COMPANY HISTORY

The history of Q-railing is all about a vision and a sincere desire to create outstanding products. The idea of innovation is deeply rooted in our company - and has been ever since Wouter Guliker founded Antiqua Guliker GmbH in Emmerich am Rhein as the forerunner of today's Q-railing.

1980

Wouter Guliker founds the company Antiqua Guliker GmbH. In the beginning, the company focused on brass articles and decorative railing systems for restaurants, cafés, bars and hotels.

2002

Antiqua Guliker introduces the very first modular railing system: Antiqua Technic in V4A stainless steel. Outstanding quality, a distinctive design and easy assembly make it an instant success.

2003

With the introduction of the Technic system, Antiqua Guliker doubled its range of railing components made of stainless steel V2A for indoor use. Sales figures also doubled.

2004

In order to exploit the business potential internationally, the department responsible for Antiqua Technic was spun off as a new brand: Q-railing (short for Quality-railing).

2005

Subsidiaries are opened in Great Britain and Denmark.

2006

Q-railing is restructured into a holding company (Q-railing Europe GmbH & Co. KG) with three branches: Denmark (Q-railing Scandinavia), Germany (Q-railing Central Europe) and the UK (Q-railing Great Britain).

2007

Further international expansion with the establishment of Q-railing Italia. The rapid growth of the past few years has not in the least affected the company's commitment to developing outstanding products of the highest functionality - as demonstrated, among other things, by the EN 12600 certification of Q-railing's glass clamps.

2008

The opening of a branch in Poland is further proof of the enormous appeal of Q-railing products. However, first-class innovations require a first-class infrastructure. Therefore, the company establishes its own testing facility: the Q-laboratory paves the way for new technical achievements such as Easy Glass®, the first modular glass railing system in Europe.

2009

With the establishment of Q-railing Business (responsible for countries outside Europe except the USA and India) and Q-railing USA, the company can now rightfully call itself a global supplier.

2010

The expansion of the company continues at an unabated pace with the opening of Q-railing España and the establishment of Q-railing Nigeria in the form of a partnership.

2011

Architects are identified as a target group and the strategic focus increasingly shifts to larger construction projects. Q-railing introduces Q-designs. A branch is opened in Austria and Q-railing Italia acquires a larger site with adjacent warehouse to meet growing demand.

2012

Q-railing buys the world-famous D line railing system and acquires the Indian company Carl F International (now Q-railing India) - important milestones on the way to market leadership.

2013

A fantastic year! Q-railing receives certification of the international standard for quality management DIN EN ISO 9001:2008. The company also meets the requirements of the Achilles Joint Qualification System (JQS), which regulates the use of products and services in offshore projects. Last but not least, Q-railing has the honour of installing 25,000 metres of railing systems for the World Cup stadiums in Rio de Janeiro and Manaus in the run-up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

2014

Q-railing expands its international network and opens a branch in Brazil. Q-railing is also awarded the Klever Entrepreneur Award for its outstanding export performance and pursuit of quality and safety.

2015

Q-railing changes its slogan from "Your choice in railing systems" to "The premium brand in railing systems", underlining its focus on developing high-quality, safe and easy-to-install railing systems. In addition, the brand new website www.q-railing.com is launched with detailed information on all systems and products as well as inspiring project images. On 1 July 2015, the close partnership in Switzerland becomes a fully-fledged Q-railing branch in Zuzwil and Q-railing Scandinavia celebrates its 10th anniversary.

2016

On 1 March, Q-railing opens a second German branch in Munich to provide an even better and more direct service to customers in southern Germany. In addition, Q-railing will offer free seminars for fitters at its headquarters in Emmerich and at its new offices in Munich from 2016. In addition to the basics of building technology and building law, customers can also learn about the safe installation of glass and post railings themselves using the Q-railing systems. Further milestones in 2016 are the certifications according to

2017

Q-railing Polska and Q-railing España move to new business premises. In addition to modern office space, the location in Girona/Spain has a fully equipped showroom and a large warehouse. A large, modern warehouse is also completed at the headquarters in Emmerich. The additional 5,000 m² will provide space for 2,600 pallets and 4,500 steel boxes. Q-railing Europe Holding and Q-railing Italia also celebrate their respective 10th anniversaries. And Q-railing Brasil is pleased to receive the "Supplier of the Year" award.

2018

Under the motto "Q-railing on tour", Q-railing UK is on the road with its fully equipped truck from 2018. During the "rolling" workshops, the team demonstrates the various railing systems directly on-site at customers' premises. In the same year, Q-railing UK also moves into a brand new office and warehouse building in Stoke-on-Trent. In addition to a prefix workshop and showroom, there are also spacious training rooms.

2019

Earlier this year, Q-railing opens its first Swedish branch in Jonköping and the partnership in Norway gives rise to another Q-railing branch in Scandinavia. Customers in the US will also benefit from another branch: In addition to the team in Tustin, California, a team in Brooklyn, New York, has also been available since 1 September. Worldwide, more than 250 employees work for Q-railing - plus the staff of our international partners and suppliers.

In the same year, the newly developed Easy Glass Smart and Easy Glass Prime systems are introduced. Both include the revolutionary Q-disc system. This innovative fixing technology is unique on the market and speeds up the fixing and adjustment of glass panels.

2020

Q-railing receives the internationally renowned and coveted Red Dot Award for the Q-disc system. In their verdict, the jury writes: "The Q-disc fastening system sets new standards in the installation of glass railings with its ingenious functionality and the resulting ease of use."

2021

Q-railing opens a branch in Orlando, Florida. This makes a total of 3 locations in the USA. This means even better coverage, more direct service, shorter delivery times and low shipping costs for local customers. Another milestone is the launch of the brand new online shop. More than 4,000 railing components can now be ordered easily and quickly directly online. In the UK, Q-railing introduces two new glass balustrades that meet the new, stricter fire safety requirements for buildings over 18 metres. In addition, the branch in Austria celebrates its tenth anniversary.

2022

Q-railing Austria and Q-railing Norway move into new locations. This enables even shorter delivery times due to higher stock levels. In addition to larger warehouses, the new buildings have inspiring showrooms and prefix workshops to prefabricate railings exactly to customer specifications. In Germany and the Netherlands, Q-railing goes on a roadshow tour with a specially converted truck trailer. The latest railing systems can be presented directly at the customer's "doorstep". In addition, the roadshow truck offers the opportunity to try out railings and ask the railing experts questions.

Promising future

No one can predict exactly what the future will bring. But the demand for railings, handrails and other high-quality railing components is growing continuously. That's why we at Q-railing never stand still, but continue to work on technical innovations, attractive designs, even better customer service, more online functions and modern warehouses to support our customers better and faster.

Q-railing - a promising future

As a global market leader in complete railing solutions, Q-railing is known for technical innovations, modern design and ever new concepts. In the future, the company will continue to focus on growth to meet the increasing demand for railings and accessories. For Q-railing, this means not only more branches, warehouses and employees, but also even more extensive expertise and a wider range of products.