History

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today 2020 2017-2019 2015-2016 2014 2010-2013 2006-2009 2001-2003 2000 1990-1998 1989 1988 1984-1987 1978-1981 1976 1975 1972

2021

Start with partner webinars in English and German

Relaunch of our new Website

New important patent registration of a new technology

2020

Manufacturing of the 20th tool with IMW (In Mould Wrapping) technology.

2017

GK Tool invests in a new universal machining centre from DMG Mori. A DMC 270 U with linear pallet changer.

2018

Production and commissioning of the first Decoject series tool for India.

2019

May: Exhibition stand at the Moulding Expo in Stuttgart.
October: GK Tool shows three moulds for all-in-one applications at the K trade fair in Düsseldorf.

2015

Patent application for a combined edgefolding and trimming technique in source flow embossing tools.

2016

Production of the first series tools with the patent-pending technology.

Presentation of the Decoject IMG technology at the K trade fair.

Manufacturing of first production tools with In Mould Wrapping technology.

2014

Manuel Widmer joins the company as managing director and majority shareholder, thereby securing the company’s succession.

2010

Start of the lightweight construction era: Presentation of the technology “GK LIP fibre”.

2011

Foundation of the LIPAseries team for lightweight construction projects.

2013

Presentation of the Varysoft technology at the K trade fair. A combination process of injection moulding, thermoforming and PUR foaming.

2006

Invention of the Dolphin process.

2007

Invention of the Duo-Lamination process.

2009

Metal foils are formed and back-moulded directly in the mould for the first time.

2001

Development of a world first: a tool for back injection lacquered foils.

2003

First series tools with integrated decorative trimming (pinching).

2000

Georg Kaufmann TechCenter AG is founded as an independent testing and development centre.

1990

Start of the construction of tools for the series production of textile back-moulded components. Pillars and footwell trims for BMW, Daimler and Audi were produced.

1997

Orders for prototype and production tools for Nicolas Hayek’s “Smart”.

1998

In cooperation with the German machine manufacturer KraussMaffei, the Injection Compression process is developed.

1989

The company moves to Busslingen into the purpose-built company building. The production area is increased to 2’000m2. The first test moulds for the new back injection technology are built.

1988

Conversion of the sole proprietorship Georg Kaufmann into a family limited company.

1984

First orders from the automotive industry:
Production of a radiator grille for the Audi quattro and production of front ends for the VW Golf.

1986

Order to build a tool for catalytic converter heat shields for the German, Swedish and Italian car industry.

1987

Entry into the production of vehicle interior trim. Construction of the press tool joints for the luggage compartment trim of the 3-series BMW Touring.

1978

Construction of lighting for racing bicycles.

1981

Investment in a die-sinking EDM machine for the production of complex hollow forms.

1976

Creation of the logo that still exists today.

1975

First contacts with large-scale industry were established.
Construction of a tool for the production of the polytropic chair model of the company Stoll Giroflex AG.

1972

Georg Kaufmann and his brother Jo found the company with an investment of 40,000 Swiss francs.
They create concepts and manufacture press tools and back injection moulds.