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A little history |
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1891 - The company JOAN ROCA was set up by Mr Joan Roca Ballesta, to manufacture mechanical braid, packing, asbestos and rope. |
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1927 - His three sons Jaume, Joan and Antoni continued the business, which they operated with the name of J. ROCA. It came to manufacture much of what was consumed on the Spanish mechanical braid market, destined mainly for chandlery companies and for use in the navy. |
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1934 - It pioneered development in high-pressure flax hoses. |
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1963 - The first braided polyamide climbing rope in Spain was manufactured. |
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1965 - Manufacture of the first rope with a pattern change in the centre to ease climbing manoeuvres. |
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1968 - The range of auxiliary ropes increased the variety of ropes available. |
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1970 - The standards of the Committee for Mountain Safety were successfully met and it became the first firm in Spain to obtain UIAA endorsement (International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation). |
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1976 - New concepts were used to manufacture the first static ropes for caving. These were also used by expeditions. The first harness was manufactured. |
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1977 - Manufacture of the first polyamide slings for use in climbing. |
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1978 - The first water-repellent rope was put on the market. |
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1980 - Endorsement of the ROCA integral harness, in compliance with the new UIAA standards. We were the first to obtain this endorsement. |
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1981 - Manufacture of the double belay loop on pelvic harnesses, which was incorporated a few years later by other brands. |
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1983 - The first express slings were manufactured. |
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1984 - The first standards for auxiliary ropes and slings were issued. We complied successfully with official requirements. |
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1986 - Manufacture of the first aramid rope for use in mountaineering as an auxiliary rope. |
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1988 - Manufacturing started of a range of totally padded harnesses. A new harness was made, specially designed for sport climbing. It was revealed on company participation as sponsor of the Montblanc Climbing Competition. |
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1991 - Celebration of the company’s centenary. To mark this event, a 10.5-mm rope in three graduated colours was manufactured. |
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1992 - Approval of TASMANIA ropes which withstand an edge fall. The express slings were also approved. |
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1995 - In July, all mountaineering products for safety purposes were rated as PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), in accordance with the 89/686/EEC European Directive. All safety materials manufactured by Roca are EC certified by the DGA Laboratory of Toulouse, which also assesses the EC quality guarantee system of the end product. |
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2000 - Since 6th November 2000, company manufacture of Personal Protection Equipment has been certified with the ISO 9001 International Standard by the AFAQ Organisation and products have been certified by the APAVE Laboratory of Grenoble. |
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2002 - New aramid fibre was incorporated and a static strength of 2200 daN with a diameter of 6 mm was achieved. |
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2003 - After 112 years as a family concern, it is now becoming a new limited company with the name of ROCA CORDES DE MUNTANYA, SL. |
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2004 - Increase in range and improvement of climbing harnesses. |
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2005 - Manufacture of a specialist technical rope for hiking. Reinforcement of sheath of the "indoor" rope. |
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2006 - Manufacture of the ultra-light personal "io 9,4" rope for single use. Reinforcement of the industrial product range. |
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2007- Development of an ESCAPE 6 fire-resistant rope for use in fire environments. |
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2008 - Introduction of quick buckles for sport harnesses. Manufacture of the ultralight MUK harness. |
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2009 - Manufacture of the lightweight MUK EVO harness. Extension of the range of harnesses with the new SMUZ and SMUZ VERSO. |