Chris Cauwenberghs, Head of Western Europe, recently took the new Product & Marketing Manager of Western Europe Patrice Lurmonte to the Roto headquarters and factory in Leinfelden. This wasn’t just a routine visit but a full immersion into the world of Roto. Chris wanted to introduce our new colleague not only to the products and processes, but to the people and the culture that makes the company so successful.
In this article we asked Chris to provide us with an overview of the visit, then gave Patrice a quick Q&A to find out his impressions.
Involving the team
“As well as taking Patrice for this introduction, I also wanted to bring our Western Europe team even closer to the central team in Leinfelden”, Chris explains. “To achieve this, I involved our colleagues in planning the visit. The organisation was virtually perfect, and it’s always great to see the level of attention to detail and passion in everything we do”.
Exploring the product range
The first day was devoted to the showroom with a four-hour deep dive into Roto’s full product offering. Chris guided Patrice through the complete display, starting with Sliding systems, then on to Door, Tilt & Turn and Outward Opening solutions.
“We covered all the product groups – not exhaustively, but thoroughly enough to give Patrice a clear view of the scope and depth,” says Chris. “The product range is extensive, so we took breaks throughout the tour to give him time to digest it all.”
Meeting the team behind the technology
Day two shifted the focus from products to people. Chris introduced Patrice to central colleagues, beginning with the application team. This is the technical core of Roto, responsible for profile checks, market-specific product requests, and high-level technical support.
“This team has deep experience,” says Chris. “Between Michaela, Steffen, and Erkan, there’s over 40 years of combined knowledge.”
Patrice then met with product managers from each business unit — including those responsible for Sliding, Tilt & Turn, Door, Installation & Glazing Equipment and Marketing.
“I would like to thank Christina and Alexander from the Sliding team, Andreas and Andreas from T&T, Theresa and Ulrike from Door, Bea from Documentation, Max from Installation and Glazing equipment, Fabian, our Head of Marketing, and Eberhard who is overall responsible”, says Chris.
The team not only explained their current processes, but also gave Patrice a look at the product roadmap. Both he and Chris were impressed to see how many new possibilities and solutions are being developed.
Innovation in AI and more
On the final day, Chris and Patrice visited the Roto Innovation Lab — a dedicated space where engineers have a blank creative canvas. Here they work on ways to use cutting edge technologies with the objective of expanding services and boosting efficiencies. Philip, the Head of Digital Innovation, presented the team’s work on technologies like AI and explained how they are being integrated into everyday processes.
“We often talk about AI being more extensively used in the future, but these advancements will happen sooner than we think” Chris reflects, “What we saw here is already taking shape at Roto.”
A tour of the logistics and manufacturing operations rounded out the visit, showing how design, production, and delivery come together, all with consistent quality and efficiency. Finally, Patrice was introduced to Karin and the team that organises Roto’s events, including major exhibitions Fensterbau and BAU, plus regional trade shows like Polyclose and HoutPro+.
“Whatever we do at Roto – whether it’s developing hardware or hosting a customer event – we do it with passion and precision”, says Chris. “After 12 years at Roto and many visits to Leinfelden, I’m still amazed at how the company keeps progressing. The improvements literally never stop. I’m really proud to be part of this great team”.
Patrice’s first impressions:
As Roto’s new Product & Marketing Manager for Western Europe, Patrice Lurmonte recently completed his first visit to the company’s headquarters and factory in Leinfelden. We asked him to share his impressions as someone seeing the full scope of Roto for the first time.
Hi Patrice, what was it like to visit Roto Leinfelden for the first time?
“Even from the highway, the Roto logo was clearly visible — but it wasn’t until I arrived that I realised the full scale of the Leinfelden plant. On my first day, I had the chance to visit the showroom with Chris, who gave me a personal tour. Seeing all the different product groups in one space really helped me understand how Roto has evolved. You could clearly see the product journey — for example, from Designo to Roto NX | C in the Tilt & Turn range.”
What stood out to you in the showroom?
“For me personally, the Sliding range caught my eye. The Roto Patio family shows a wide and impressive variety — from the established Patio Inline to the premium systems like Patio Alversa and Patio Inowa. I am particularly drawn to Inowa: a smart, sealed system that offers high energy performance along with smooth operation. “No water no air”. You can tell that Roto is focused not just on mechanics, but on how hardware can contribute to broader goals like energy efficiency.”
Did you get to see the Digital Innovation Lab?
“Yes — and it was a highlight of the visit. I met Philip Jorzik, the head of the Digital Innovation Lab, who shared several ongoing projects. One of the most exciting areas is how artificial intelligence can be integrated into our organisation. It’s not about distant possibilities — it’s about real, near-term applications that will support both internal efficiency and customer value.”
What impression did you get of Roto’s manufacturing and logistics?
“Roto is a textbook example of a well-structured, process-driven organisation. The production runs like clockwork — everything is precisely coordinated to avoid errors. It’s a smart balance between high-tech automation and human expertise. For me, this is a winning formula: sustainable technology supported by skilled people.”
What did you learn about Roto’s sustainability initiatives?
“Sustainability is clearly a serious commitment at Roto. Plans are in place to renovate the main building using energy-efficient materials, such as high-performance glazing. By centralising logistics operations in Leinfelden, Roto is also actively reducing its carbon footprint. These steps build on existing investments in hydropower, biomass, and a photovoltaic park. You can literally see it happening.”
Was there anything that surprised or particularly impressed you?
“Yes — Roto’s open, people-first culture. There’s a mindset here that puts people at the centre of everything. It starts with hiring the right profiles, but also with training. I was especially impressed by the way Roto works with apprentices. Students do internships as part of their training and often transition into full-time roles. It’s something we’re less familiar with in our region, but it clearly benefits both the company and the students. It builds loyalty and a shared understanding of values from day one.”
What would you like customers in Western Europe to know about Roto?
“Based on what I saw, the future is bright. Roto offers a complete and evolving product range — but more than that, it offers reliability. It’s a partner that listens, innovates, and invests in long-term success. It is great for me to now be part of it.”
Get closer to Roto
Whether you are already working with us or exploring new hardware partners, now is the time to take a closer look. From innovative products and streamlined logistics to a passionate, people-focused culture, Roto is ready to support you in achieving more success.
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