THE LATEST NEWS FROM KUHN

New developments related to KUHN GmbH.

Donation for the volleyball players of TSV Höpfingen

December 2024 | New jerseys for the mixed team

The new mixed team of the TSV Höpfingen volleyball department was delighted to receive new jerseys from KUHN. Our managing director Michael Kuhn, himself an active player in the recreational group, was very keen to donate these jerseys to the new team.

We are excited to see how the new outfit will affect the team’s playing success.

125 years of the Emschergenossenschaft

November 2024 | Celebrations in Bochum

125 years of the Emschergenossenschaft/Lippeverband – a reason to celebrate. On Thursday, numerous well-known guests met in the Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum. In addition to our Managing Director Dr. Michael Kuhn, our Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, were among those celebrating.

As a special statutory water management association, the Emschergenossenschaft is a public corporation responsible for water maintenance, wastewater discharge and treatment, groundwater management and the regulation of the consequences of mining in the Emscher catchment area with around 2.2 million inhabitants. Its history was primarily characterized by the technical expansion of the Emscher waters. Today, the Emschergenossenschaft also fights against the consequences of climate change and the improvement of flood protection.

We at KUHN congratulate them on their 125th anniversary and are proud to support the Emschergenossenschaft with our machines and services.

DWA Federal Advisory Board meets at KUHN

November 2024 | New concepts were developed

The Federal Advisory Council of the DWA German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste met at the end of November – this time at the premises of KUHN GmbH in Höpfingen.

The Managing Director, Dr. Lisa Broß, first reported on the DWA’s new strategy process. Small teams worked out which topics are important for the DWA now and in the future and drew up corresponding concepts and proposals on how these tasks can be tackled.

The event was rounded off with a tour of the company, during which Dr. Michael Kuhn gave an insight into screen and screw production as well as the hydraulics laboratory.

A new village community center for Waldstetten

November 2024 | KUHN supplied the heating technology 

A new village community center with a two-group kindergarten for Waldstetten.
What was decided more than three years ago by the Höpfingen municipal council is now finally becoming a reality. The inauguration of the building complex took place on November 22.

The site of the former sports hall has been completely reorganized and can now be used for multiple purposes. In addition to the premises for a two-group kindergarten, the building also includes rooms for the village community as well as new parking spaces. The special feature: everything was built on top of each other using modular timber construction.

We at KUHN were also involved in this new building. Our building services department was responsible for equipping the entire heating system, ensuring that the kindergarten children and visitors to the village community center are always comfortably warm.

When the ZDF rings…

November 2024 | KUHN GmbH on ZDF heute journal

Last week, the phone rang in the morning. “Hello, this is ZDF. Mr. Kuhn, do you have time for an interview at short notice? We’re looking for a medium-sized company that exports to the USA. Could you give us a statement on what impact the results of the US election could possibly have on the German economy?”
Of course we didn’t say no. Three hours later, a camera team from the ZDF regional studio in Stuttgart was in the yard. Camera, light and sound were set up and off we went.

Our Managing Director Dr. Michael Kuhn was on hand to answer questions and explain the negative consequences to be expected in Germany following the US election from the perspective of KUHN GmbH.

The entire report was broadcast on Saturday, November 2nd on ZDF heute journal. Click here to go to the ZDF media library

KUHN worldwide: On the road in India

October 2024 | Dr. Michael Kuhn presented us internationally for more than a week

India is developing into one of the future markets for environmental technologies. IFAT India is already the leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste and recycling there. The first major travel stop for our Managing Director Dr. Michael Kuhn was therefore IFAT India in Mumbai.

There, he not only presented us as an important company in the wastewater sector at the German Pavilion, but also chaired a panel discussion on green hydrogen from (waste) water in his capacity as a member of the board of the German Water Partnership (GWP). Sounds strange at first, but it is actually one of the most advanced water technologies of the future and plays a key role in revolutionizing energy production and sustainability.

After intensive days at the trade fair in Mumbai, Michael then traveled on to Chennai. From October 20 – 23, 2024, the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, organized a showcase for German companies in the sustainable water and wastewater industry.

The core of the program was a symposium with specialist lectures, discussions and company presentations by the German participants to selected stakeholders from industry and politics. Networking and individually organized meetings complemented the programme. Michael Kuhn was able to take part in a panel discussion and contributed to a successful event.

The economic potential offered by the water industry in India is already enormous and is set to grow further in the coming years. However, market entry for international companies is associated with many hurdles. Market knowledge and product adaptations are almost always required and a large network and the right contacts to decision-makers are essential. The exhibition in Chennai helps German companies in particular to sharpen their understanding of the local market, explore business opportunities and increase the visibility of their own solutions and products.

The course has been set for potential cooperation.

Technology from Höpfingen can be found worldwide

August 2024 | Dr Andre Baumann, State Secretary in the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment, took a look around the Kuhn company

Report from the Fränkische Nachrichten from 02/08/2024:

“Höpfingen. How is a long-established global company in the rural area, which is now in its third generation of management and will soon be celebrating its 100th anniversary, doing? A question that was answered very vividly and clearly on Thursday at the Kuhn company in Höpfingen: Dr Andre Baumann, State Secretary in the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment, took a look behind the scenes, asked questions and received interesting answers from Managing Director Dr Michael Kuhn.

They had first met at the IFAT GreenTec trade fair in Munich, where Kuhn had a stand (as reported by FN). It quickly became clear that they spoke the same language: “GreenTec is also very important in Baden-Württemberg as an automotive and mechanical engineering state,” emphasised Kuhn, who was delighted with the visit. “Ministries rarely find their way to North Baden,” he emphasised, referring to the company’s entrepreneurial and creative-technical focus on hydraulic engineering.

Informed about projects

He discussed river catchment areas, the “much too late” master plan for Baden-Württemberg’s water supply, the global sewerage network and water conflicts. At the same time, he provided information on plant engineering in the areas of drinking water supply, wastewater treatment and rainwater treatment, mechanical engineering in the field of mechanical wastewater treatment and current national and international projects.

It became clear that the slogan “water experts – world wide” is more than just a catchy advertising slogan: technology from Höpfingen can be found not only at numerous locations in Germany, but also in Prague, London, Los Angeles, Newark, Sydney and Invercargill in New Zealand. There was also joy about the succession solution. With Peter Kuhn and Janis Kuhn, the next generation is already in the starting blocks.

Finally, a great deal of space was given to discussing current issues that sometimes concern even a global player like Kuhn: Dr Michael Kuhn recalled the high and almost unmanageable bureaucratic requirements and the difficulty in recruiting employees despite 180 employees and a good reputation. “We have massive problems attracting skilled labour from the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region to Höpfingen. Technical positions in particular are difficult to fill, especially as working from home has proven to be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it takes the pressure off the family life of office workers; on the other hand, it fuels certain dissatisfaction among workers and fitters, for example, who feel disadvantaged because it is harder to reconcile work and family life,” he conceded.

The only chance is to train and develop our own employees: “We currently have 13 trainees,” emphasised Kuhn. But here, too, the application situation is not ideal at the moment: “The fact that there are no more secondary schools is making itself felt. Those with a secondary school leaving certificate are rarely interested in the commercial sector,” he noted.

The State Secretary pointed out that the skilled trades in particular were helping to achieve climate protection targets. “However, politicians cannot solve the problem alone – society must help and convey the message that the skilled trades have more golden ground than ever before. Real climate protectors learn in the skilled trades,” he explained. Modern technology can also solve many problems and certain flexibility must be put into practice. With this in mind, the State Secretary promised to take the knowledge and insights gained in Höpfingen back to the Ministry of the Environment. Dr Michael Kuhn went on to point out the situation with water screw conveyors, which not every expert accepts: Since a certain risk of injury to fish could not be ruled out, the company was occasionally tilting at windmills and hoping that the situation would ease.

Finally, the delegation went on a tour of the company. Dr Michael Kuhn showed State Secretary Baumann the modern hydraulics laboratory and provided an insight into the production of water screw conveyors. He did not fail to mention that the first Kuhn water screw conveyor was manufactured in-house in 1978. Dr Baumann thanked the company for its “highly professional commitment to the most important element of life over several generations. Mayor Christian Hauk also expressed his delight at the high-profile visit, which he described as a “very appreciative gesture for Höpfingen”. He did not fail to mention that the Kuhn company, as the largest local employer, plays an important role in local life. ad”

A sporting weekend for KUHN GmbH

July 2024 | TSV Höpfingen invites you to the sports festival

At the end of July, TSV Höpfingen traditionally invites everyone to its annual sports festival. This means exceptional conditions in Höpfingen and a colourful programme for young and old.

The TSV charity run took place on Saturday, with KUHN employees and their families competing in the 5km and 10km races – all for a good cause, of course. Whether runners or walkers: everyone contributed to the joint best performance and simply looked great!

On Monday, we took part in the company tournament with two football teams. A pure KUHN team and a mixed team “Lehrer x & KUHN GmbH” showed their skills on the ball in KUHN kit. After exciting matches on the small pitch, the mixed team finally won the cup in the final against Sparkasse Tauberfranken with a penalty shoot-out victory.

Thanks to TSV Höpfingen for a great sports festival – we are already looking forward to next year.

Two long-serving employees go into well-deserved retirement!

June 2024 | Franz-Karl Bechtold and Jürgen Hilpert bid farewell

Two long-standing employees are leaving the company. Franz-Karl Bechtold can now finally call himself “retired” after more than 32 years at KUHN and Jürgen Hilpert has also reached his well-deserved retirement after more than 13 years.

With them, two very reliable and competent colleagues are leaving us. We will miss both of them very much with their many years of experience and their great knowledge.

Dear Franz and Jürgen, we wish you all the best for the new phase of your lives, and above all many more decades of good health. You are always welcome here.

THANK YOU for everything!

After a 2-year break, IFAT was finally back in May!

May 2024 | World’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management

More than 142,000 visitors from around 170 countries and regions came to Munich this year for the world’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management – that’s a new record!

Climate, water, energy and the environment are among the most important issues of our time. We at KUHN GmbH deal with these issues on a daily basis and are therefore proud to have been part of this impressive event.

With a new exhibition stand and all kinds of innovations in our luggage, we presented ourselves for five days as a competent and holistic partner for our customers and interested parties in the field of wastewater technology.

We focused in particular on our modern and reliable machines – old technology that is reinventing itself, but also many new products that are revolutionizing the market. Coupled with our KUHN 360 as an essential component of active water management.

THANK YOU for five intensive days full of interesting discussions, nice contacts, great impressions and hours of fun!

And above all, THANK YOU for your visit to our stand and your great interest in our products as well as our holistic solutions and the expertise of KUHN.

KUHN will be 100 years young in 2026!

You can already look forward to IFAT 2026 and celebrate the anniversary with us in the midst of tomorrow’s innovations.

KUHN at IFAT India

October 2023 | Feasibility study signed

In October, our Managing Director Dr Michael Kuhn took part in IFAT India in Mumbai, together with our Indian partner, as an exhibitor at the German joint stand.

In this context, a feasibility study was signed between the city of Chennai, the water ministry of the state of Tamil Nadu and German Water Partnership (GWP). The Federal Ministry for the Environment had commissioned several companies for this purpose. The aim was to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to rehabilitate the Nesapakkam wastewater treatment plant. The process technology of this plant is to be completely modernised. KUHN would like to supply the inlet group for this.

An official report on GWP’s partnership with India was published in the magazine “Wasser & Abwasser International” (wwt).

26 years in daily use under the toughest conditions

July 2023 | A special order at KUHN

Our customer Porta Westfalica has decided to replace a wash press for screenings treatment at the Möllbergen wastewater treatment plant.

Not really worthy of a headline. But what is so special about this order? This wash press was one of the very first to be developed and built at the time. After more than 26 years of reliable and faithful service, it is now being replaced by a more advanced but equally robust KWP-Premium 250/600 model due to its age. There are currently well over 2,500 of these KUHN machines in use around the world – something we are naturally more than proud of!

Head of Production Elmar Kaiser retires after 48 years at KUHN

December 2022 | Management and colleagues thank Elmar Kaiser

Managing Director Dr Michael Kuhn called Elmar Kaiser a “living KUHN encyclopaedia” when he bid farewell to him in December 2022. Almost five decades earlier, Kaiser had applied for an apprenticeship as an electrician at Franz Kuhn oHG. However, the position had already been filled, so he was offered an apprenticeship as an office administrator. “I accepted the offer and have never regretted it,” says Kaiser. “Thanks to the foresight of the respective managing directors and the commitment of each individual employee, a lot has been tackled and achieved in the 48 years.” And that, added Managing Director Jürgen Kuhn, was not least thanks to Elmar Kaiser himself: “Elmar never lost sight of the big picture. No matter how stressful a situation is: Elmar remains friendly and calm, he finds solutions instead of problems. He was and is always very popular with all colleagues, customers and partners!”

The Höpfinger not only experienced decades of change at KUHN, but also helped to shape it: The small craft business became a nationally and internationally recognised expert in the field of water and wastewater with over 170 employees. Trainee Elmar Kaiser first became a commercial employee in sales and the building services department, drew up quotations, became an expert in stocktaking and in 2012 became head of the production department. He lived up to his motto: “There’s a lot to do. Let’s get on with it!” Kaiser was a highly valued point of contact for experienced and young colleagues and set standards in terms of reliability, expertise, collegiality and loyalty.

In his farewell speech, Elmar Kaiser impressively described what 48 years of change inside and outside the world of work means: “When I started my apprenticeship in 1974, Germany had just become football world champion for the second time. A litre of regular petrol cost 83 pfennigs, a beer at the Oktoberfest 3.20 DM. Communication at KUHN was by telephone, in writing with letters and, if it had to be quicker, “chatting” by telex. Fitters had to find a telephone box for every enquiry and construction sites or customers were found using maps, car atlases and directions. Water experts – world wide was still a long way off.” In keeping with the tradition of his work, Elmar Kaiser concluded his speech with an optimistic wish for his colleagues to continue to pull together. After all, this attitude had brought him a happy working life for 48 years.

Not only the management, but also Kaiser’s colleagues thanked him for his commitment to KUHN over his 48 years with the company. KUHN in Höpfingen is certain that Elmar Kaiser will remain part of the family business even after these 48 years.

Sparkling drinking water for Gerichtstetten primary school

October 2022 | Donation makes purchase possible

Quote from the official gazette and newsletter of the municipality of Hardheim with the district of Gerichtstetten:

“There was great joy among the pupils and teachers at the primary school in Gerichtstetten when the new water dispenser was put into operation. It is thanks to both the Kuhn company from Höpfingen and the primary school’s support association that the children can now come to school with a little less weight in their satchels, as they no longer have to bring their drinks from home, but can quench their thirst with chilled, still or sparkling water from the new water dispenser, depending on their taste.

The children were particularly enthusiastic about the drinking bottles specially made for all pupils and teachers at Gerichtstetten Primary School to mark the introduction of the water dispenser. The bottles are adorned with a very attractive imprint, consisting of the logo of the sponsoring organisation and the children’s names, which makes the bottles something very special. The attractive design of the drinking bottles was developed by Mrs Ehrenfried-Dittmar from RED Kreativ.

The purchase of the high-quality stainless steel bottles was organised with great commitment by the support association team led by chairman Florian Dörr and was only possible thanks to the very generous donation from the Kuhn company.

Managing Director Jürgen Kuhn emphasised at the handover that the donation was made with great pleasure for Gerichtstetten primary school and was delighted with the result and the opportunity to support a meaningful and useful project.

At the end of the handover, headmistress Daniela Taranto expressed her great thanks to all those involved in the “water dispenser” project, especially the Kuhn company, the support association team and Mrs Ehrenfried-Dittmar, without whose commitment and financial support the implementation would not have been possible.”

Finally IFAT is back!

May / June 2022 | IFAT Munich 2022

IFAT is back! The world’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management stands for innovation and sustainibility. After an enforced break in 2020, we were once again able to meet our custumers, partners and friends in person in the Bavarian capital. Like you, we at KUHN have missed this direct and uncomplicated exchange in recent years.

However, we made good use of the time until this IFAT and did what we do at best at KUHN: We worked on the optimal solutions for our customers’ problems. We wre able to present four new machines to our guests at IFAT! For example our KGR Hinged screen and our KST Drum screen.

Thank you for visiting our stand in Munich and for your great interest in our products and the expertise of KUHN. See you in two years at the latest!

EMPLOYEE HONOR 2021

October 2021 | Many KUHN GmbH employees honored at company party

The management board of KUHN GmbH, Höpfingen invited their employees to the “big” company party held every other year. Due to the current coronavirus pandemic the event was less formal and held in the company’s production hall while observing protection measures.

Managing director Jürgen Kuhn greeted not only the company’s staff but also the previous generation of company management, Günther Kuhn and his wife Anneliese, Emma Kuhn, and former authorized signatory Norbert Kuhn and his wife Marianne. He also welcomed mayor Hauk, who represented the Höpfingen municipality.

The most important part of the afternoon was quickly addressed: this involved the two managing directors honoring employees for their many years of service to the company. The number of those being honored and how long they had worked for KUHN demonstrated their high degree of identification with the company and made him proud, said Jürgen Kuhn, who then introduced the 40 members of staff being recognized, with humorous commentary.

The following employees were honored: ….

For 10 years: Mario Haas, Eduard Wirtz, Jürgen Hilpert, Jürgen Kirchgeßner, Simone Beichert, Andreas Frank, Peter Kantert, Peter Wulf, Elisabeth Hilpert, Simon Mahler, Daniel Wagner und Steffen Gärtner geehrt.

For 15 years and with the bronze medal from the Mannheimer Chapter of the Chamber of Trades: Torsten Kaiser, Thomas Greß, Georg Sulzer, Jens Eiermann, Andreas Gramlich, Manfred Hauk und Christian Hilpert.

For 20 years: Josef König, Horst Kuhn, Ralf Kinbacher und Rene Hauk.

For 25 years and also with the silver medal from the Chapter of the Chamber of Trades: Michael Volk, Mathias Speth und Martin Sans.

For 30 years: Michael Philipps, Johann Wischnewski, Katja Czerny, Thorsten Weidner, Martin Biringer und Anke Knörzer sowie die beiden Geschäftsführer Jürgen Kuhn und Dr. Michael Kuhn.

For 35 years: Günter Rabl und Doris Burger.

Richard Hefner and Claudia Großkinsky were recognized for a special anniversary, 40 years of company service, which was also honored with a Gold Medal from the Mannheim Chapter of the Chamber of Trades as well as a Certificate of Honor from the State of Baden-Württemberg.

Elmar Kaiser was honored for 45 years of faithful service to KUHN. Speaking on behalf of the management board, Jürgen Kuhn thanked those honored for their successful cooperation.

Finally, the managing directors Jürgen and Michael Kuhn also recognized their uncle, Norbert Kuhn, who first began working for KUHN 60 years ago – a period of time that is anything but common. Jürgen Kuhn emphasized in particular the professionalism demonstrated by Norbert Kuhn with regard to building services and all the construction and maintenance measures completed over several decades. Even now, while actually retired, he can always be counted upon to help when needed.

Jürgen Kuhn thanked all the employees for their excellent work and outstanding commitment before stepping up to the microphone again to provide an outlook on the current and forthcoming fiscal year. He reported that, despite the scarcity of skilled employees, orders were currently very good because in the region and internationally the name KUHN is widely known and recognized for the high quality it achieves.

After that, participants moved from the official to the social part of the afternoon.

IHK Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis

September 2021 | IHK meeting at KUHN

Last Monday, a meeting of the members of the IHK plenary assembly, Neckar-Odenwald district, took place at KUHN.

After everyone had strengthened themselves with a small dinner, a short company tour followed, before the upcoming plenary meeting of the Mannheim Chamber of Commerce, which took place on September 15, 2021, was prepared and discussed.

Seen in the photo (from left to right):

Stefan Kempf, ÜAB Buchen │ Dr. Andreas Hildenbrand, IHK NOK │ Volker Egenberger, Egenberger IT Solutions GmbH │ Hans-Georg Ehrmann, Röth Eisengießerei GmbH & Co. KG │ Christoph Schneider, OKW GmbH & Co. KG │ Cornelia Friedrich, Pflege- und Gesundheitsservice Friedrich │ Ralf Rohmann, Gustav Eirich GmbH & Co. KG │ Jürgen Kuhn, KUHN GmbH Technische Anlagen

COMMISSIONING OF THE 1000TH ARCHIMEDEAN SCREW PUMP

May 2021 | New conveyor screws in sewage treatment plant

The Eichsfelder Kessel regional wastewater association will emphasize efficiency and climate protection when modernizing its Bernterode/Wipper sewage treatment plant, which is designed for a population of 15,000 (with 14,416 inhabitants currently using the system).

Since being installed as the wastewater association’s first such facility, the plant has been in operation for over 25 years. Because current efforts are largely focused on energy-efficient refurbishment, the association attaches great importance to the results of its climate protection concept. As association managing director Thiele says, the objective is to increase energy efficiency. That is why the so-called recirculation sludge conveyor screws were renovated. “Due to wear and tear, it was no longer possible to easily convey the recirculated sludge. This had a direct impact on operation and disposal safety,” said Thiele. In addition, energy consumption was rising exponentially. The question was therefore whether the sewage pump screws needed to be repaired or replaced. The regional association ultimately decided on complete replacement.

Our managing director Dr. Michael Kuhn traveled to the official commissioning of the plant because our company supplied and installed the Archimedean screw pumps. It was a special occasion for our company boss because it was the 1,000th such sewage pump screw to leave the KUHN GmbH production line. As a special memento, he brought a present along – a small gold-colored 3D print version of the Archimedean screw pump – a certificate and a coupon for the first routine maintenance work. Michael Kuhn, who has seen his share of sewage treatment plants, gave high praise to the operators of the plant, saying “It doesn’t stink here. That shows the plant is working very well, and, besides, the lawn is mowed. That in turn shows you how people pay close attention to things around here.”

The photo shows specialist department manager David Meitzner, association chairman Eckart Lintzel, wastewater manager Christian Iseke, manager Oliver Thiele and our managing director Dr. Michael Kuhn at the official plant start-up ceremony.

ORDER FROM NEW YORK

May 2021 | The “Big Apple” chooses machinery made in Höpfingen

The Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) has placed an order for seven wash presses with us through our partner Vulcan Industries Inc. Our equipment will be deployed to supplement disposal processes in which residue from upstream separation is removed, washed, compacted and dewatered. PVSC had already been testing wash presses starting in 2015 and ultimately decided on the quality machinery manufactured by KUHN GmbH.

As one of the largest state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facilities on the East Coast, the 0.70 km² PVSC facility has more than 13 km of access roads, over 1.6 km of supply tunnels, many kilometers of sewer lines and processing tubes, thousands of instruments and valves, hundreds of pumps and a 137.16 m long bridge over Doremus Avenue.

The incoming volume is also remarkable: the plant is designed to treat an average volume of 14.45 m³/s of wastewater at a maximum throughput of 17.25 m³/s.

30TH ANNIVERSARY – DR. MICHAEL KUHN

May 2021 | 30-year KUHN anniversary

Our managing director Dr. Michael Kuhn was predestined to become a part of KUHN GmbH from very early in life. He joined the company only a month later than managing director Jürgen Kuhn and celebrated his 30th anniversary with the company on May 1, 2021. We wish to express our THANKS to you too, Michael, and look back at your career with KUHN until now.

After completing studies in utility engineering at Esslingen University and completing an internship in the United States, Michael completed an additional degree in industrial engineering. He then joined KUHN GmbH on May 1, 1991.

As the third generation in company management, in 1997, together with Jürgen Kuhn he acquired all the shares in the company and has been running KUHN since that time as managing shareholder. Initially responsible for electrical engineering at the company, in the meantime, he has also assumed responsibility for Building Services, Sales & Marketing, Finance and Accounting, Human Resources and IT.

Over the years, Michael has left his mark at important milestones in the history of KUHN and has represented the company well, especially externally. He enjoys and is deeply committed to his role in numerous committees and associations. For example, since 2014 he has chaired the India Country Forum of the German Water Partnership (GWP) and has served on the advisory committee of the environmental technology industry association Umwelttechnik Baden-Württemberg.

To name only a few examples, since 2015 he has served on the foreign trade committee of the Rhine-Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and has even served as a member of the GWP executive committee since 2018. Based on his broadly based networking, he has contributed significantly to the growth of KUHN GmbH, in particular by expanding sales internationally in recent years.

In 2014 Michael earned a Doctor of Engineering degree from the University of Rostock and in 2021 was granted the title of expert consultant on flow measurement for Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

On behalf of the entire workforce, we wish to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU, Michael, for your 30 years of tireless service, commitment and dedication to the KUHN company!

FACTORY ACCEPTANCE TEST

April 2021 | FAT

Exceptional measures are called for in exceptional times!

A digital FAT (factory acceptance test) was carried out with customers from Israel at the KUHN GmbH factory premises this past Friday.

Acceptance testing of equipment is often done with the customer locally before the machinery is shipped abroad. Due to problems related to the coronavirus pandemic, it was not possible for our customers from Israel to travel to Germany, meaning that the FAT procedure was done by video conference. This was a new experience for us, too…

Despite the circumstances, the customer was completely satisfied with the quality of the machine and approved it for shipping. And so the machine will soon begin its long journey to Israel.

Note: Our employees have of course secured a corona self-test before the meeting!

30TH ANNIVERSARY – JÜRGEN KUHN

April 2021 | 30-year KUHN Arbeitsjubiläum

Our managing director Jürgen Kuhn is able to look back on a 30-year work career with us. On the occasion of this anniversary, we would like to express our THANKS to him and review a few highlights in his KUHN history so far!

After studying electrical engineering in Mannheim and working at Siemens, on April 1, 1991 Jürgen Kuhn began his professional career with KUHN GmbH, which was still run by his father, Günther Kuhn, as a project manager and electrical engineering calculation specialist.

In 1997, together with his cousin Michael Kuhn, as the third generation in their family, they acquired the shares in the company and since that time he has been co-managing shareholder.

He was initially responsible for electrical engineering at the company. In the meantime – due to organizational restructuring in 2014 – he has also taken over responsibility for project management, production, assembly, purchasing, service and warehousing.

Over the years, Jürgen has left his mark on many milestones in the history of KUHN GmbH: To name only a few, in 2002 the acquisition of the Egner company’s assets, and in 2004 the acquisition and development of the Schell company site in Höpfingen. The expansion or enlargement of the KUHN company premises (extension of the paint shop, new construction of building 2, modernization of office building 6, etc.) was largely supervised by him.

He contributed significantly to the growth of KUHN GmbH and the development of the international sales market in recent years.

He is also active in the industry outside KUHN GmbH and as a member of the IHK Rhein-Neckar General Assembly.

Dear Jürgen, on behalf of the entire workforce, we want to say THANK YOU for your dedication and commitment as managing director, project manager and representative over these past 30 years! All our best wishes and many happy returns of the day…

1000TH ARCHIMEDEAN SCREW PUMP

February 2021 | The 1,000th KUHN Archimedean screw pump

At the end of 2020 we received an order from the “Eichsfelder Kessel” regional wastewater association to supply and install three Archimedean screw pumps for the Bernterode sewage treatment plant.

When completed at the end of April of this year, one of these three units will be the 1,000th screw pump to leave our production line since 1978.

At the time, Kuhn GmbH was breaking completely new ground with technical dimensioning and qualified manufacturing. Today, KUHN is the largest German manufacturer of Archimedean screw pumps, which make a significant contribution to the success of the company.

In addition to production, the refurbishment of screw pump lifting stations has also become a key area of focus at our company. Tailor-made solutions are offered in line with customer requirements and solutions developed specifically for individual applications.

In the case of this order, three compact tube screws measuring 900 mm in diameter and 5000 mm in length are integrated within a sludge recirculation pumping station. With an energy-efficient IE4 engine, infinite height adjustment for adjusting volume flow rate and an aluminum weather protection hood, we are certain that this equipment will serve its purpose for many years to come.

CONFERENCE ROOM

February 2021 | Renovation of the conference room

In Office Building 1, the conference room, which had scarcely been altered since 1993, has been re-modeled into a modern communications room.

The usual meetings around a “round table” are no longer up-to-date. We were forced to acknowledge this by 2020, when events and meetings were mainly conducted digitally.

The room has not been set up in a conventional way, but has been given an appealingly relaxed flair. It not only meets the requirements for modern communications, such as for example online meetings, but will serve as the platform for casual internal discussions, development of ideas, and sharing of knowledge within our departments and working groups.

COMMUNAL SLUDGE PRESS

January 2021 | Mobile intercommunal sludge press (MSP)

Since 2002 a number of rural municipalities in the Buchen area have been jointly operating a mobile sewage drainage system. The centrifuges and all necessary equipment such as pumps, flocculant treatment and metering, and the necessary control systems are installed in a truck trailer. This trailer is transported by the local user cooperative to the plant where it is to be used and set up, connected and operated by local specialized staff. The system is organized by the City of Buchen. Maintenance is mainly carried out by the Service Department of KUHN GmbH and electrical faults are quickly eliminated by the company’s center for electronics and automation to the customer’s complete satisfaction.
Unfortunately, the ravages of time – corrosive air and dampness – have now led to serious damage to the electronics. However, sealing of the leaky roof of the housing was not possible, as the opening in the roof had to be retained for maintenance purposes.

As a result, it was decided to overhaul the entire internal technology of the equipment and renew the housing and chassis.

The old trailer was dismantled by KUHN GmbH, the centrifuge overhauled by a specialist firm in Würzburg, and a new chassis and mounting supplied by a local vehicle builder. The power distribution boards for the centrifuge and the flocculant treatment and metering were completely renewed by KUHN and mounted in a control cabinet.
Operations will commence in the near future under the supervision of the centrifuge specialist in a plant that is served by the mobile sludge dewatering system.

All in all, a very interesting and not everyday task for KUHN GmbH.

RHINE-NECKAR CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

October 2020 | IHK Foreign Trade Committee

Our managing director, Dr. Michael Kuhn, has been appointed a member of the Foreign Trade Committee from 2020 to 2025 by the Executive Council of the Rhine-Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).

Managing director Jürgen Kuhn was elected one of the eight representatives of the Neckar-Odenwald region (with him five of whom are from industry) in the Plenary Assembly. Representatives from companies serving on this committee of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) work together as equal partners and represent the business sector vis-à-vis politics and administration.

Voluntary service by member companies allows the IHK to work effectively and with a practical focus on behalf of industry.

Our managing partners are already looking forward to worthwhile exchanges, interesting contacts and a successful role furthering the interests of member companies in our region.

ONBOARDING GET-TOGETHER

9th October, 2020 | New collegues

Last Friday, for the first time, an event was held for new colleagues with partners and trainees and their parents– while also of course complying with all COVID-19 hygiene and social distancing measures. The event was intended to bring the company closer not only to the new KUHN employees, but also to their family members.

After a brief word of welcome and company presentation on the history and range of KUHN’s services, the two managing directors Jürgen Kuhn and Dr. Michael Kuhn as well as personnel manager Stefan Gramlich gave their guests a guided tour of the company premises in three groups.

The guests had the opportunity to see the office buildings and production and warehouse buildings as well as learn about production processes and individual machines.

The tour of the company was followed by an opportunity to chat and ask questions over light refreshments.

IFAT IMPACT BUSINESS SUMMIT

September 2020 | IFAT impact Business Summit

Due to the corona pandemic, the world’s leading trade fair IFAT 2020 could not take place.

In order to still be present, the organizer offers all exhibitors various options to get in touch with customers digitally.

Interested parties can contact us via B2B matching via the Zoom program to clarify questions about our products and services.

Our managing director Dr. Michael Kuhn will be available for this on September 10, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The booking of appointments takes place via the following link:

https://exhibitors.ifat.de/en/ifat-impact-business-summit/day-overview-search/eventcalendar_controller/Eventcalendar/eventcalendar_action/list/

PILOT PLANT IN INDIA

August 2020 | Grant support for pilot plant in India approved – GWP India Regional Forum has first in-person meeting since coronavirus outbreak

For the first time since the coronavirus crisis began, members of the GWP India Regional Forum met in person again. The highlight of the early August meeting was receiving word that the Federal Ministry of the Environment (BDU) had approved a grant in support of a pilot plant in India.

The 31st meeting of the India Regional Forum and with it the first physical session of the GWP committee since early March 2020 took place on August 7, 2020 and was hosted by i+M GmbH & Co. KG in Balingen, Swabia. The meeting was held in the repurposed production hall of the sludge-drying specialist in order to maintain the physical distancing required by the pandemic. While observing the applicable hygiene regulations, 11 GWP members met to network with each other and exchange information on current developments as well as future joint projects in India.

A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement by GWP board member Dr. Michael Kuhn that funding for a feasibility study for a pilot plant in India had been received. As part of the funded feasibility study, several members of GWP’s Regional Forum India are developing a concept adapted to regional conditions for upgrading an existing sewage treatment plant. This will allow the plant to be used for showcasing German wastewater treatment technologies as well as for training purposes in the wastewater sector.

“We have thus taken an important first step towards setting up a sewage treatment plant with German components and know-how in India, and will hopefully be able to show our local customers in that market and partners in the foreseeable future that our technology works well on site,” says Dr. Michael Kuhn, managing director at Kuhn GmbH Technische Anlagen.
Networking not only with German, but also with foreign partners is a top priority at the German Water Partnership, the only active network in Germany among international water-engineering companies. For example, Nandagopal Polamada from Gradiant India Private Limited joined the meeting live from Chennai, India and reported on the activities of the industrial (waste)water treatment specialist in India in order to explore potential cooperation with GWP members.

The day before, GWP members also networked while taking a tour of the first sludge drying plant engineered by i+M GmbH & Co. KG. The tour was led by manager Melanie Volm, who spent one and a half hours familiarizing participants with the patented process and its complex development.

WATER DISPENSER

August 2020 | water dispenser

Not only for hot summer days, but for the whole year, the KUHN company had water dispensers of the Waterlogic brand installed for the employees. Chilled water with and without gas and tap water are now available.

Our drinking water can be drunk straight from the tap without hesitation. The water analyzes, which the municipality of Höpfingen regularly carries out, illustrate the excellent values.

E-MOBILITY

July 2020 | E-mobility

Our guiding principle at KUHN GmbH is to provide people and the environment with clean, natural water.

As a sustainable energy system, e-mobility also contributes to a clean future and is thus also climate-friendly.

That is why our management board has decided to install four charging stations for electric cars on our company premises. This investment highlights the innovative approach taken by KUHN by making the charging station for e-cars and hybrid company vehicles available to customers and staff.

At the same time, the first all-electric car was purchased for the company fleet for driving short distances near Höpfingen and the surrounding area. With this purchase, KUHN strives to enhance awareness about the environment and continue the e-mobility turnaround while also having an ecological and sustainable impact.

4TH DWA WEB CONFERENCE

April 2020 | 4th DWA Web Conference from April 22, 2020

The most recent developments in Germany show that the exponential spread of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has become a very serious situation. This has prompted the German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA) to continue its series of Web-based conferences on securing and ensuring the provision of wastewater services as critical infrastructure.

The 4th Web Conference on the topic “Corona Special – Current Crisis Management” took place on April 22, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon.

Once again, our managing director Dr. Michael Kuhn hosted the video conference.

Are you interested? The conference session can be viewed here:  https://www.dwa-bw.de/de/

DWA WEB CONFERENCE

April 2020 | DWA web conference

In his function as a new Advisory Board member of the state association of the German Association for Water Management, Wastewater and Waste (DWA) and representative for small and medium-sized enterprises, managing director Dr. Michael Kuhn was invited to act as facilitator for a Web conference entitled “Corona Special for SMEs, the current situation, internal organization” and provide insights on the current state of affairs in his own company.

This was preceded by an initial Web conference about the topic of “Corona and Sewage Sludge” on March 25, 2020.

A second Web-based conference broadcast on March 31, 2020 from a recording studio in Leonberg initially focused on operational safety at wastewater treatment plants during the Corona virus pandemic (0:00 – 1:21:00) followed by a second section hosted by Mr. Kuhn on the situation faced by SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in the state (1:21:14 – 2:45:50). Representatives from engineering consultants and plant manufacturers of varying sizes contributed to the conference.

These informational and networking Web conferences are for those in the wastewater sector in Baden-Württemberg and can be viewed from the DWA homepage: https://www.dwa-bw.de/de/.

DWA ADVISORY BOARD CHAIRPERSON

March 2020 | New DWA Advisory Board Chairperson

In early March the Federal Advisory Board of the German Association for Water Management, Wastewater and Waste (DWA) convened.

Before the meeting, the previous chairperson, Karl-Heinz Flick, requested that a successor be selected because he would be stepping down from the Advisory Board due to his forthcoming retirement next year.

In accordance with § 16(5) of the DWA constitution, the Advisory Board unanimously named Dr.-Ing. Michael Kuhn, managing director of KUHN GmbH, its new chairperson.

His election must still be confirmed at the annual meeting of the DWA association. His term of office will be through December 31, 2023.

Mr. Kuhn has been a member of the Advisory Board since 2012 and is now also a member of the DWA Executive Board. He looks forward to his new task and will advocate strongly for the development of a safe and sustainable water and wastewater economy.

SUBSIDY FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL

January 2020 | Donation

There was considerable joy among children from the primary school in Höpfingen and their teachers: The president of the Lions Club Madonnenland, Dr. Michael Kuhn, had brought a substantial gift to the Höpfingen Elementary School. More specifically, he pulled a check out of his pocket worth €1,000: That is the amount being contributed by the Lions Club towards work on the new school playground.

School principal Susanne Lindlau-Hecht expressed her gratitude for the donation and was also delighted by the relief this brings to the community, which is not financially well off. Kuhn said the donation came from “discretionary funding set aside for special measures” that was drawn upon for the school. “It is a project that benefits our youth,” he emphasized, praising in particular the untiring activity of parents and the numerous donors involved in the restoration of the school grounds. “This cooperation put together an absolutely remarkable overall package,” he emphasized in acknowledgement of efforts by all involved.

ADVENT CALENDAR

January 2020 | First prize

„We Serve“ – All activities pursued by a Lions Club are committed to this goal.

For no less than the 15th time, the Lions Club Madonnenland has again managed to fill the annual Lions Advent Calendar Raffle, with many attractive prizes.

Once again, pre-schools and kindergartens, schools, youth facilities and other social projects in the district are being supported through proceeds from sales of the Lions Advent Calendar Raffle.

As President of the Lions Club Madonnenland, our managing director Dr. Michael Kuhn actively supports this project.

This is why the CEO of Kuhn GmbH gladly agreed to sponsor the main prize for last yearʼs Advent Calendar raffle.

The winners were presented with a prize worth €4,000: a trip for two to Dubai, including VIP tickets to EXPO 2020 not available to the general public.

First prize went to Ms. Nicole Münster from Schweinberg and her family and was presented by managing directors of KUHN GmbH, Dr. Michael Kuhn and Mr. Jürgen Kuhn, during an awards ceremony and reception attended by Vice President Ursula Hammer and Beate Tomann of the Lions Club.

We hope Ms. Münster enjoys an exciting time and many great impressions on her trip to Dubai.