Truma History
Truma was founded in 1949 in Germany and named after U.S. President Harry S. Truman. With the Marshall Plan for economic recovery after World War II, President Truman made it possible for Germany to become industrialized. This effort resonated with our company founder Philipp Kreis, and thus he decided to call his business Truma. For the past seven decades, innovation and passion have propelled Truma into a successful international company that is still family-owned.
The 1950s
Economic Boom and a New Zest for Life
The 1950s were a charmed time of unexpected, rapid, and sustained economic growth: the economic miracle. Elvis Presley and his swinging hips hit the music scene and became an international sensation in 1956. Teenagers started dressing like their favorite movie stars, launching a new fashion trend. On the manufacturing side, the Volkswagen Beetle began its own unparalleled success story at this time, with the millionth Beetle rolling off the production line in 1955.
1949
Truma Established
After WWII, Philipp Kreis opened a language school in Munich. The lack of electricity in the post-war period was a major problem for evening courses, giving him the idea of going into gas light production. Due to the increasing demand for gas lights, Philipp finds himself producing and selling them in large quantities in a very short space of time. On October 27th, 1949, he registered his trademark under the company name Truma.
1950
First Patent
On November 10th, 1950 Philipp Kreis was granted his first patent for the invention of a gas light for all flammable gases.
1954
Truma Heat Radiator
The Truma heat radiator became available in 1954. A heater delivers 440 thermal units (= 0.5 kW). It is the ideal small heater for many applications – and, thanks to the exhaust gas system, is also suitable for household purposes and vehicles.
1955
Mass Production of Light Fittings
Truma began mass producing the Model 55 light in 1955. It is the first light on the market to be fitted with a heat-resistant diaphragm valve. A new pear-shaped opal globe with reflector increases light output by 25%. Truma now has twelve employees.
1956
Truma Valve
The Truma valve with diaphragm seal, patented since 1955, is improved to the "quick-acting valve with rotary switch" and is produced in many models with different connections. The valve can be used universally for compressed air, gas and many liquids. The diamond-shaped operating handle clearly shows the position of the valve.
The 1960s
The Hippie Movement and the Moon Landing
The oft-cited 1960s were a decade of upheaval, leading to left-wing civil rights movements. The Beatles made music history along with five brothers from Indiana known as the Jackson 5. The hippie movement reached its high point in 1969 at the Woodstock festival. Other significant memories: the miniskirt, which took the fashion world by storm, Neil Armstrong, who became the first person to set foot on the moon, and US President John F. Kennedy, whose visit to Berlin marked a turn in international relations. The technology sector was dominated by a plethora of everyday inventions that are still with us today, including the color television and electronic pocket calculator.
1961
The First RV Heating System
Truma-matic is "the first officially recognized caravan heating system", February sees the sale of the 100,000th Truma light and the 500,000th Truma valve. The company expands, moving into newly built premises in the Berg-am-Laim area of Munich in July.
1963
Logo Evolves Through the Years
Old flame – new logo: The Truma logo featured a circle and a flame we still use today.
1967
Trumatic S 3000
The new freedom and larger RVs demand more heating power. Truma introduces the Trumatic S 3000 with 3000 HU (= 3.5 kW) to the market. The visual appearance of the heater is improved the following year: the new smooth cover can be removed easily, while slits allow users to see the flame. With the Trumatic-SD 2000, SB 1800 and S 3000, Truma offers "the right heater for every caravan".
1968
Improved Warm Air Distribution
Warm air distribution for increased comfort: flexible pipes and infinitely variable outlets enable heat to be distributed wherever it is needed.
1969
Fully Automatic Changeover: Duomatic Gas Cylinder System
Truma introduces the Duomatic gas cylinder system, making the process of changing over from operating cylinders to reserve cylinders fully automatic. The regulator also comes complete with a pressure indicator so that the gas system can be checked for leaks.
The 1970s
Flower Power and Disco Balls
Vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and futuristic designs are the hallmarks of the 1970s. From furniture and fashion to technology, the directive was to make it colorful. The 1970s were memorable due to profound changes in American politics, societal norms, and moral ground. The music scene saw flower power and disco balls with legendary bands such as Abba and the Bee Gees. Several technical inventions of the 1970s went on to shape the future. The first email was sent as far back as 1971 and the @ symbol so familiar to us today was introduced in email addresses. It is unlikely that anyone realized at the time what impact this little gimmick would have.
1970
Cross of Merit for Philipp Kreis
Truma founder Philipp Kreis is awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his pioneering achievements in the field of propane gas development and central oil supply.
1972
Truma Customer Service
Truma launches its own mobile customer service network in Germany – a unique service in the market.
1975
Trumatic E Heater
The Trumatic E, an electronically controlled heater, is launched. It can be installed in mobile homes, boats or trucks.
1976
Truma Therme Water Heating
The new Truma Therme brings hot water supplies to RVs and motorhomes for the first time. Water is heated by the warm air system in the gas heater.
The 1980s
Neon Colors and Technology Revolution
Anyone thinking of the 1980s immediately pictures bright neon colors, slim-fit tapered jeans, and big hair. Materialism and consumerism saw a rise, and MTV introduced the streaming music video format. Families gathered to watch more television with shows like Family Ties and Cheers. The Walkman changed how we consumed music. The 1980s heralded the start of the information age generally. IBM brought out the first personal computer, which came with either 16KB or 64KB of storage.
1981
Truma Boiler
Truma perfects the RV water heater by developing a gas boiler which makes taking a shower in recreational vehicles possible for the very first time.
1983
Administration Building and Climate Chamber in Putzbrunn
New, modern buildings are added in Putzbrunn to bring production, engineering and administration to one location. This provides scope for expansion. This year also sees the introduction of a climate chamber that is even suitable for large motor homes, providing a location in which Truma can test equipment and vehicles under the harshest conditions.
1984
Mini Heat Exchanger for Trumatic E 1800
Truma designs a mini heat exchanger that provides the desired heat output due to the shape of its surface. It is used in the new Trumatic-E 1800 heater, which can be installed in many different locations because of its small size; in compact motor homes, small lorry cabins, sports boats and as an additional heater in large caravans and motor homes.
1988
Renate Schimmer-Wottrich Takes Over as Manager
The daughter of the company’s founder, Renate Schimmer-Wottrich, takes over the management of the company as managing partner. Philipp Kreis withdraws from the day-to-day operation.
1989
Modernized Production Facilities
The production facilities are modernized. All production processes are optimized and reorganized.
The 1990s
Climate Change and the Digital Age
The 1990s are often referred to as a time of relative peace and prosperity. German reunification in 1990 and the end of the Cold War marked the start of a new age for Germany, Truma’s parent country, which was also reflected in realignments across the world. The dangers of climate change were recognized, and a climate conference was held in Kyoto, Japan. The market for consumer electronics boomed, producing lots of popular products: the first Gameboy came out, the Discman replaced the Walkman, and IBM made a name for itself when a computer called Deep Blue beat world chess champion Garry Kasparov in a tournament.
1992
Extension Building and High-bay Warehouse
A program of building modernization and expansion begins: the kitchens, canteen and training center become a communications center and a bridge links the production building to the new distribution warehouse. State-of-the-art training rooms are installed, so that even more customers now have access to the training Truma has been providing for many years.
1994
Trumatic C Goes Into Production
The new Trumatic C supplies heat and hot water from a single device. Many manufacturers of motor homes add the Trumatic C as a product feature immediately.
1997
Truma UK Established
The Truma UK subsidiary is founded for sales and service of Truma products throughout the United Kingdom. In 1997, Alde becomes part of the Truma Group. The Swedish company manufactures water heaters.
1999
The First Truma Maneuvering System: The Mover
Truma adds maneuvering systems for RVs to its product portfolio. During the course of the same year, an air conditioning system is developed and launched.
The 2000s
A New Millenium
The new millennium was celebrated in style all over the world and good wishes for the New Year were sent in around ten billion text messages. Mobile phones become more important in business communications as well. Technical progress in many areas was rapid. It took just ten years, for instance, for analogue cameras to be squeezed out by digital cameras. In Europe, the era of the D-mark, lira and franc came to an end with the introduction of the euro. In a much more negative turn of events, the terror attacks on the World Trade Center produced searing images that will remain branded in our memories.
2003
Cross of Merit for Renate Schimmer-Wottrich
Renate Schimmer-Wottrich was awarded the Cross of Merit in 2003 for her entrepreneurial and social achievements.
2005
Technology and Innovation Center
The new Technology and Innovation Center includes many new laboratories, two new cold and climate chambers for vehicles, and a state-of-the-art test facility for developing air conditioning systems.
2006
The Lightest in Its Class
The new Saphir vario air conditioning system with power inverter is by far the quietest in its class, providing cooling functions on three levels and suitable for use on the move or stationary at 12 V or 230 V.
2007
Introduction of the Truma Combi
Truma launches the Truma Combi, its new heating system for motor homes. Replacing the Trumatic C, , the Combi is more compact and even more lightweight. The opening of the company’s Italian subsidiary Truma Italia S.r.l. brings Truma even closer to its customers in the rest of mainland Europe.
2008
Renate Schimmer-Wottrich Steps Down From the Management Board
Renate Schimmer-Wottrich resigns from the management board to take over as chair of the advisory board.
2009
Even Lighter, Even More Reliable: The R-class Mover
The new Mover R maneuvering systems are introduced, offering yet more power and reliability. Truma continues to grow and opens a new office in China in 2008.
The 2010s
Digital Revolution and Artificial Intelligence
The digital revolution continued in the 2010s: companies discovered social networks, and the Internet of Things become a catchword for global networking. Specialized artificial intelligence firms were more in demand than ever before. German football fans had reason to celebrate in 2014 when Joachim Low led the national team to World Cup victory. Social movements gained traction with Occupy Wall Street, Black Lives Matter, and climate change as an earthquake devastated Haiti, and BP was blamed for a disastrous oil spill.
2010
Safety on the Road: The Crash Sensor
The new gas pressure regulation systems MonoControl CS and DuoControl CS with crash sensor take safety for heating on the move to the next level.
2011
First Roof-mounted Truma Air Conditioning System: The Aventa
Truma launches their first rooftop air conditioner for the European market: the Aventa Comfort for RVs and motor homes. The Aventa air conditioning system supports not only cooling but also heating, with its energy-saving heat pump. The Mover TE R4 is introduced and can maneuver RVs and trailers weighing up to 3000 kg
2012
50 Years of Caravan Heating Systems
In 2012 Truma celebrated 50 years of producing RV heaters. Truma offers two new versions of the legendary S-heater: The S 3004 and S 5004.
2013
Coming to America
Truma continues their global expansion with a new subsidiary in Elkhart, Indiana, serving the North American RV market.
2014
Instant, Constant, Endless Hot Water
Truma launches its first product specially developed for the North American market, the Truma AquaGo. The continuous heater produces an infinite supply of warm water at a constant temperature at the push of a button.
2015
Alexander Wottrich Joins the Company
Truma Group leadership passes the torch to the third generation by appointing Alexander Wottrich as Managing Director, overseeing Truma Gerätetechnik, Alde, and Powrwheel. Truma North America celebrates first $1 million earned.
2017
Truma VarioHeat Replaces E Heaters
VarioHeat replaces the popular Trumatic E 2400 and E 4000. It is a completely new development, is especially light and compact and allows flexible installation.
2018
Alexander Wottrich Appointed Technical Managing Director
On January 1, 2018, Alexander Wottrich took over the position of Technical CEO. He leads Research & Development and Supply Chain Management. In addition, he will continue as Managing Director of the Truma Group.
2019
A New Chapter
Truma opens their new North American Headquarters in Elkhart. The new, modern building is home to corporate offices, warehouse space, a service center, and state-of-the-art climate chamber. Truma celebrates 70 years of providing premium RV systems and accessories.
The 2020s
New Decade Brings New Opportunities
As most know, 2020 started off with an unprecedented situation, the coronavirus-19 pandemic. Across the globe, “new normals” became standard, and industries felt different repercussions. For example, travel and work restrictions led to increases in remote employment and virtual meetings. These new travel guidelines also led to leisure and holiday time being spent domestically. The RV industry experienced a boost in units manufactured and sold from 2020-2022, while the IT industry saw telephone and video conferencing needs skyrocket. Thanks to the unique start to the decade, new business models, innovations, and creative ideas continue to emerge with positive effects.
2020
Gaining Ground in US Market
Truma AquaGo, Combi, and VarioHeat gain market share in US as RV sales soar. Truma extends its product range with portable fridge/freezers. Truma Coolers cool products down to temperatures of -8°F (-22°C) and can therefore also be used for freezing.
2021
Cool, Quiet Comfort: Truma Aventa
Truma Aventa enters the North American market as a more powerful, but equally quiet and efficient, cousin to the European model.
2022
Continued Growth
Truma recognizes 9th consecutive year of significant growth in North America and reaches $60 million
2023
10 Years "Simply Better"
Truma celebrates 10 years of providing "Simply Better" systems and service in North America
