Development of the ring system and the Raku oven

1983-1984

The latest toploader development, the TR 80 raku gas kiln with an innovative and quiet raku burner, is presented at the International Horticultural Exhibition in Munich.

First trade fair appearance at Ceramitec and First industrial furnace

1985-1990

Our first trade fair appearance introduces the ROHDE name to the ceramics world. Since then, many trade fair appearances and regular visits to markets such as the one in Diessen am Ammersee have followed.

The first industrial furnace is a 9 m³ forced-air furnace for annealing at 1050 °C. In addition to ceramic kilns for the arts and crafts sector, the industrial sector has become an important part of the company’s development.

Founding of the production plant in Dyjákovice (CZ)

1992

By establishing the production plant in Dyjákovice, the existing support for producing ROHDE kilns from South Moravia in the Czech Republic is further expanded.

First Diessen Ceramics Prize

2001

In 2001, ROHDE launches the Diessen Ceramics Prize, which becomes a prestigious award. The prize is highly coveted, not only because of the high prize money but also because of the international recognition for the prize winners. The first prizewinners in 2001 under the theme “Handcrafted tableware” are:

• Young-Jae Lees from Essen
• Katja Maechtel from Nürnberg
• Hans Fischer from Passau

Building of the new company headquarters in Germany and Development of the Ecotop series

2007-2009

After years of working in a former farmhouse where the premises were becoming increasingly too small, the new building in Ried near Prutting, Bavaria, provides the space the company had been longing for.

The introduction of the Ecotop series is the perfect addition to the range of kilns for small potteries and the hobby sector. The series becomes a success and develops into the most popular kiln series in the range today.

30th company anniversary

2012

ROHDE celebrates its anniversary with all its partners and friends in fantastic weather and looks back on an exciting history and forward to ambitious plans for the future.

New Rohde era and Construction of a new production hall in Dyjákovice

2016

On 1 January 2016, company founder Helmut Rohde transfers his shares in Helmut ROHDE GmbH to the next generation. He steps down from his post as managing director after more than 33 years. Benjamin Rohde, Managing Director, and his brothers Manuel Rohde, Stefan Rohde and Florian Rohde have been shareholders of the innovative kiln manufacturer in Prutting since January 2016. The manufacturer of kilns and machinery remains a family-owned business.

At the ROHDE production plant in Dyjákovice (CZ), the most extensive renovations and new construction work in the company’s history are completed in 2016. Besides the renovation work in existing buildings, the new production halls S1 and S2 were put into operation at the end of the year. This provides almost 1000 square metres of additional space for producing steel and special structures.

Launch of the new ROHDE myKiln app and Manuel Rohde joins the management board

2022

The ROHDE myKiln app is a big step towards the digitalisation of pottery. Firing programs can be created intuitively on a smartphone, making it easy to prepare for firing.

Manuel Rohde joined Benjamin Rohde and Roland Müller on the management board on 1st November 2022. It is another important step towards putting the family business on a secure footing.

40th company anniversary

2023

Helmut ROHDE GmbH celebrates its 40th anniversary with all its partners and many long-standing associates. Due to the pandemic, the anniversary is celebrated one year later, in September 2023.