1917
In the beginning
In 1917 the Roca brothers founded the company initially dedicated to manufacturing cast iron radiators in their factory in Gavà, near Barcelona.
1929
Manufacturing of baths
Following on from cast iron radiators, the Roca brothers began to also produce boilers and in 1929 they entered the bathroom sector by starting the production of cast iron baths.
1936
Production of glazed ceramic sanitaryware
Conscious of the changes in society relating to the culture of water, in 1936 Roca began production of vitreous china as we know it today and in 1954 started manufacturing taps.
1990
International expansion
In the 1990s, international expansion continues in the European market with the opening of new subsidiaries in Portugal, France, Germany and Italy in addition to the UK subsidiary opening in 1993. Roca also expanded into other global markets including Morocco, Argentina, Brazil and China.
1999
Turning point in the internationalisation
In 1999 Roca acquired the Swiss group Keramik Holding Laufen, the world's fourth largest manufacturer of vitreous china sanitaryware. The purchase of Laufen allowed the Roca Group to consolidate its presence in strategic markets where it was less established, mainly in Eastern Europe, Brazil and the United States.
2005
World leadership
In 2005 Roca announced an ambitious strategic plan and achieved global leadership in the bathroom sector in 2006 thanks to its collaboration with the leader in the Indian market and the acquisition of companies in Malaysia, Croatia and Romania.
2009
Opening of Galleries
To take a step further in its commitment to society, the Roca Barcelona Gallery, a flagship building that provides a brand experience, opened in 2009, followed by the Galleries in Madrid, Lisbon, London, Shanghai and Beijing.
2017
Centenary celebration
Roca celebrated the 100th anniversary of its establishment. The family workshop created one century ago in Gavà, close to Barcelona. Present in 170 markets Roca is a world benchmark in the creation of bathroom spaces.
2019
Global leader
Today Roca's commercial network reaches to more than 170 countries, supplied by its 79 production plants and employs over 21,000 employees all around the world.
2021
Continued international expansion
Roca acquires German brand Sanit, as well as a majority stake in Royo Group, a leading European manufacturer of bathroom furniture.
2022
Driving innovation for a sustainable future
Roca Group launches its corporate venture capital and open innovation platform, Roca Group Ventures, to invest in world-class start-ups and provide solutions to new challenges in innovation and sustainability.
2023
Strategic expansion and innovation
Roca Group acquired bathroom furniture manufacturer Madeli and enamelled steel specialist Alape in 2023.
The Group also launched the world's first electric tunnel kiln for sanitary ceramics production at its Gmunden factory in Austria, an historic milestone.