Kärcher: leader in the cleaning equipment industry
Kärcher is a world leader in the production of cleaning technology and cleaning equipment. Its history began in 1935 with a small family business.
The founder of Kärcher was engineer Alfred Kärcher. After training in 1924, he went to work in his father’s firm, which he soon transformed into a design bureau. Such changes corresponded to the needs of the era of industrialization and the rapid development of technological innovation. In 1935, Alfred decided to set up his own heating device business. His company patented the electric salt bath which was used for the heat treatment of steel and other alloys. Four years later, the company moved from Stuttgart to Winnenden, where it remains today. The Kärcher product range expanded considerably, with equipment for heating engines for airplanes and cabin heating being produced here. After World War II, the company changed direction and concentrated on products for household purposes, such as trailers, carts, and stoves.
In 1950, Karсher created a high-pressure washer with water heating. It was the first of its kind in Europe and had unique solutions that formed the basis of many of the company’s devices.
After the founder’s death in 1959, his widow took over the reins and successfully ran the business for 30 years. Now the company has passed to the descendants – son and daughter of Alfred Kärcher.
Another important period for Kärcher was 1962 when the business expanded beyond Germany. Representative offices and subsidiaries were opened in France, Austria, Switzerland. In 1975 the manufacturer appeared on the market of North America and Africa. At present, the company Kärcher enterprises are open in more than 57 countries, the share of turnover outside of Germany is about 85%. Representative offices and service centers of the company work in 190 countries.
Since 1974, Kärcher has been concentrating its attention on the production of high-pressure washing equipment. That was when the company logo and color – yellow – was approved. In 1980, the range was greatly expanded, it added equipment for cleaning vehicles, cleaning facades, steam cleaners, vacuum cleaners, and more.
In 2007 a new line was opened – the production of gardening equipment, pumps, and equipment for professional and home watering. During this period, the company has developed a new development strategy based on innovative solutions. In addition, Kärcher has increased the requirements of environmental safety for internal processes and products.
The company takes an active part in international projects of great social importance. These include the cleaning of architectural monuments, historical buildings, for example, sites in St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
