1926 How It All Began
Echt & Co. is founded in Menden. The company is led by entrepreneurs Theodor Echt, Heinrich Schulte, and Franz Sinn.
ECO Schulte did not originate in door technology, but rather in the manufacture of devotional items: Echt & Co. handcrafts rosaries, wood and metal crosses, and small religious items, distributing them as far as North and South America.
The company’s values from those days remain true to this day: trust, precision, reliability, and a vision that looks beyond borders.
Founder, 1st generation
1960s – 70s
Time of change and new beginnings
With the founding of ECO Schulte GmbH & Co. KG, the fi rst products for the door industry were developed.
Heinz Schulte († 1967) joins the company as managing director.
1960
Start of production of stamped parts, including automotive accessories.
1963
Ernst Schulte joins the company as managing director.
1967
Production of nameplates and wall-mounted boxes for the door industry.
1967
Start of collaboration with the door industry.
1967
Development of the first nylon fire protection handle with an overmolded steel core.
1971
Foundation of ECO Schulte GmbH & Co. KG. The first ECO LOGO is created.
1972
Start of production of nylon partition wall systems.
1977
Development of spring hinge sets for fire doors.
1979
First participation in the Cologne Hardware Fair. This marks the beginning of the company’s international expansion, initially into the markets of France, Benelux, and Italy.
1979
1980s – 90s
The concept of the system emerges
ECO Schulte takes a holistic view of the door: security, functionality and comfort are achieved only through the precise interaction of all components.
Development of the first panic bar handle EPN 600 and first official testing by the Materials Testing Office.
1987
A bold decision: the founding of ESB Schulte GmbH & Co. KG. Production of door closers, partition walls, and fire-rated door handles begins in West Berlin (Wedding).
1988
Approval of the newly developed dual locking device (Seesaw) for double-leaf doors.
1988
Expansion of the concept: Acquisition of the GBS lock division from Gebrüder Betz in Schwelm. In addition to handles and hinges, the company now also manufactures locks.
1988
Start of production of door closers.
1989
ESB Schulte moved to Luckenwalde into its renovated production facility.
1991
Heiner Schulte joins the company.
1993
Andrea Widmann joins the company.
1996
Establishment of the ECO Schulte Sp. z o.o. branch in Warsaw, Poland.
Start of production of security handle series.
Start of production of security handle series.
1996
Start of production of stainless steel handle series.
1997
Start of production of Aluminium fire protection handle series.
1998
Unveiling of the monument “Aus dem Geist der Freiheit” (In the Spirit of Freedom) on the 10th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall at the company’s premises in Menden - created by the Polish sculptor Dariusz Kowalski from an original 2.5-metric-ton section of the Berlin Wall.
1999
2000 – 10s
Internationalization & Strategy 2026
The systems concept goes digital. Mechanics and electronics converge to form networking solutions in intelligent door management (ITM).
Founding of ECO Schulte Doorsystems Zhuhai Co. Ltd. in Zhuhai, China.
2003
Market launch of the MultiGenius — the slimmest concealed and surface-mounted door closer with a 180° opening angle.
2003
Development of the OBX cast hinges with innovative concealed ball-bearing technology.
2003
Tobias Schulte joins the company. For five years, he helps build up manufacturing and sales operations in China.
2004
ECO Schulte is the first supplier to introduce the standards handbook for European hardware standards.
2005
Development of the ECO Newton Design for door closers in collaboration with Professor Dr. Bartels of the Bauhaus University Weimar.
2007
Introduction of innovative laser welding technology. Resource-efficient precision manufacturing and improved functional reliability of the hinges.
2008
Founding of ECO Schulte Austria GmbH in Hermagor, Austria.
2010
First edition of the ECO Schulte Compendium. With over 500 pages entire range of system technology for doors is compiled for the first time.
2010
Generational Transition: The third generation of the family, takes over the leadership of the company. Ernst Schulte becomes chairman of the advisory board.
2010
Development of new Panic lock series for single- and double-leaf panic and emergency exit doors in accordance with EN 179 and EN 1125.
2012
Acquisition of the Danish designer hardware manufacturer Randi A/S.
2014
Expansion of the product portfolios through automatic door operators for high-quality commercial doors.
2017
ECO Schulte is developing the Strategie 2026 and the vision for ECO Schulte’s architecture.
2018
2020 – Today
Mechanics meets electronics
The systems concept goes digital. Mechanics and electronics converge to form networking solutions in intelligent door management (ITM).
Establishment of the ECO Service Department for commercial objects sales. Consulting | Initial Installation | Maintenance
2020
Development of Intelligent Door Management (ITM) — System technology is becoming digital and networked.
2020
Implementation of the sustainability strategy across the entire ECO Group.
2022
Founding and expansion of the production facility at ECO Schulte Portugal Lda.
2022
Start of series production of the electromagnetic free swing door closer.
2022
Start of research and development into new materials. First prototype MOOM made from 90% shell limestone.
2022
Introduction of the new escape route terminal series.
2023
Revamp and launch of the corporate identity, including both language and visual elements.
2025
Opening of the ECO Gym training center for hands-on training of partners and employees.
2025
ECO Schulte Protection System and ECO Schulte Evacuation System: System solutions developed based on individual customer and property requirements that have evolved into proven applications for a wide variety of buildings.
2025
Development of the AI strategy and targeted use of AI models within the ECO Schulte network. Their use is being gradually expanded.
2026
Shared Future
A successful future is built where we
courageously face challenges together.
This mindset drives us forward.
The door of the future is more than just a mechanical part.
ITM Intelligent Door Management
- Smart Building Integration
- Barrier-free design
- Critical Infrastructure Security
- Smart Service Concepts
ECO Schulte —
System safety for doors
We are:
committed to your next challenge
