Karcher Servis Ticaret AS-Ankara Branch About

Alfred Kärcher – inventor and entrepreneur

Alfred Kärcher is one of the inventors and entrepreneurs who have contributed greatly to the progress of Württemberg since the beginning of industrialization, along with names like Robert Bosch, Gottlieb Daimler and Count Zeppelin. All his life, he was dedicated to bringing his ideas to life. In 1924, then 23 years old, Kärcher graduated from the Technical University of Stuttgart and started working in his father's company. He then transforms this company into an engineering office. In 1935, engineer Kärcher establishes his own company in Stuttgart, Bad Cannstatt, to develop his own product ideas in heating technology and bring them to market. Among many other products, Alfred Kärcher produces, under his own patent, the "Kärcher salt bath furnace" for tempering steel and hardening light alloys.

In 1939 the family business moves to Winnenden, where the company is still headquartered today. This year the company manufactures preheating furnaces and cabin heaters for aircraft engines. At the end of the Second World War, the company concentrated on the production of products that would meet immediate daily needs, such as wheelbarrows, circular ovens and trailers.

Transition to cleaning technology

Alfred Kärcher made his first entry into cleaning technology in 1950 with the production of Europe's first hot water pressure washer (DS 350 steam jet). The design of the water heating system is so forward-thinking that it is still the basis of all burners today.

Like many others, Alfred Kärcher died before he could see the worldwide success of his innovations. When he died on September 17, 1959 at the age of 58, his wife Irene Kärcher ran the company for 30 years, taking full management responsibility. Today, this responsibility is carried by the second generation children of the family business, Johannes Kärcher and Susanne Zimmermann von Siefart.

International growth

In 1962, Kärcher establishes its first company abroad in France, followed by companies established in Austria and Switzerland. International growth continues rapidly. In 1975 Kärcher opens a factory in Brazil, within the next 10 years the company has established 16 sales companies in North America, Africa and Australia. In 2012, Kärcher becomes a company that is represented in 57 countries by its own subsidiaries and generates 85% of its revenue from foreign countries. Located in more than 190 countries and 40,000 customer service points around the world, Kärcher provides its customers all over the world with full support for cleaning technologies.

Grow with innovation

After a separation phase, from 1974 Kärcher focused its attention on high-pressure cleaners. During this period, the color of the machines is changed from blue to the Kärcher yellow known all over the world today. In 1980, the company expands its production line to produce general cleaning products that can be used in logistics and buildings. Step by step, the product range is expanded with wet-dry vacuum cleaners, sweepers, vacuum cleaners, hard brush cleaners, car wash equipment, steam cleaners, cleaning agents and drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.

One of the milestones in Kärcher's history was the introduction of the first domestic portable pressure washer, HD 555, in 1984 and its growth in the consumer market. In 1993, it expanded its product line with household interior products, and since then Kärcher has added steam cleaners and vacuum cleaners for home use to its product range. In 2003, the world's first automatic cleaning robot, the RoboCleaner RC 3000, was launched. In 2007, Kärcher enters a brand new business group, the garden equipment sector, and starts the production of products such as irrigation pumps, boosters and irrigation systems.

In 1986 Kärcher becomes the leader in roller brush technology for professional segment floor cleaning machines. With the development of the new rotary head (dirt remover) produced in 1995, the cleaning efficiency of the high-pressure cleaner is almost doubled. The dust extraction capacity of commercial wet-dry vacuum cleaners is constantly being improved, and in 2007 the new Tact filter cleaning system was introduced. In addition, new initiatives are carried out within the scope of cleaning projects around the world. St. in Rome 284 travertine columns, corresponding to a total area of 25,000 m² in St. Peter's Square, are cleaned with a special spraying process developed for this project. Since the beginning of 2009, Kärcher has also been selling ultra-high-pressure washers that reach a pressure of 2,500 bar and are successful not only in cleaning but also in renovating facades and concrete. In the same year, multi-purpose sweepers for municipalities were introduced and new target groups were gained with the introduction of water dispensers.

Kärcher becomes market leader worldwide

Innovation remains the most important growth factor as it has been until now. In 2011 alone, Kärcher launched more than 100 new products. Kärcher, the world leader in cleaning technology; will continue to be remembered for its creativity, outstanding performance and innovative problem-solving skills.