The Gretsch-Unitas Group consists of more than 50 manufacturing and trading companies in 35 countries. With the internationally leading brands GU (architectural hardware), BKS (locks, locking systems) and FERCO (architectural hardware) the group offers "Securing Technology for You".
In its divisions window technology, door technology, automatic entrance systems and building management systems, the GU Group manufactures and distributes about 30,000 single items many of which can be combined with each other easily. With 3,700 employees and over 100 years of tradition, we not only develop single products but complete individual solutions for large-scale projects. Together with architects, planners and profile system manufacturers we successfully combine visionary architecture and innovative technology.
Founded in 1907 by Viktor Gretsch, the family-owned enterprise is today managed by the brothers Julius and Michael von Resch.
Since the ats GmbH was founded in 1977 we focused on door automatic issus. Today we are proud to call us one of the innovation leader for door automation. GU Automatic is worldwide known for innovative, secure and reliable solutions in the sectors door automation, all-glass systems and controlled physical access systems. As a member of the GU group, GU Automatic develops and produces all its products in Rietberg, East Westphalia. More than 220 employees in Rietberg will be supported by a nationwide net of sales representatives and own GU subsidiaries as well as skilled partner companies.
After-sales service directly from the manufacturer with its own personnel, optimal product knowledge and use of original replacement parts ensures the greatest functional availability of automatic door systems. Short travel times are ensured by a comprehensive network of service technicians.
All GU Automatic products - no matter if operator or accessory - will be delivered fast and reliable due to our modern logistics.
Foreman Adolf Boge and locksmith Fritz Kasten founded the „Rheinische Türschließerfabrik Boge & Kasten GmbH“ on 8th of May 1903 in Solingen. They developed a door closer, who allowes the door to lock nearly noisless. That was the foundation stone of the company's high reputation. Further developments made it the European market leader, then.
Yale and Town, a US-american enterprise, bougth this company in 1927/1928 and merged it with Damm & Ladwig and "Vereinigte Riegel- und Schlossfabriken" to BKS with headquarter in Velbert. In 1983 it changed to German ownership again and is now part pf the Gretsch- Unitas group.
Since 1934 FERCO produces fittings for windows and doors. Since 1975 it is also a member of the Gretsch-Unitas group. The production site is located in Sarrebourg, France. FERCO owns hight-performance production facilities and presents itself as one of the greatest and most significant fitting companies in Europe - with international standing.
In constant dialogue with architects, trade and window producers FERCO develops innovative ideas for market conform and high-quality products.
1903 Boge & Kasten Solingen (BKS) company is established
1907 Viktor Gretsch founds the companies Hermann Gretsch GmbH and UNITAS Metallwarenfabrik
1910 Johann Maus becomes Managing Director and partner
1924 Gretsch-Unitas applies for a patent for sliding door hardware
1938 BKS develops the round cylinder which is still very common today
1975 Gretsch-Unitas acquires shares of FERCO, France's largest manufacturer of architectural hardware
1979 The GU-SECURY multi-point door lock is developed
1981 AGENA GmbH is established (data processing)
1983 The group incorporates BKS, Germany's best-known manufacturer of locks, door closers, master key systems and panic locks
2000 Takeover of ela-soft, the developer of the successful GEMOS building management software
2001 Incorporation of ATS GmbH (automatic entrance systems) and Tür + Tor Service GmbH & Co. KG (today: GU Automatic GmbH and
GU Service GmbH & Co. KG)
2001 Gretsch-Unitas Logistik GmbH is established
2003 Brand with tradition: BKS GmbH 100 years
2006 BKS is awarded "German brand of the century"
2007 Brand with tradition: Gretsch-Unitas GmbH Baubeschläge 100 years
2009 Change of name of ats GmbH to GU Automatic GmbH, an explicit commitment to GU group
2015 Move of GU Automatic GmbH to Rietberg, extension of production capacity
GU Automatic GmbH
Karl-Schiller-Straße 12
33397 Rietberg
Germany