Company history

 150 years - a short span of time in world history.

1854 to 2004 - but full of unprecedented political, social, and technological events.
From stagecoach and oil lamp to fast cars, space travel, and microprocessors.
150 years of Kaltenbach, this is the history of a family-run business in its fifth generation, its people and friends, their challenges, their hard work, their achievements, their care, enjoyment and successes.
But it is not only that: It also means one and a half century of specialised experience in the production of hinges of all types and sizes, continuous development of the production and the products.
150 years of quality. With competence, flexibility, and team work of the company and its employees, the term "quality hinge" was established.
150 years of experience and quality consciousness, a firm foundation of our excellent reputation of today and for tomorrow. We are filled with optimism for the future of our company and we thank our employees and friends all over the world.

In short:

1854
Caspar Friedr. Wilhelm Kaltenbach, born 1822, went into business as a learnt locksmith and leased a blacksmith's shop belonging to the Farm Koordt in Berninghausen bei Milspe. In the beginning, he manufactured gate hinges and simple hinges.

1861
The family Ballauf from Schwelm purchased a cottage and a residential building with a spacious blacksmith's shop in Neuenhause bei Homberge. Here the forging business could develop better and the production could be increased. Part-time farming was practised to supplement the income. In 1857, C.F.W. Kaltenbach married Henriette König.

1878
The founder passed the business on to his eldest son Emil Kaltenbach, who would work with dedication and circumspection on its development and extension. In spite of his tireless work, he found the time to pursue game hunting and enjoyed catching birds.

1900
After purchasing a petrol engine, he succeeded in transforming the skilled-trade business into a manufacturing plant. For this purpose, he used presses and drop hammers. An extended range of products increased the production and 15 employees were hired. He started undertaking successful business trips to increase his clientele.

1919
The sons, Otto and Emil Kaltenbach, who had long been working in the business entered into the management. Otto Kaltenbach took over the business management while his brother, Emil, was responsible for the plant. On 19 May 1919, the company was registered.

1933
In spite of the post-war area, inflation and the economic crisis, production continues.

1934
The oldest part of the factory was demolished. The production increased with the economic upturn. An office building was constructed.

1949
The two sons of the company owners took over the management. Otto Kaltenbach jr. took over the business management while Werner Kaltenbach was responsible for operating the plant.

1954
During the first phase of a new construction plan, another factory building was erected. The increased output and quality improvements required the addition to and the modernisation of the machinery. The company reached 45 employees.

1962
The increasing demand for hinges and fittings and the continued growth process required more space. For this reason, an extension was added to the factory building constructed in 1954. This also enlarged the warehouse and the social quarters. New investments improved the production methods.

1972
A building was constructed for storage of the materials. Loading crane tracks were installed to facilitate moving materials.

1977
An annex was built in order to deal with the considerably increase in product delivery. It housed the shipping department and the tool production with its machinery, facilities, and storerooms.
The first workplace of the company founder 1979. The project of constructing an administrative building geared to the increased demands of the organisation was completed. Improvement of and addition to the machinery. The way ahead for future modern developments was pointed. The company's workforce increased to 80 people.
The experience of four business generations and a knowledgeable expert staff guarantee optimum quality of the products. They made a name for the Kaltenbach company beyond the borders and gained an important position in the sector. Products of the varied range are sold in the EU as well as in countries outside of Europe.

1982
Introduction of a quality control division.

1985
Introduction of computer-aided office procedures.

1988
Set-up of a construction and development division.

1990
After Otto Kaltenbach passed away, his daughter, Annette Kaltenbach, now the fifth generation, became the executive manager and owner of the Emil Kaltenbach company.

1994
Introduction of a quality management system on the basis of continuous improvement of process scheduling.

1995
First certification of Emil Kaltenbach GmbH & Co in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001.
In the years 1996 - 1998, the yearly re-audits show continuous improvements in the quality management system.

1998
Complete IT-integration with production, planning and control system.

1999
Complete re-certification of the quality management system in accordance with the standard EN ISO 9001 : 1994 was done in November 1999 by DNV Zertifizierung und Umweltgutachter GmbH.

2000
Introduction of process-oriented production.

2001
Creation of a new, comprehensive Internet presentation.

2003
Complete re-certification of the quality management system in accordance with the standard EN ISO 9001 : 2000 was done in March 2003 by RWTÜV Systems GmbH.

Annette Kaltenbach