100 Years of Innovation Timeline

100 years of innovation

Werner is celebrating 100 years of innovation. For a century, the Werner name has stood for the development of new products that help you work faster and safer. From home improvement projects to jobsites everywhere, Werner helps you reach new heights.


1922 | 1930 | 1940 | 1950 | 1960 | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2020 |


Timeline

1922

R.D. Werner launches a carpet and flooring supply company that includes metal floor and wall mouldings.

1922 R.D. Werner

Timeline

1935

Metal mouldings are marketed nationwide under the name Chromtrim™.

1935 Chromtrim

Timeline

1939

Anticipating metal shortages as war looms, R.D. Werner Co. becomes one of the first companies to extrude plastic.

1939 Extrusion Machine

Timeline

1941


During World War II, R.D. Werner Co. becomes a prime contractor for the U.S. Navy manufacturing plastic inhibitor strips for rockets.

1941-1945 World War II

Extrusion scraps were used to make plastic toys and household trim.

1941-1945 Plastic Toys

Timeline

1951

R.D. Werner Co. begins manufacturing complete ladders for homeowners rather than knockdown kits requiring assembly.

1951 Ladders

Alflo twist-proof rung joints are developed revolutionizing extension ladder design by providing a stronger rung-to-rail connection resulting in improved rigidity and Twist Proof® performance.

1951 Alflo

Timeline

1953

Stages and scaffolds are added to the Werner product line.

1953-1957 Scaffold Stages

Timeline

1963

R.D. Werner Co. pioneers the field of fiberglass pultrusion and introduces fiberglass ladders to the climbing industry.

1963 Fiberglass Ladder

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1977

Gunther the Gorilla is developed as the company’s mascot to improve product visibility. He is eventually used across all marketing materials.

1977-1994 Gunther

Timeline

1980


R.D. Werner Co. acquires Florida Ladder and additional wood ladder manufacturers.

1980s Ladders

Timeline

1995

New logo introduced.

1995 Werner Logo

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1999

Werner acquires Keller Ladder, Inc. assets.

1999 Keller Ladder Logo

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2003

Werner introduces FiberGraphix™ printed rails with the launch of the USA stars & stripes fiberglass ladder.

2003 FiberGraphix

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2006

Werner launches the MT series of multi-position ladders featuring an adjustable telescoping design.

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2006 MT Series

Timeline

2007

Launch of the Werner Performance System simplifying ladder selection.

Incorporation of “New Werner Holding Co” that carries forward the Werner brand name and the tradition of excellence.

2007 Performance System

Werner launches the Equalizer® with built-in leveling.

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2007 Equalizer

Werner becomes the Official Ladder of NCAA® Basketball.

2007 Basketball Ladder

Timeline

2008

Werner acquires Green Bull Ladder assets.

2008 Green Bull Ladder Logo

Timeline

2011

Werner brand launched in the U.K..

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2011 Werner Logo UK

Timeline

2012

Werner Co. expands its product line to include fall protection harnesses and equipment.

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2012 Werner Fall Protection

Timeline

2013

Werner launches the Podium Ladder.

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2013 Werner PODIUM Ladder

Timeline

2016

Werner joins the Safety Stand Down jobsite training program.

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2016 Safety Stand-Down

Timeline

2017

The Werner Performance System is updated to simplify and enhance the shopping experience at retail.

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2017 Performance System

In Climbing products, the new LEANSAFE® ladder is introduced.

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2017 Werner LEANSAFE

In the Fall Protection category, Werner launches the Proform™ F3 harness featuring built-in relief cords.

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2017 Werner ProForm F3 Fall Protection Harness

Timeline

2019

Werner adopts Chair in the Air™ as a standard safety feature across the fall protection line.

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2019 Werner Chair in the Air Fall Protection

Timeline

2020

Werner launches LEANSAFE® X3 multi-function ladder.

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2020 Werner LEANSAFE X3 Ladder

Timeline

2021

Werner launches the LEANSAFE® X5. 

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2021 Werner LEANSAFE X5 Ladder

Werner launches the Glidesafe™ easy operating extension ladder. 

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2021 Werner GLIDESAFE Extension Ladder

Werner launches the Multi-Max Pro. 

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2021 Werner Multi-Max Pro Multiladder

WernerCo acquires Climbtech, manufacturer and designer of exclusive Fall Protection anchors.

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2021 Climbtech Logo

Timeline

2022

Continuous global expansion of the Werner brand; introduction of a complete portfolio of ladders and mobile towers in Continental Europe.

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2022 Werner DACH Region Expansion