Kurtz Ersa as a family company

Kurtz Ersa will be celebrating its 240th birthday in 2019. The company has been in family ownership since 1800. By now, the transition from one generation to the next has passed off smoothly five times. Not something that can be taken for granted. Family tradition can best be sustained when interaction takes place in an atmosphere of respect and harmony, and when personal wishes yield to the company interests.

Bernhard Kurtz with wife Margrit, daughters Carolin (left) and Stefanie (right) with family
Bernhard Kurtz with wife Margrit, daughters Carolin (left) and Stefanie (right) with family

However, a company benefits not only the entrepreneurial family but also its staff and business partners. Over time, however, circumstances change in many regards. At Kurtz Ersa, the Hammermuseum, which the family finances through a foundation, impressively demonstrates how long-term survival demands diversification. This is not only true in these fast-moving times, it has also been so down the centuries. The vital changes are not always the major, trend-setting ones; many medium and short term decisions also contribute to securing continued existence.

Walter and Ursula Kurtz with their children Magdalena, Stina, Eva-Maria and Maximilian and their families
Walter and Ursula Kurtz with their children Magdalena, Stina, Eva-Maria and Maximilian and their families
Rainer and Susann Kurtz with their children Phillipp, Vincent, Victor and Magali
Rainer and Susann Kurtz with their children Phillipp, Vincent, Victor and Magali

Keeping all this running in smooth cooperation means agreeing on a joint strategy and joint values and targets. If Kurtz Ersa had not succeeded in doing so, we would undoubtedly no longer be around. The transition from the sixth to the seventh generation of the family is currently in progress. All ten children of Walter, Bernhard and Rainer Kurtz are closely involved with the company. Carolin Kurtz has advanced to top management, currently occupying the position of Managing Director of Kurtz GmbH and Chief Controller for the group; further representatives of the seventh generation can well imagine following in her footsteps.

 

Well equipped for the present and the future

With a young corporate structure, an outstanding Supervisory Board and an active management, Kurtz Ersa is ideally equipped to face the challenges of the present and the near future, so that we can continue to serenely observe the generational handover. Things are good as they stand, but will not be great if they stay this way. Given this motto, we at Kurtz Ersa are called upon to constantly redefine our joint understanding of ourselves and our values and goals.