It all started with a wish. In October 1969, the toolmaker Wolfgang Schroeter emigrated from Pforzheim to Canada. He had nothing in his pocket - but he was inspired by the desire to make it. "A thirst for adventure - that was all", as Wolfgang Schroeter, who took the first step towards a great success story, recalls.
In Barrie, Canada, Wolfgang Schroeter initially worked as a toolmaker and met his wife Ingrid - a fellow German national. Irregular orders made for unstable employment - so Ingrid and Wolfgang Schroeter decided to take matters into their own hands in 1976, when they founded Wolf Steel Ltd. in Barrie with just a few newly purchased tools in a garage.
Ingrid and Wolfgang Schroeter initially produced railings and quickly became a region leader. However, things really got going when Ingrid's father wanted an oven in 1978. Wolfgang Schroeter built it. Then one for the neighbour. This was followed by further inquiries. And that's how the Schroeters came to be in the oven business.
In 1980, Wolfgang Schroeter and his small team were the first to equip wood stoves with ceramic glass and an air purification system. Wolfgang Schroeter redesigned the oven door and invented the brand name Napoleon. Today, Napoleon products are in service at company buildings in 34 countries around the world, and they are the epitome of quality, service and reliability.
The company continued to grow under the leadership of Ingrid and Wolfgang Schroeter. Grills and fireplaces were added to the range of ovens, and later central heating and ventilation systems. The development of the Napoleon Premium Fire electric fireplaces is a new chapter in the success story of the company. Everything thought out and thought through. And always with passion, experience and a sense for something special.
Napoleon has been and is shaped by growth. The sons Chris and Stephen Schroeter experienced this positive effect first hand: Both have been part of the team, which has grown to the current level of 1,600 employees, for around 20 years. They now run the company with President Ron McArthur. Ingrid and Wolfgang Schroeter continue to support the management team with their ideas and advice.
