Over 100 years of expertise: building a bridge from a successful past to a sustainable future
Better Living Environments
Uponor’s story began in 1918, when Aukusti Asko-Avonius established a carpentry workshop in Lahti, Finland. The workshop quickly grew into the largest furniture supplier in the Nordic countries. In the 1960’s, the company expanded its business further into the plastics industry.
Today, we are building a bridge from a successful past to a sustainable future. With the same innovative spirit that brought next-generation alternatives to concrete, iron and copper as piping materials, we are moving forward into ever-more intelligent solutions. With a focus on sustainability, we promote innovation in energy saving and smarter water usage for the benefit of our customers and the world we live in.
1918
Aukusti Asko-Avonius establishes a carpentry workshop in Lahti, Finland.
1938
A new company, Upo Oy was established to manufacture cast iron products and household applicances.
1948
With the production of cast iron pipes, sewer pipes become a whole new product group for Upo.
1965
The first plastic factory, Upo-Muovi, starts up in Nastola, Finland, and launches its first plastic pipes and fittings.
1972
First in world, Wirsbo in Sweden starts to manufacture the unique and innovative PEX pipe for heating and plumbing applications.
1982
Asko and Neste establish Oy Uponor Ab.
1986
Uponor introduces the unique structured wall pipe construction called Ultra Rib.
1987-1988
Uponor enters the plastic hot water pipe business by acquiring the German company Hewing and the Swedish company Wirsbo.
Municipal business outside of the Nordic countries divested. Extension of offering into cooling. Entry into project business organically and through acquisitions. Uponor Infra established through a merger with KWH Pipe 1 July 2013.
1990
The first overlapped welded multi-layer composite pipe (MLCP) is invented and patented by Uponor.
1990
Wirsbo opens a factory in Apple Valley, Minnesota, USA.
1993
The world’s first press fitting for MLCP is launched.
1994
Uponor launches the unique and revolutionary Quick & Easy fitting system.
1997 - 2006
- During 1997-1999 Uponor acquires the German company Unicor, and becomes a leader in multi-layer composite pipe.
- Uponor merges with parent company Asko Corporation, renamed Uponor Corporation on 1 January 2000.
- 2006: Uponor consolidates all businesses under one brand.
2013
Through a merger with KWH Pipe on 1 July 2013, Uponor Infra is established.
2015
UWater, a start-up company that specialises in water quality monitoring, is acquired.
2016
Uponor and Belkin International Inc. establish the joint venture Phyn.
Phyn develops water-sensing and conservation technology both for consumers and the building industry.
Uponor acquires KaMo and Delta in Germany and expands its competence in drinking water hygiene.
2017
Uponor acquires a new manufacturing site in Hutchinson, Minnesota, to meet continued strong growth in the USA.
2018
