensity for innovation, however, has not changed over the years and remains as vibrant as at the time of its founder. Schenker Storen opened its first branches in Zurich and Western Switzerland.

Post-war years

After the Second World War, the company focused increasingly on the production of slat blinds. While celebrating its 75th anniversary in 1956, Schenker Storen could look back on 18 years of a continuous upward trend in sales. And its workforce had grown to 216 strong.

1970s

Schenker Storen became known for its frequent product launches: 1974 saw the introduction of the classic all-metal blind GM 100, which was later developed to become today’s GM 200; 1976 marked the appearance of the compact venetian blind VR 90, and 2002 the metal compact venetian blind MV 90. Schenker Storen continued to expand and now offers a wide range of blinds. In addition to its slat blinds, it also offers awnings, extendable blinds, vertical blinds, sunshades and central control units. The service business, which provides a great deal of support, is also a core part of the company. Its network of branches has extended to 16 sites throughout Switzerland. The company currently employs 570 people.

Modern times through to today

In 1984, Schenker Storen was the first company in its sector to be ISO 9001 certified. This significant step reflected its unwavering dedication to quality. It has also been certified according to the standards ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 – once again, Schenker Storen was the first in its sector to attain these certifications.

Schenker Storen has manufactured its fabric products in its own factory in Thanvillé, in France, since 1988.

In 2011, Schenker Storen replaced EHRET GmbH (from Mahlberg in Germany) as market leader for aluminium folding and sliding shutters. This secured Schenker Storen’s position as the number 1 for sun and weather protection in Switzerland.