Velux at 70: Fife-based business celebrates landmark anniversary

Velux marked its 70th anniversary in the UK with a full-day conference for all UK and Ireland employees at its office in Glenrothes on Friday (June 28), followed by an evening celebration in Edinburgh.

This event not only celebrated the company’s rich history and achievements but also highlighted the dedication of its employees, many of whom have seen multiple generations work at Velux.

The company is one of the oldest in Glenrothes having moved to the town in the 1970s, and it put its longevity and success down to its staff.

Alex O’dell, vice president of Velux Great Britain and Ireland, said: “ We are extremely proud of the achievements of Velux over the last seven decades. “Our success is largely due to our committed local employees and our unwavering dedication to innovation and sustainability. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing to transform spaces with daylight and fresh air through the roof.”

Since its inception, the Danish manufacturer has been at the forefront of transforming living spaces with daylight and fresh air, continually driving innovation and sustainability in the built environment.

Its journey in the UK began even before the official establishment of its business in June 1954. The company recognised the potential to revolutionise attic spaces post-WW2 in London, providing much-needed housing solutions for displaced populations. Its first roof window was installed in the capital in 1948, and the introduction of the top-hung Velux GGL window in 1968 significantly boosted the company’s growth across the UK.

In the early 1970s, Velux relocated its primary activities from London to Scotland, and by March 1973, the Glenrothes factory had produced its first roof window.

In 2006, the company was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Innovation, and invested in a new flagship facility in Fife, which opened in 2020, reinforcing its commitment to the local community and sustainable practices.

Its offers a range of products including roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products, and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. It also works globally – with sales and manufacturing operations in 37 countries and around 11,700 employees worldwide.