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Clean air for metalworkers
Based at Vreden , Germany , Kemper GmbH is a leader in the field of suction and filter technology for the metalworking industry , a family-run company that is driving growth internationally . Kemper equipment is used on every continent and is the subject of constant development and refinement .
Björn Kemper , Managing Director , who runs the second generation family business , together with Michael Schiller .
It was already acknowledged during the 1970s that when welding , an electric arc can dazzle the user ’ s eyes . At that time , however , there was a lack of understanding about the risks associated with the harmful substances in welding smoke . “ How can we protect welders against this smoke ?” Gerd Kemper asked himself back then . At his private workshop in Vreden , close to the Dutch border , he worked on an effective solution . The most appropriate solution seemed to be collecting the welding smoke directly at source , he decided , whereafter Gerd Kemper
Production is undertaken both at Vreden and close to Prague .
The Vreden headquarters of Kemper GmbH . developed the first point suction system in Germany . And to this day , it remains the standard in clean air retention when welding . Outside of Germany , point suction is also recommended as the first variant of collecting welding smoke . The basic thinking behind the system is as follows : The more directly the welding smoke is drawn away at the point of source , the less chance the harmful substances have to distribute through the air and affect the welder and surrounding workstations . The idea developed into a business idea , which in turn developed into a successful company . In 1977 , Gerd Kemper founded Kemper GmbH .
Innovative technology leader Subsequently , the German manufacturer has also become established as an internationally respected company in the field of occupational safety in the metalworking industry . The mid-sized business continues to develop suction and filter systems , keeping Kemper at the forefront of technology . The company was recently listed in the global market leader index by the University of St Gallen , Switzerland . Kemper operates on all continents with its own representatives and numerous trading partners . The UK market is handled by a dedicated team , including a service unit . Kemper produces devices in Vreden , as well as from a plant near Prague . The company has a total headcount of 300 people . Exports are the main revenue driver ( 60 % of total sales ), while Germany remains its most important market . “ We pursue our company mission statement on air purity retention in the workplace strictly , even in markets around the world ” says Björn Kemper , Managing Director of Kemper GmbH , who runs the second generation family business , together with Michael Schiller .
Kemper offers a wide range of mobile and central suction and filter systems , including personal protection equipment , as well as welding helmets .
Strong demand Strong demand for adequate suction and filter technology prevails to this day for numerous metalworkers . In most countries , there are regulations governing the thresholds for welding work . Nevertheless , the risks from ultra-fine particles created during welding are far too greatly underestimated . “ Even the most widely used gas-shielded welding processes ( MIG and MAG ) and manual metal arc welding with covered stick electrodes still pose a very high risk potential ” says Björn Kemper . “ Technical air measures are unavoidable here .” The company therefore wants to clarify this point and at safe-welding . com , Kemper has its own portal to provide information about the hazards of welding and aids to protect worker health .
Broad portfolio Kemper also offers a wide range of mobile and central suction and filter systems . This includes personal protection equipment , as well as welding helmets . The company plans , produces and mounts work protection equipment for complete welding schools and recently supplied the new welding centre of excellence in Muscat , Oman , with all work protection equipment . This includes suction devices , suction arms , noise-protection cabinets with curtain and separator wall systems , as well as welding and sanding tables . Production hall ventilation systems , suction tables for cutting processes and suction systems for the automotive industry complete the portfolio . This international business wants to continue to drive growth with further innovations , including an increasing network of devices for Industry 4.0 purposes . Here , the company is thinking one step further : The entire harmful substance cycle through to disposal is in focus nowadays and not just the suction and filtering . Kemper has developed a contamination-free dust extraction system that also protects staff from harmful substances once the actual welding process is completed . www . kemper . co . uk
Cast Metal & Diecasting Times April / May 2016