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VELUX has celebrated its 70th anniversary of its official launch in the UK. Since its inception, the Danish manufacturer has been transforming living spaces with daylight and fresh air, continually driving innovation and sustainability in the built environment.
The VELUX journey in the UK began even before the official establishment of its business in June 1954. The company recognised the potential to revolutionise attic spaces post-WW2 in London, providing much-needed housing solutions for displaced populations. The first VELUX roof window was installed in London in 1948, and the introduction of the top-hung VELUX GGL window in 1968 significantly boosted the company’s growth across the UK.
“We are extremely proud of the achievements of VELUX over the last seven decades,” said Alex O’dell, vice president of VELUX Great Britain and Ireland. “Our success is largely due to our committed local employees and our unwavering dedication to innovation and sustainability. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing to transform spaces with daylight and fresh air through the roof.”
In the early 1970s, VELUX relocated its primary activities from London to Scotland, establishing the first VELUX factory outside Denmark. This strategic move allowed the company to expand its manufacturing capabilities and better serve the growing UK market. By March 1973, the Glenrothes factory had produced its first roof window, marking the beginning of a new chapter for VELUX in the UK.
Continuous growth and sustainable practices
Throughout the decades, VELUX has maintained a steadfast commitment to running a responsible business and to increasingly use technologies and materials to reduce the carbon footprint from its products and production. In 2006, the company was awarded The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Innovation, a testament to its pioneering efforts in sustainable development. Despite the challenges posed by the global recession, VELUX invested in a new flagship facility in Fife, which opened in 2020, reinforcing its commitment to the local community and sustainable practices.
Celebrating the milestone
To commemorate its 70th anniversary, VELUX will host a full-day conference for all UK and Ireland employees at its office in Glenrothes on June 28, followed by an evening celebration in Edinburgh. This event will not only celebrate the company’s rich history and achievements but also highlight the dedication of its employees, many of whom have seen multiple generations work at VELUX.
