Since 1924: Safety through Quality
Our History
From Workshop to Specialist
Since 1924, the name FUKA has stood for precise manufacturing, reliable technology, and uncompromising safety in Cologne. Workshop and craftsmanship evolved over three generations into an internationally sought-after specialist for elevator components.
Today, we combine a craftsmanship foundation with modern production – and remain true to our core: Safety through Quality.
Milestones of Our History
Our Beginnings – 1924 Foundation in Cologne-Ehrenfeld
The company was founded in 1924 by Alfred Hartmann as "Turning and Mechanical Workshop" in Cologne-Ehrenfeld. What began as a small workshop grew in the early years, in which it primarily served the machinery industry and as a supplier for companies in the region. In the first decades, the company was classically engaged in industrial mechanical engineering and as a supplier for regional companies. The company grew during a time of inventions and technical progress, but also experienced some of the darkest times Germany has ever seen. Despite all political and economic upheavals, one thing remained constant: precision, pragmatism, and reliability – values that still define the work today.
Post-war Period – Reconstruction and First Steps into Elevator Technology
In the reconstruction years from 1945 onwards, the elevator industry also experienced an upswing. The "Turning and Mechanical Workshop" was a sought-after supplier for companies in the industry during this time. During these years, the first touchpoints with the elevator industry emerged: elevator drives and traction sheaves were developed and repaired – made possible by the existing machine park, practical know-how, and a distinctly pragmatic approach. In parallel, the company remained a broad and flexible manufacturing house in the field of industrial activities. During this phase, Rudolf Fuka Sr. joined the company. He created initial structures and led the company out of the status of a mere workshop.
1950s – Diversity and Growing Proximity to Elevator Technology
In the 1950s, the focus on elevator technology continued. The company continued to work for various industrial sectors, primarily supplying mechanical components: suppliers for metalworking. Steadily, however, the share of work for elevator companies grew slowly: gears, traction sheaves, and Deflector Sheaves were serviced for regional elevator companies and, when needed, newly manufactured. What initially began as a supplementary field of activity gradually developed into a rather focused positioning. The company gained experience and gradually specialized in the production and servicing of elevator technology components. The explicit specialization in elevator technology components.
1960s – Entry of Rudolf Fuka Jr. and Shared Responsibility
The 1960s mark the entry of Rudolf Fuka Jr. (father of the current managing director) into the company. With his entry, the focus on the elevator industry solidified, and structural professionalization was further developed – an important foundation for the company's later deep system competence. In parallel, FUKA was already retrofitting these drives from single-circuit to dual-circuit brake systems upon customer request, meaning two independently operating brake circuits. This was already standard at that time and underlines the commitment to actively advancing safety through technology.
1970s – Clear Industry Focus on Elevators
In the 1970s, the focus of activities shifted increasingly toward the elevator industry. The general mechanical engineering supplier became a specialized company with a clear positioning as a specialist for high-quality elevator components.
Pioneering Achievement of the 1970s – Modernizations and First Brake Systems
During this time, FUKA proved that these drives were already being further developed upon customer request – an important foundation for the company's later deep system competence. In parallel, FUKA was already retrofitting these drives from single-circuit to dual-circuit brake systems upon customer request, meaning two independently operating brake circuits. This was already standard at that time and underlines the commitment to actively advancing safety through technology.
1980 – Move to Cologne-Longerich
The move to the Cologne-Longerich location marks an important growth step: more space, higher capacities – and increased focus on the production and servicing of traction components.
1990s – Internationalization & Technological Leap
The European opening and increasing globalization led to strong export growth. The number of FUKA products used outside Germany increased significantly. 1994 saw decisive steps with the first CNC machining machine and the first FUKA brand Interlift – milestones for precision and visibility in the market.
1998–2004 – Generational Change & New Corporate Form
In 1998, Torsten, the latest generation, joined the company, continuing the generational tradition in the next generation. In 2000, Rudolf Fuka GmbH was founded, and the company received its current corporate form. In 2004, Birgit Zaunegger (née Fuka), another family member, joined the company. Together, they increasingly assumed responsibility for the further development of the business.
2003–2013 – Location and Competence Expansion
In 2003, another move took place: significantly larger premises in Cologne-Ossendorf. Expansions in 2007 and 2012 created additional production and development areas. With the 2012 extension, a separate area for modernization components was also created. In 2013, the integration of ferro-design followed, further increasing production depth, flexibility, and responsiveness. In parallel, quality management was professionalized and certified based on ISO 9001:2015.
Today – Worldwide Specialist for Elevator Components
Today, an experienced team of 30 employees works on components and solutions that are used in elevator systems worldwide. The export quota is well over 60 percent. Customers include elevator manufacturers and modernization companies worldwide. Since January 2024, the cooperation with Hyperion Solutions additionally opens access to the North American market.
FUKA Today
Internationally positioned – rooted in Cologne
Today, an experienced team of 30 employees works on components and solutions that are used in elevator systems worldwide. The export quota is well over 60 percent. Customers include elevator manufacturers and modernization companies worldwide. Since January 2024, the cooperation with Hyperion Solutions additionally opens access to the North American market.
- 100+
- Years of Experience
- 30+
- Employees
- 60+
- Countries Worldwide
- 60%+
- Export Quota
Outlook
Tradition meets Innovation
The history of FUKA stands for the connection between tradition and innovation: craftsmanship experience, technical pioneering spirit, and clear customer proximity. In the future, the core remains unwavering: Safety through Quality – complemented by international development, modern manufacturing, new modernization and safety solutions, and sustainable practices.
Craftsmanship Precision
Decades of experience and the highest quality standards in manufacturing
Pragmatic Customer Proximity
Direct communication, fast solutions, and reliable partnership
Courage to Evolve
From dual-circuit brakes to digital manufacturing – innovation is part of our DNA
Learn More About FUKA?
Contact us for more information about our history and our products.