Fast Forward: EFAFLEX celebrates 50 years of speed and excellence

When it comes to "being fast," EFAFLEX stands not only for the speed of its doors: Since day one, the solution provider has been a step ahead of the competition, adopting new technologies as early as possible and driving rapid progress in the industry. This year, the family-owned company celebrates its 50th anniversary under the motto "Fast Forward."

For 20 years, EFAFLEX, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has been at the forefront of the industrial door market as a global market leader. Despite business activities on five continents, representations in 80 countries, and eleven subsidiaries, the company headquartered in Bruckberg near Munich remains family-owned. EFAFLEX attributes its success—besides the commitment to fully satisfy customers and deliver only the highest quality products—to its forward-thinking approach and actions. This year's anniversary aims less to look back and more to look forward. "Fast Forward," the guiding principle, reflects the DNA of a company with visions.

Future as a Goal

For example, at its founding, EFAFLEX was the first company worldwide to focus exclusively on high-speed doors—and the company that shaped the term "high-speed door" as well as its continuous development. When Manfred Seysen, Gabrijel Rejc, and Gustav Meyer founded EFAFLEX Door and Security Systems GmbH & Co. KG in 1974, they probably couldn't foresee that their company would one day be the industry’s number one. What was clear from the start: To succeed, one needs quality awareness and innovative spirit.

Five decades later, this attitude has given EFAFLEX a decisive technological advantage and made it an industry pioneer. The company recognized early on the signs of the times and pushed digital transformation forward: With the Internet of Things solution EFA-SmartConnect®, EFAFLEX addresses the needs of connected Industry 4.0, and through digital building data modeling via the BIMobject® platform, doors can be tailored even more precisely to real requirements. The company is steadily expanding these approaches so that digitalization will open up entirely new possibilities especially in sales and service in the future.

Faster Than the Rest

The premium provider sees itself as responsible for its customers and repeatedly sets new standards in quality, safety, and speed. This is made possible by its own research and development department. Thanks to innovative engineering, EFAFLEX can boast a number of milestones: the patented cardan joint technology, the first spiral door, the unique door line light grid, or the first laser scanner developed specifically for door systems are just a few examples from the company's 50-year history.

Moreover, EFAFLEX holds a world record: With speeds of up to 4 m/s, the EFA-STR® can be called the fastest vertically opening door in the world. While this makes it a leader, it is by no means an exception in the company's portfolio. All EFAFLEX doors are high-speed doors with door leaf speeds of at least 1 m/s—whether spiral, roller, or folding doors.

Optimal Because It Is Optimized

It's no coincidence that EFAFLEX's customer base has not only continuously expanded but also become more diverse. Today, the premium solutions and custom-made special doors are used in various industries, such as beverage and food, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturers and suppliers, airports, parking garages, and logistics. Global players trust in the efficiency, durability, and reliability of EFAFLEX doors just as much as small and medium-sized enterprises or public institutions.

This is also due to the special dedication of the solution provider: internal quality management plus quality control ensure that every door functions flawlessly. Additionally, high-quality maintenance, repair, and service ensure the ongoing availability of the door systems. An in-house, highly trained service fleet and detailed digital documentation of all doors and their data enable quick and effective intervention in case of malfunctions or issues.

Success Factor Human

In addition, EFAFLEX takes over maintenance and repair of doors from other manufacturers under appropriate agreements. After all, the needs of customers and partners are at the center of all corporate decisions. Providing the best possible support at all times has been EFAFLEX's main goal for 50 years. One thing that has distinguished the premium provider throughout its history is its employees. EFAFLEX currently employs over 1,400 people worldwide and still places great emphasis on top training, ongoing education, and good working conditions for each individual.

Values such as respect, loyalty, and integrity were essential ideas at the company's founding and continue to shape EFAFLEX's work 50 years later. On the one hand, the competence and satisfaction of employees are crucial factors for the company's future viability. On the other hand, they should be able to identify with the company.

Always Sustainable

This is also contributed by EFAFLEX's awareness of sustainability: Out of a natural sense of responsibility, environmental protection played a role long before public climate debates, ensuring that the entire value chain is designed sustainably—in ecological and social terms. Furthermore, the products themselves help customers achieve greater sustainability: optimal insulation and extremely short opening and closing times minimize heat or cold loss from the areas separated by the door. Low-wear operation, low operating costs, and recyclable materials further reduce the ecological footprint.

Finally, examples like these demonstrate EFAFLEX's foresight, holistic customer-centric approach, and comprehensive understanding of application—qualities that will enable the company to maintain its position as an innovator and accelerate progress even faster in the next 50 years, all in the spirit of "Fast Forward."