THE STORY OF IFN - 91 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

The origins of IFN can be traced back to the building and construction locksmith’s shop, Klinger, founded in 1931. The IFN group (Internationales Fensternetzwerk or International Window Network), which is 100% under family ownership, unites the expertise, the power of innovation, and the flexibility of several companies.

Interlinking strong companies from the window, doors, façades and sun protection sectors into one future-proof group, “building façades”, ensures our sustainable growth.

Today, the IFN Group is represented by the Internorm, TOPIC, GIG, HSF, Schlotterer, Kastrup, Skaala, Skanva and Neuffer brands in over 33 countries.

1. Generation

Eduard Klinger sen.

2. Generation

v.l.: Helmut Klinger,
Eleonore Kubinger,
Eduard Klinger jun.

3. Generation

v.l.: Mag. Christian Klinger BSc,
Mag. Anette Klinger,
DI(FH) Stephan Kubinger, MBA

1931

Foundation

Eduard Klinger Senior establishes the Klinger building and construction foundry in Linz, Upper Austria, and lays the foundations for the company.

1966

First UPVC windows production in Austria

A separate plant for producing UPVC windows is set up in Traun.

The Internorm brand

Birth of the Internorm brand. The market launch of the Internorm brand on the E. KLINGER exhibition stand.

1967

The second generation

Eduard Klinger Sr. gives each of his three children, Eleonore, Eduard and Helmut 25% shares in the company.

1977

Acquisition of Sarleinsbach plant

Rapid growth makes a third site necessary: Internorm acquires a local window manu-facturer in Sarleinsbach, Upper Austria, and converts the site into a modern PVC window factory.

1979

Start of extrusion

The company’s very own extrusion plant is put into operation in Sarleinsbach. Its aim is to promote independent innovations in window systems, independent of profile suppliers.

1982

LANNACH PLANT

A PVC window factory is set up at the Lannach site in Styria. The first Internorm wooden windows are produced in this factory in 1988. Today, the factory specialises in wood/aluminium products.

1983-89

An export offensive

Internorm begins exporting to Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

1984

MANUFACTURE OF INSULATING GLASS STARTS

Internorm sets up its first private insula-ting glass production facility in Traun

1991

SALES CONVERSION TO SPECIALISED TRADE

Direct sales are discontinued: Internorm products are only available through qualified specialist dealers – which is unique in the industry.

1994

Lead-free formulation

Internorm is the first manufacturer in Europe to develop a lead-free PVC formulation that makes PVC windows more environmentally friendly.

1997

The third generation

he second generation retires from the operating business to the Supervisory Board and each sends one of their children – Anette Klinger, Christian Klinger and Stephan Kubinger – to the Executive Board.

WOOD/ALUMINIUM WINDOW PRODUCTION BEGINS

Internorm develops a brand-new type of wood/aluminium window system, meeting customers’ need for mainte-nance-free ‘wooden windows’.

2002

FOUNDATION OF IFN

Foundation of the International Window Network. In addition to Internorm, independent, specialised companies are being set up with the aim of jointly developing all-round solutions.

2003