DIPL.-ING. Carl Kaeser, Senior Director of Kaeser Kompressoren GmbH, passed away on July 8 at the age of 95.
Under Carl Kaeser's leadership, Kaeser Kompressoren evolved from a regional and national compressor manufacturer into one of the world’s most successful compressed air systems providers. Carl Kaeser received numerous honours for his lifetime achievements: He was a recipient of the Bavarian Order of Merit, the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (First Class), and the State Medal for Special Services to the Bavarian Economy, and was made a Freeman of the town of Coburg and Honorary Senator at the University of Coburg.
Up until the beginning of the 1970s, the main focus of Kaeser Kompressoren's product range was on reciprocating compressors. However, thanks to Carl Kaeser’s entrepreneurial foresight, the company began to expand its programme to include the more advanced and efficient rotary screw compressor technology. Carl Kaeser and his colleagues subsequently developed the “Sigma Profile” screw rotor profile. This development laid the foundation for the company’s consequent rapid ascent which Carl Kaeser led and supported from the front. His drive and pioneering spirit were clearly demonstrated again by the innovative decision to integrate compressor technology ¬— then still primarily mechanical — with modern digital technology in order to achieve enhanced efficiency and reliability. The “Sigma Control” system was the first industrial PC controller of its kind to be installed as standard within a rotary screw compressor.
Both technically and commercially accomplished, Carl Kaeser continued to steer the company on its successful course - together with his son Thomas Kaeser who joined him at the beginning of the 1980s - right up until just a few weeks before his passing. Under his aegis the company grew to its present total of almost 4000 employees worldwide. After German reunification Carl Kaeser once again proved his visionary foresight with the acquisition of Germany’s oldest compressor plant, situated in Gera. He subsequently not only added compressed air refrigeration dryers to Kaeser’s product portfolio, but also rotary blowers, which are essential, for example, in the water management and material handling industries.
The Kaeser plants are key employers in Coburg as well as in Gera. Moreover, true to Carl Kaeser’s guiding principle that a company should develop growth from within wherever possible, the company offers an above-average number of apprenticeship placements each and every year. This therefore provides a healthy foundation for future career development of young trainees.
Carl Kaeser’s presence was felt by everyone within the company. He sought dialogue and direct personal contact and was always willing to listen to his employees’ concerns. When a decision had to be made, he always took the direct route, without detours, and led his team reliably at all times. Furthermore, his impressive knowledge of operational details and methods, together with his vision and commitment, made him a leader upon whom employees relied and whom they valued.
Carl Kaeser was always especially proud of the fact that so many employees had been with his company for a long time. The regular celebration of employees’ completion of 5, 10, 25, 40 or even 50 years of service brought him special joy.
Mr Carl Kaeser had a special interest in Australia where he visited several times. It was his initiative to found the Kaeser Australia subsidiary and he was very much involved to make this part of the company success story.
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