The History of Danfoss

Danfoss was founded in 1933 by Mads Clausen in Nordborg, Denmark, starting as a small workshop producing expansion valves for refrigeration systems. It has since grown into a global leader in energy-efficient solutions for heating, cooling, drives, and hydraulics. 

Key Milestones in Danfoss History

• 1933: Mads Clausen founds Dansk Køleautomatik- og Apparatfabrik on his family's farm, creating his first product—an expansion valve for refrigeration units—after studying imported American models.

• 1941: The company expands its operations into heating products.

• 1943: Clausen invents and patents the thermostatic radiator valve, establishing Danfoss as a pioneer in energy-saving technology.

• 1946: The company officially changes its name to Danfoss ("Dan" for Denmark, "foss" for water).

• 1962: Danfoss enters the power electronics sector.

• 1966: Mads Clausen passes away. His widow, Bitten Clausen, takes over as head of the board.

• 1968: Danfoss introduces the VLT® Frequency Converter, the world's first mass-produced frequency converter.

• 2000s–Present: Through strategic acquisitions—such as Sauer-Sundstrand in 2000—Danfoss establishes Danfoss Power Solutions and evolves into a primary driver of electrification, climate, and decarbonization solutions globally.