The family business Grando looks back on a proud 100 year history and today stands worldwide for exclusive and innovative swimming pool covers. The company has become one of the leading manufacturers of automatic swimming pool covers and custom pool cover systems.
The family business Grando looks back on a proud 100 year history and today stands worldwide for exclusive and innovative pool cover solutions. The success story began in 1924 in Bergisch Gladbach, when Hubert Granderath founded a small carpentry workshop. In its early years the company was defined by craftsmanship and traditional values. Yet it was the founder’s son, Robert Granderath, who would ultimately lead Grando to international success.
After the devastation of the Second World War, during which both the family home and the workshop were heavily damaged and Hubert Granderath passed away, Robert together with his foster mother Anni took on the task of rebuilding the business. In 1947 he completed his journeyman’s examination and in 1954 he obtained the master craftsman qualification in carpentry. Robert Granderath proved to be a highly innovative entrepreneur who constantly searched for new ways to ensure the long term success of the company.
A major turning point came with the development of roller shutters, which later formed the basis for his greatest invention: the automatic swimming pool cover. Initially he experimented with producing small paddling pools for his children. Demand quickly grew and he soon began manufacturing transportable swimming pools made of hardboard panels. At the international garden and leisure trade fair SPOGA in 1960 he presented these pools and achieved considerable success. His most significant milestone followed in 1963 when he developed the world’s first fully automatic roller shutter cover for swimming pools. The patent was filed in 1964 and finally granted in 1974, an innovation that would shape the company for decades.
To this day Grando is regarded as the original in the field of swimming pool covers. Through continuous development and a strong focus on quality and custom manufacturing, the company has introduced a wide range of cover systems to the market. Grando offers an individual solution for almost every pool while combining design with functionality. Special attention is given to sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental protection. Modern Grando cover systems can reduce energy costs by up to 80 percent and significantly limit water evaporation. Another highlight is the Grando solar profile, which not only stores heat in the water but also captures solar energy and transfers it directly to the pool. As a result, the water remains pleasantly warm throughout the bathing season without additional heating costs, significantly reducing overall operating expenses.
But how does the path to the right pool cover begin? Specialized pool dealers transmit the exact pool measurements required for production planning. Based on these specifications, detailed engineering calculations are carried out to ensure that all structural requirements and technical specifications are fully met. Production drawings are then created and serve as the central template for the entire manufacturing process before being forwarded to the respective production departments.
In the first production phase the necessary built in components are manufactured, forming the basis of the system. This is followed by the production of the shaft, the drive unit and the roller shutter curtain. Depending on the system type and installation variant, additional extensions and accessories such as guide tracks, claddings or pendulum sliders are also produced.
Once all components have been completed, the commissioning process begins. During this stage the various parts are assembled and carefully checked for completeness. Depending on the type of transport, the components are then carefully packaged to ensure safe and damage free delivery. These precisely planned and executed steps guarantee that the final product meets the highest quality standards and fully meets customer expectations.
The company has evolved from a small carpentry workshop into an international market leader and is now represented in more than 50 countries. Grando’s success is also reflected in the more than 100 awards the company has received both nationally and internationally. Even today the company remains family run. The sons of Robert Granderath, Bert and Frank Granderath, lead the business in the third generation, while the fourth generation is already actively involved. Robert Granderath, who worked tirelessly for the company until his death in 2012, left behind a legacy that extends far beyond the borders of Bergisch Gladbach. With a spirit of innovation, deep roots in traditional values and a clear vision for the future, Grando continues to be a pioneer in the industry even after 100 years.
