Chronicle

The development of our company at a glance

Kalthoff Luftfilter und Filtermedien GmbH is your partner for filter technology. With the second entrepreneur generation, our owner-managed, medium-sized company has established itself worldwide to one of the leading specialists in high-quality airfilter products and services.

We have been preparing ourselves for this market position for many years. With competence and commitment, with unique product developments and a flexible team, which makes everything possible for our customers.

And that is just the beginning. Sustainable growth as well as the passing on of knowhow and responsibility shape the actions of the Managing Directors Dr.-Ing. Henrik Badt and Holger Bornemann.

With a view to the future, Kalthoff strives for a long-term development in order to master future challenges today as well as tomorrow and to be on hand for its customers as a reliable partner.

 


Kalthoff Management: Dr.-Ing. Henrik Badt and Holger Bornemann

Timeline

1963

Foundation of the company

In this year, the company Engelbert Kalthoff Luftfilter und Filtermedien is founded as a partnership. This is the foundation stone for a dynamically-growing company of the filter sector, which even today still uses the initials of Engelbert Kalthoff in its logo.

1981

Manufacture of pleated V-type panel filters

Following years of a long development phase, we can launch our first panel filter on the market. The pleated V-type underlined our capability for innovation and helps to win further market shares.

1983

Foundation of Kalthoff Luftfilter und Filtermedien GmbH

As a result of the success of our innovative filter products, the business development of the company is very positive. After the entry of the forwarding agent Mr Rainer Kalthoff, a cross-generational perspective opens up for the company, so that a transformation into the existing Kalthoff Luftfilter und Filtermedien GmbH takes place.

1987

New company site in Selm 

In order to further adaption to the market, the production capacities are extended continuously. A new, larger site for our modern production plant is opened in the industrial area of Bork.

1989

Entry of one further company shareholder

In this year, the marketing competence, and at the same time the management of the company, are reinforced. Kalthoff Luftfilter und Filtermedien GmbH appoints Hans-Joachim Badt as a further company shareholder and managing director.

1992

Research cooperation with Dortmund University

Jointly with Dortmund University, a research project is begun with respect to synthetic, deep-bed filter media and concluded successfully by the end of 1992. The Federal Ministry for Research and Technology supports this cooperation with cash funds.

1993

Doctoral dissertation: Research on efficiency and pressure drop behaviour of deep-bed filters

Mr Dipl.-Ing. Henrik Badt receives a doctor’s degree by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Udo Werner at the chair of Mechanical Engineering and subsequently joins the company.

1993

Introduction of the fully-synthetic MULTIFOLD Pocket Filter

The development work on our high-performance products is an ongoing process. In this year, we can launch a new high level of technical performance, the fully-synthetic MULTIFOLD Pocket Filter.

1999

European patent for multi-layer, synthetic, composite filter media

Our technology is always one step ahead in the exploration of progressive depth filtration. In 1999 we receive a European patent for our multi-layer, synthetic, composite nonwovens.

2000

Takeover of the company management by Rainer Kalthoff as successor of Engelbert Kalthoff

The Kalthoff company continues to grow and natural changes occur over the course of time. With Rainer Kalthoff, the second generation of the company gets its start, where many new possibilities for innovations are opened. From now on Mr Kalthoff concentrates on the financial side of the company.

2002

Takeover of the company management by Dr.-Ing. Henrik Badt as successor of Hans-Joachim Badt

Once again the management of the company changes. It is taken over by Dr.-Ing Henrik Badt, who succeeds his father in this position. The new managing director is committed particularly to the technical side of the company.

2003

First time with more than 100 employees

A strong, globally-active, medium-sized company develops from this small manufacturing company. This year we exceed the 100 person limit for the first time.

2003

Expansion to a ground area of approx. 40,000 m²

In 2003, a foresighted planning directs the company expansion. So that future development does not stagnate through lack of resources, the ground area is extended to a generous 40,000 m².

2004

Introduction of fully-synthetic panel filters WU and RELIM with FIBERPLAST frames

In the course of the expansion of the company, the product development sector also became increasingly larger and more important. As successor to our first pleated V-type panel filter, our engineers develop the fully-synthetic panel filters WU and RELIM with FIBERPLAST frames.

2005

Establishment of the Logistics Centre and the finished goods buffer stock

Not only individual requirements of our customers shall be attended to. From this time, standard goods can also be called up at all times.

2005

Introduction of the permanent two-shift operation

The constant personnel increase results in the introduction of a two-shift operation. In order to realise the large product range of variation and to satisfy the high demands of our customers, the production facilities are extended.

2007

Introduction of the fully-synthetic compact filter RELIM VRK

As well as the bag-type filters and panel filters, the extension of the compact filter sector shall also not be left wanting (for high-quality HVAC use extending to cleanroom technology). For this reason, we launch the fully-synthetic compact filter.

2011

Opening of the filter laboratory for filter testing according to EN 779

The standard EN779: 2012 is relevant also for our company. In order to meet the demands and to guarantee the highest level of quality for our customers, we open our filter laboratory this year.

2011

Takeover of the chairmanship of the VDMA Air Filter Working Group by Dr. Badt

Cooperation within the working group and current subjects are of high priority with our company management. Sector interests are being discussed and pursued in company-wide meetings in this case. On the agenda are always strategically aligned problem definitions, which can also include aspects important for policy work.

2012

Introduction of the multi-layer, synthetic COMPOPLUS® filter media, in accordance with EN 779:2012

COMPOPLUS® is the quality brand of Kalthoff. This year the progressive filter assembly is again improved and adapted to the new standard.

2014

Expansion of HEPA filter and compact filter production

In this year, the automated series production of HEPA filters and compact filters can start. These filter types which are made of glass fibre media provide maximum security in cleanrooms. For the manufacture of products we located a proper production area, separated from the manufacture of panel filters. For the purpose of quality management, this production is based on bill of material.

2015

Employment for the first time of more than 200 employees

Within 12 years, our staff has doubled. In this year, more than 200 employees work for the company. And the development continues apace.

2015

Kalthoff belongs to the best in the west

The Dortmund Chamber of Industry and Commerce nominates the best companies regionally and designates Kalthoff Luftfilter und Filtermedien GmbH “The Best in the West”.

2015

Expansion of the Management by Holger Bornemann

The company is growing continuously and so does the variety of tasks. The Management is facing increasing challenges. As a result, Mr. Holger Bornemann has been supporting the Management since December 3, 2015 by the power of procuration with sole signature rights. In addition, Mr. Bornemann will head the new logistics area of responsibility. He will continue his position as a Purchasing Manager as well.

2016

Acceptance into the Company Association of International Rail Vehicle Manufacturers and Suppliers UNIFE

Opening up new business areas is important to us. UNIFE represents the interests of more than 80 medium-sized and large companies in the railway sector. We are involved intensively in the work group of the medium-sized companies (SME).

2018

Extension of the filter test laboratory to international ISO Standard

The conversion of filter qualification to ISO 16890 Standard requires the investment in new testing methods. Standardized filter conditioning, new aerosols and dust-feeding methods and analytics that allow us to look into nanotechnology will become routine from now on.

2019

GRISU panel filters conquer the Rail Vehicle Sector and establish a new state of the art

Changing mobility requirements demand innovative filter concepts for rail vehicles. With the introduction of the GRISU series, we are setting new standards in terms of air quality, load capacity, as well as service life and cost-effectiveness.

2019

VDMA Fachverband Allgemeine Lufttechnik appoints Dr. Badt to the Executive Board

The VDMA, Europe’s most important mechanical engineering association, represents the air technology industry vis-à-vis politicians and in committee work. We are ready to stand up for topics of sustainability and environmental protection with expertise and commitment.

2020

Corona pandemic as a global challenge for air technology

Kalthoff specialists develop the Compoplus® filtering facepiece and HEPA indoor air purifier against airborne SARS-COV-2 viruses.

2022

Expansion of the Management by Holger Bornemann

In October 2022, Mr Holger Bornemann, previously authorised signatory at Kalthoff, officially joins the Management of Kalthoff Luftfilter und Filtermedien GmbH. He is responsible for the departments purchasing, logistics and IT.

2023

Retirement of Mr. Rainer Kalthoff from the Management

As to 1st June 2023, Mr Rainer Kalthoff leaves the Management of Kalthoff Luftfilter und Filtermedien GmbH, thus ending his operational activities. As a shareholder and in an advisory capacity he will be available to the company in the future.