VKK STANDARDKESSEL Köthen GmbH is one of Germany’s oldest companies. For 160 years it’s been delivering high-quality, technically advanced boiler systems for steam and heat generation.
Its services range from planning, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of boiler systems through to engineering services and development support. The company’s system concepts are tailored to the specific operating conditions and needs of each customer.
Since last year, VKK STANDARDKESSEL Köthen GmbH has been part of the French Babcock Wanson Group – a global provider of industrial process heating systems and solutions. With operating companies in 13 European countries, including six production sites, and a global network of commercial and technical partners, the group offers custom-built solutions to help customers reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact.
This year at Hannover Messe, VKK STANDARDKESSEL Köthen GmbH has exhibited alongside its subsidiaries based in Mülheim an der Ruhr and Poland, as well as its national and international partners. The co-exhibitor was Norwegian company Parat Halvorsen AS, a manufacturer of electrode boilers and also part of the Babcock Wanson Group. Company representative Christopher Schmitz explains why Hannover Messe was so important to VKK STANDARDKESSEL Köthen.
Mr. Schmitz, your company is part of the Saxony-Anhalt state presentation at Hannover Messe this year. What were your expectations?
Hannover Messe is a great opportunity to showcase VKK STANDARDKESSEL Köthen GmbH together with Parat Halvorsen AS and as part of the Babcock Wanson Group. We want to deepen our new partnership with Parat Halvorsen and increase awareness of the name Babcock Wanson in Germany.
You’ve been manufacturing boiler systems for 160 years. How has your company managed to survive over such a long period of time and remain successful to this day?
We have the “made in Germany” quality seal, which is valued both in Germany and worldwide. That’s helped VKK STANDARDKESSEL Köthen grow into a successful global player. Another reason is that we manufacture our products in Köthen – and previously in Duisburg – with a high level of in-house production. From flat sheet metal to fully rounded boilers – everything is built here without us having to rely on external parts. Our flexibility is another key factor. We design, manufacture, install and service custom boiler systems to meet each customer’s exact needs.
Which industries use your products and services most? Could you give a few examples?
Boiler systems from Köthen are in demand around the world. They’re mainly used in the paper industry, breweries, and food production, as well as in the automotive, chemical, and heavy industries – and by companies in the heating sector.
Your boilers are huge and extremely heavy. How do you transport them to your customers?
Most are shipped by truck as heavy loads. We can transport boilers up to 4.3 meters in diameter this way. Larger units go by ship – we use the nearby port in Aken on the Elbe for this, and from there to a seaport for global delivery.
What are your plans for the future?
We’ll be focusing on the production of electric and hybrid boilers to help our customers make the transition to sustainable energy. Hydrogen and electricity will play a growing role in powering steam boilers. We also want to strengthen cooperation within the Babcock Wanson Group – build on synergies, expand our product range, and provide end-to-end solutions from delivery through to maintenance.
Author: Beate Hagen
Photos:
Photo 1: Typical boiler plate issued by VKK STANDARDKESSEL Köthen GmbH, photo: Phil Porter
Photo 2: Boiler production; photo: VKK STANDARDKESSEL Köthen GmbH
Photo 3: Portrait photo of Christopher Schmitz; photo: Jan-Christoph Elle