HISTORY
GLOBAL PLAYER
WITH STRONG ROOTS
FULTERER is a family enterprise now in the hands of the third generation. Our roots can be found in Lustenau, in the beautiful Rhine Valley. Here in Vorarlberg, bordered by the Alps and Lake Constance and at the junction of four countries – Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria and Switzerland – we manufacture premium products for professional drawer slide systems in the heavy-duty segment.
FULTERER was founded in 1956 by Dr Karl Fulterer. He believed that the steel processing industry had a more promising future than the textiles industry in which the family had previously been involved.
He successfully developed the company over three decades, and handed it over to his two sons Manfred and Heinz Fulterer in 1988. FULTERER flourished under their leadership, and in 1989 the first international branch was opened: FULTERER USA, INC. in High Point, NC, in the USA.
In 2006, Manfred Fulterer bought out 100% of shares in the company, and has headed up FULTERER as sole managing director ever since. In order to expand its international presence and improve its market position, in 2007 FULTERER acquired Merz-Meyer AG in nearby Saint Margrethen in Switzerland. This company later became Fulterer AG. Since then, production has taken place at two sites, in Lustenau and in Saint Margrethen.
In 2019, two more international branches were set up: FULTERER GUANGZHOU TRADING CO., LTD. in China and FULTERER MÉXICO S. DE R.L. DE C.V in Mexico. 2022 saw the most recent international expansion with the opening of a field office in Bigorrilho, Brazil, continuing the trend towards global growth.
The company now has 250 employees at eight sites in six different countries. Every day, they do their utmost to meet all the needs of FULTERER customers. The Fulterer family still owns 100% of the company.
TIMELINE
Company founded by Dr Karl Fulterer, who believed the steel processing industry had a more promising future than the textiles industry in which the family had previously been involved.
Company handed over by Dr Karl Fulterer to his two sons Manfred and Heinz Fulterer after being built up over three decades.
FULTERER expands and opens its first international branch: FULTERER USA, INC. in High Point, NC, in the USA.
Sole acquisition of the shares in the company by Manfred Fulterer, who from then on heads up FULTERER as sole managing director.
In order to expand its international presence and improve its market position, FULTERER acquires Merz-Meyer AG in Switzerland.
The toolmaking part of the business moves into its own separate building measuring 1000 m².
New test and development laboratory opened.
Founding of two further international branches: FULTERER GUANGZHOU TRADING CO., LTD. in China and FULTERER MÉXICO S. DE R.L. DE C.V in Mexico.
New 800-tonne stamping and bending machine commissioned.
Establishment of a fully automated assembly line for stainless-steel slides at the Saint Margrethen site.
Founding of FULTERER BRASIL EIRELI in Brazil.
250 employees across six sites in six different countries, who do their utmost every day to meet all the needs of FULTERER customers. The Fulterer family still owns 100% of the company.
CORPORATE PRINCIPLES
We make sure that the professionals behind our drawer slide systems are happy.
As a family-owned business, we believe we have certain responsibilities, whether that’s towards our employees, our customers or society as a whole. Our corporate principles set out a number of objectives that all employees can use to help guide their decisions and their daily work for the company.
Fairness
Fairness towards customers, colleagues, suppliers and society is of the utmost importance to us.
Integrity
We are an innovative family-run enterprise with integrity. Our consistent customer orientation, competence and trustworthiness make us an ideal business partner.
Sustainability
Every employee is a member of our family. Their further education is an investment in a shared future. At FULTERER they become specialists and can rely on a secure job – often for life.
Respect
We treat customers, suppliers and each other with respect; for us this is a key aspect of integrity.
Forward-looking approach
In technical and structural terms, we are focusing on the future and on the further internationalisation of FULTERER. To make this a reality, we train our employees of tomorrow in-house so that they know how to use the latest technologies.
Modesty
Clear, honest and open communication is important to us. The way we see it, you have to talk the talk, but there’s no need to shout from the rooftops.
We want to be an ideal partner for our customers and business partners and an ideal employer for our employees.