Webasto Roofing Systems is a subsidiary of Webasto SE of Germany. A family-owned business since it was founded in 1901, the Webasto Group in Stockdorf near Munich has been setting new technological standards again and again ever since. The company, which has been developing and manufacturing products for the automotive industry for over 75 years, is among the world’s largest 100 suppliers for the automotive industry and one of Germany’s top 15 automotive suppliers. In 2021, Webasto generated sales of over 5 Billion Euros and employs more than 15,000 employees worldwide.
In 1974 Webasto North America was established in the United States and in 1984 a joint venture was formed with Magna International of Canada and our name changed to Webasto Sunroofs Inc. We moved to Rochester Hills, MI in 1985 and established our stamping operation in October 1987. The Test and Development facility opened in November 1989. Due to tremendous growth in North America, a Lexington, Kentucky facility was opened in the summer of 1998. In the summer of 2000, Webasto A.G. purchased Magna International’s 50% share of Webasto Sunroofs Inc; subsequently, our name changed to Webasto Roof Systems Inc. Since that time our business has grown at a rapid pace. We have begun making complete roof systems and are the leaders in big roof systems.
Original Equipment and Aftermarket Consumer Goods
Core competencies include the development and production of complete roof and convertible roof systems for cars as well as heating, cooling and ventilation systems for cars, commercial, specialty and recreational vehicles and marine. In addition, the company offers parking heaters and sunroofs for retrofitting by the end consumers. The know-how acquired in the automotive industry is specifically targeted to other types of vehicles. One example is the moveable roof systems for the marine market segment.
A glance into history – our name
Why is Webasto called Webasto? The idea originated with the company founder Wilhelm Baier Senior in 1908 when he moved his factory for stamped parts, wire holders and home appliances from Esslingen to Stockdorf just outside Munich. The name comes from the initials Wilhelm Baier, Stockdorf. The move to Bavaria was based on the first boom of the bicycle industry early in the last century and the necessary proximity to the customer. Webasto focused increasingly on accessories such as wheels, fenders and chain guards and many of the customers at the time were located in Italy. When the automobile began its definitive worldwide triumph in the thirties of the twentieth century, Webasto turned into an automotive supplier. The project began in 1932: Wilhelm Baier constructed the first automotive folding rood that could be opened or closed with just a few simple steps. Only three years later, he created a so-called “vehicle fresh-air heater” for water-cooled engines. It later became famous under the name “Flüstertüte.”
For more details about the Webasto history please visit: www.webasto-group.com
