alfatec GmbH & Co. KG
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The alfatec Group

Today, with over 200 employees worldwide, we can look back on more than 45 years of experience and success. In his interview, founder Fritz Kohler tells us about the journey. Scroll through the years and take a look at the past.

Interview with the founder Fritz Kohler

Over the years, alfatec has developed into a major player in the industry, which sounded incredible at the beginning, with just one partner. In this interview, our founder Fritz Kohler provides insights into a different era, his story, experiences and successes - and lends meaning to the name alfatec.

You made a decision many years ago: you founded alfatec. What inspired you to set up a company in the electronics industry?

After my first few years as a young engineer gaining experience in the electronic components industry and the networks and contacts I made, the opportunities I recognized in the market and the urge to do something myself, I saw a great opportunity to take the plunge. On the other hand, as a father with two children, you have a lot of responsibility. The security of a regular job had to be weighed up against a newly founded company with all its risks. Passion won out.

Running a company requires a lot of courage, trust and a strong will. Who were your biggest supporters and sponsors?

Clearly first and foremost: my wife. Without her, it would not have been possible to cope with the personal challenges and professional tasks. My employees and my network have also stood by my side and paved the way.

When you think back to the first few years after the company was founded, what challenges did you face along the way?

There have been a number of challenges over the years. Unexpected low blows, new tasks or funding issues that often did not disappear quickly and easily and had to be reconsidered, as well as international diversity and travel activities, all present unprecedented challenges. But through them and overcoming them, you have learned new things and, among other things, ended toxic relationships and learned to appreciate your supporters and partners even better.

It was certainly a turbulent and not always easy time. Did you ever think about giving up?

Never, ever!

alfatec has made remarkable progress if you take a look at the figures. What steps have contributed significantly to the company's success?

The first step was the idea of not only founding a company, but also building it up successfully and sustainably. Constant openness to new opportunities is very important here. Success cannot be achieved alone. It requires joint continuity and, above all, capable, committed, loyal and successful employees.

Over the years, your two sons have gained a foothold in the company. What does it mean to you that your company is being continued within the family?

A lot! I wouldn't want to miss the familiar, personal and human corporate culture in a family business. I am grateful that our two sons Jens and Björn were able to continue the business and that alfatec is now in the hands of the family.

In the beginning, it was just passive components, but the portfolio has since expanded to include other areas. What development are you particularly proud of?

The far-sightedness of our successors to look beyond the boundaries of passive components and to take steps to secure the future of the company. I am particularly proud that we have been able to count leading global manufacturers among our suppliers with continuity and, on the other hand, to have customers who live and value a successful, long-standing and trusting partnership with us.

Nothing is more constant than change. How do you see alfatec today compared to its beginnings?

The basic idea has not changed: To provide our customers with the technology and services that make them successful in the market. However, the entire environment, the methods, the working methods, the mentalities - all of this has changed fundamentally. We have accepted and mastered these challenges. It was simply a rapid development - which was successful thanks to our committed employees. alfatec has long since outgrown its infancy and become a modern, internationally positioned company.

Only a few people can look back on the years of experience you have had in the industry. What experience has stuck in your mind?

Oh, there are so many positive and negative events and memories. But they all taught me that only respectful and honest behavior makes successful business contacts or even friendships possible.

What secret would you like to entrust to the generations after you?

Do more than others expect of you. Stay authentic. Then you can't prevent your success!

alfatec through the years

2022

Establishment of alfatec industries & ai-energy China

Our American sales partner alfatec industries is established in Johnson City, Tennessee, and ai-energy opens its first foreign location in Shanghai, China.

2020

alfatec keeps growing

We are proud to employ 100 people at our HQ in Rednitzhembach.

2019

Foundation of ai-energy & warehouse development in Shenzhen

The alfatec Group expands: ai-energy is founded and specializes in automotive powertrains. In the same year, alfatec implements warehousing in Shenzhen - already the third Chinese city.

2018

Construction of the logistics center begins

With almost 3,000m² of additional storage space, a new logistics center is being built in Rednitzhembach and will be completed in 2019, doubling our storage capacity.

2016

Warehouse in Dalian

A warehouse is being built in Dalian, China, which will simplify local logistics processes.

2015

Installation of high-bay warehouses

A new logistics concept with fully automated high-bay warehouses is established at the HQ, enabling more efficient warehousing.

2014

New office and storage space

With the move to the new building, we've gained a warehouse and two floors of office space for almost 100 employees.

2008

Establishment of alfatec Shanghai

The first foreign location of the alfatec Group is founded in the Minhang District in China and operates as alfatec Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

2001

Entry Björn Kohler, international A-supplier status & expansion on the premises

Björn Kohler joins the company. We also achieve A-supplier status with international automotive customers. In the same year, further extensions are built in Rednitzhembach, with additional offices and a new warehouse.

2000

Entry Jens Kohler & the launch of EDI

Jens Kohler is welcomed to the company. The EDI connection is also set up.

1998

First certification of the quality management system

This year we are certified according to DIN EN ISO 9002 for the first time.

1992

HQ move-in

With almost 20 employees, we move to our current HQ in Rednitzhembach, Germany.

1978

Establishment alfatec

alfatec is founded by Fritz Kohler.