Innovation and transformation since 1779 Kurtz Ersa

The Kurtz Ersa HAMMER MUSEUM and the historic iron hammer showcase "Lived Technology since 1779." The exhibition presents over 240 years of company and industrial history: from the beginnings of the iron hammer with its forged products to today's internationally operating Kurtz Ersa Group.

On December 12, 1800, the brothers Johann Friedrich and Johann Georg Kurtz acquired the iron hammer. With the addition of a gray iron foundry in 1852, new milestones were set. Primarily, cast parts for agricultural machinery, railways, and bridge construction were manufactured. With the construction of the mechanical engineering factory in 1860, the product range was expanded, and market demand for mills and sawmill equipment was better met.

The first EPS molding machine 610D was delivered in 1971, based on the idea of Johann Friedrich Jegelka and implemented by Kurtz designer Philipp Hügel. The second machine produced packaging for Tchibo and reduced production time to 40 seconds. This innovation laid the foundation for a successful business division. In 1975, Kurtz EPS machines were presented at the K trade fair, and in 1976, the breakthrough followed with a patented, energy-efficient process.

In 1983, Kurtz expanded its mechanical engineering program to include block molds, pre-expanders, and foundry machines. With the construction of these machines and the acquisition of a foundry in Wiebelbach in 1982, the company was able to offer a complete foundry program. The motto then, as it is today, was: “Aluminum casting has a future.” Lightweight aluminum alloys increasingly replaced other materials, particularly in the automotive industry, where aluminum remains the preferred material for lightweight construction.

Founded in 1984, Kurtz Ersa, Inc. (formerly Kurtz North America) serves the needs of Kurtz and Ersa customers in the USMCA region (USA, Canada, Mexico) with a competent team of technicians, engineers and sales specialists.

On January 1, 1993, Ersa was integrated into the Kurtz Group, marking an important step for international expansion. The acquisition enabled Ersa to access Kurtz's subsidiaries in the USA and Asia, expanding its global reach. Under Rainer Kurtz, Ersa became the world market leader in soldering technology and strengthened its market position.

Outsourcing of pre-manufacturing of machine components and the establishment of MBW Metallbearbeitung Wertheim GmbH; Ersa celebrates its 75th anniversary.

In 1998, the Group was given centralized management with the founding of Kurtz Holding GmbH & Co. The holding company serves as a strategic control center and service provider. Together with the Global Board, the Advisory Board and the ten shareholders of G7, Group strategy and central decisions on M&A, locations and sustainability are made.

The growing market for EPS packaging in China led to the decision to build a plant in Zhuhai. Kurtz Zhuhai Manufacturing Ltd. produces molding machines specially developed for the Chinese market, partly with components from Germany. Asian customers demand more robust, versatile and cost-effective machines than in Europe and the USA.

The Versaprint program of 2006 led to the development of a new product line in 2007. In 2008, the Ersa Versaflow soldering machine received the Global Technology Award in the USA. Ersa established itself as a leading manufacturer of electronics manufacturing equipment. Since the integration into the Kurtz Group, the innovation potential has grown considerably and Ersa has become one of the most profitable divisions.

The Kurtz Ersa Hammer Museum was officially opened on June 28, 2014. The comprehensive restoration of the historic iron hammer, home of the Kurtz family since 1800, marked a highlight in the company's 235th anniversary year. The museum combines a fully functional forge, a company archive and interactive exhibitions on the company's history. With this initiative, Kurtz Ersa is giving something back to the region and making the company's technological development visible.

Kurtz Ersa opens the Hammer Academy as a central training platform for employees under the motto “... dare to be more capable”. With over 70 lecturers, 109 events and 200 planned dates per year, it bundles a comprehensive training and further education program. In addition to training and study courses, it includes language courses, specialist and management training and a trainee program. The “Hammer Expert” qualification prepares managers specifically for future tasks.

With the commissioning of the new central warehouse, Kurtz Ersa is strengthening its logistics and positioning itself for future growth. The modern infrastructure optimizes the merchandise management system and increases efficiency. The decision in favor of a central, self-operated warehouse was made years ago in order to cope with the increasing production and storage capacity. A golden box was symbolically placed in storage at the opening ceremony.

Sustainability is of great importance to Kurtz Ersa. In the areas of environment, social affairs and economy. The company has launched numerous initiatives to be CO2-neutral by 2029 to mark its 250th anniversary. The results are impressive and were crowned with the silver medal in the ecovadis rating in 2024.

At the end of 2019, Kurtz Ersa Asia Ltd. celebrated its 15th anniversary in China and opened its extension in Zhuhai at the same time. With a total area of around 10,000 m², the expansion covers an area of approx. 6,500 m² and an increased production capacity of up to 1,200 machines per year.

On June 24, 2020, Kurtz Ersa inaugurated a new 4,500 m² production hall after 24 months of construction. Here, selective and wave soldering machines, stencil printers and reflow systems are assembled on two lines. With efficient processes and customer-oriented solutions, Kurtz Ersa supports megatrends such as electromobility and 5G communication in particular.

In fall 2020, Kurtz Ersa launched a cooperation in the field of additive manufacturing (AM) to make it easier for small and medium-sized companies to access laser melting of metals. The increasing demand for 3D printing is due to advantages such as geometric freedom and customizability. At the same time, Kurtz Ersa is developing a large-scale printer at its Kreuzwertheim site to offer the industry solutions for series production and large-part production.

With the acquisition of SCHILLER AUTOMATION, Kurtz Ersa is driving forward its expansion into factory automation and strengthening its position as a provider of automated manufacturing solutions. The business segment, originally focused on Europe, will now be globally oriented and support international projects. The acquisition consolidates Kurtz Ersa's technological leadership and adds innovative automation solutions to its portfolio.

In August 2021, “Kurtz Ersa India - Smart Production Technologies Private Ltd.” is founded. The Indian team moves into the new branch in Electronic City, Bommasandra. The head office is integrated into the branch of the long-standing partner Krypton Solutions. Ersa has been active in the Indian market for 35 years and is strengthening its presence and customer proximity with this step.

After the opening of the central warehouse in 2018, the logistics operations were expanded five years later. The extension extended the existing building by a further 66 meters to the south, gaining an additional 3,300 m2 of usable space (now 11,300 m2 in total). Kurtz Ersa Vietnam was also founded in 2018.

Kurtz Ersa opens new demo and application centers in Vietnam and Bangkok as well as a new sales location in Singapore in early 2025. This project is part of Kurtz Ersa Asia's strategic expansion in Southeast Asia and aims to strengthen customer service and support in the region.

With the opening of the production facility in Ciudad Juárez in April 2024, the Kurtz Ersa Group is further expanding its capacities in Mexico. In addition to the service and logistics centers in Plymouth (Wisconsin/USA) and Guadalajara (Mexico), Juárez is the third major service and logistics center to be established.