Karcher Servis Ticaret As.-Ankara Şubesi

Alfred Kärcher – inventor and entrepreneur

Alfred Kärcher, along with figures like Robert Bosch, Gottlieb Daimler, and Count Zeppelin, is one of the inventors and entrepreneurs who made significant contributions to the progress of Württemberg since the beginning of industrialization. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to bringing his ideas to life. In 1924, at the age of 23, Kärcher graduated from the Stuttgart Technical University and began working in his father's company, which he later transformed into an engineering office. In 1935, engineer Kärcher founded his own company in Bad Cannstatt, Stuttgart, with the aim of developing and marketing his own product ideas in heating technology. Among many other products, Alfred Kärcher produced the "Kärcher salt bath furnace" for steel tempering and mild alloy hardening, under his own patent.

In 1939, the family business moved to Winnenden, where its headquarters are still located today. That year, the company was producing preheating ovens and cabin heaters for aircraft engines. By the end of World War II, the company concentrated on producing items to meet immediate daily needs, such as wheelbarrows, circular ovens, and trailers.

Transition to cleaning technology

Alfred Kärcher made his first foray 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 was so forward-thinking that it still forms the basis of all burners today.

Like many others, Alfred Kärcher passed away without witnessing the worldwide success of his innovations. When he died on September 17, 1959, at the age of 58, his wife, Irene Kärcher, took over all management responsibilities and led the company for 30 years. Today, this responsibility is carried by their children, Johannes Kärcher and Susanne Zimmermann von Siefart, the second generation of the family business.

International Growth

In 1962, Kärcher established its first international company in France, followed by companies in Austria and Switzerland. International growth continued rapidly. In 1975, Kärcher opened a factory in Brazil, and within the next 10 years, the company had established 16 sales outlets across North America, Africa, and Australia. By 2012, Kärcher was represented by its subsidiaries in 57 countries and generated 85% of its revenue from foreign markets. With a presence in over 190 countries and 40,000 customer service points worldwide, Kärcher provides comprehensive support to its customers globally regarding cleaning technologies.

Growing through Innovation

Following a phase of separation, from 1974 onwards, Kärcher focused its attention on high-pressure cleaning machines. During this period, the machines' color changed from blue to the Kärcher yellow known worldwide today. In 1980, the company expanded its production line to include general cleaning products for logistics and building use. Step by step, the product range was expanded to include wet-dry vacuum cleaners, sweepers, vacuum cleaners, stiff-brush cleaning machines, car wash equipment, steam cleaners, cleaning agents, and drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.

One of the turning points in Kärcher's history was the market launch of its first portable household pressure washer, the HD 555, in 1984, marking the beginning of its growth in the consumer market. In 1993, the product range expanded to include indoor household products, and since then Kärcher has added steam cleaners and vacuum cleaners for home use to its product line. In 2003, the world's first automated cleaning robot, the RoboCleaner RC 3000, was launched. In 2007, Kärcher entered a brand-new business group: garden equipment, beginning the production of products such as irrigation pumps, booster pumps, and irrigation systems.

In 1986, Kärcher became a leader in roller brush technology for professional floor cleaning machines. With the development of the new rotary head (dirt remover) in 1995, the cleaning efficiency of the high-pressure cleaner was almost doubled. The dust suction capacity of commercial wet-dry vacuum cleaners was continuously improved, and in 2007 the new Tact filter cleaning system was launched. New initiatives were also undertaken as part of cleaning projects worldwide. In Rome, 284 travertine columns covering a total area of 25,000 m² in St. Peter's Square were cleaned using a special spray process developed for this project. Since the beginning of 2009, Kärcher has also been selling ultra-high-pressure washers reaching pressures of 2,500 bar, which are successful not only in cleaning but also in the renovation of facades and concrete. In the same year, multi-purpose sweepers for municipalities were launched, and new target groups were gained with the introduction of water dispensers.

Kärcher becomes global market leader

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