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History
For almost a century, dedicated people have been writing the story of Kappler CNC – characterized by innovative strength, cohesion and the courage to break new ground.
Founded (1934)
Friedrich Kappler (1900-1967, see center of image at wedding) received a press machine as wage compensation after the insolvency of his employer Beller and Fischer in Neuenbürg in 1932. He began working independently with this machine in the basement of his house in the center of Gräfenhausen-Birkenfeld. In 1934, he registered his business and two years later passed his master craftsman's examination as a mechanic.
Relocation to Karlsruher Straße (1938)
Shortly before the outbreak of war, the Kappler family moved to Karlsruher Straße in Gräfenhausen, where more space was available for the company (see picture, with the workshop on the ground floor, which was later expanded). An important customer was the company Marwitz & Hauser in Stuttgart, which Friedrich Kappler regularly supplied by motorcycle.
The entrepreneur was briefly drafted into the army – but presumably under pressure from the Stuttgart-based machine supplier Hahn & Kolb – was soon released.
The entrepreneur was briefly drafted into the army – but presumably under pressure from the Stuttgart-based machine supplier Hahn & Kolb – was soon released.
Post-war period (1950s - 1960s)
After the war, the company was rebuilt through cost-cutting measures. Together with his first employee, Fritz Bantle (1912-2010), and later with other employees from Gräfenhausen, many of whom remained loyal to the company for decades, Friedrich Kappler rebuilt the business. During this period, the company manufactured bench drills as its own product (see image). The company also supplied the shoe manufacturer Salamander with jigs, dies, and tools.
From the early 1950s, his daughter Hildegard Gottschling, née Kappler (1932-2020), also worked in the company. When Friedrich Kappler was seriously injured in an accident in 1965 and died two years later, she and her husband, Willy Gottschling (1930-2006), took over the company.
From the early 1950s, his daughter Hildegard Gottschling, née Kappler (1932-2020), also worked in the company. When Friedrich Kappler was seriously injured in an accident in 1965 and died two years later, she and her husband, Willy Gottschling (1930-2006), took over the company.
Renovation and expansion (1970s - 1980s)
In 1970/71, the Kappler company premises underwent a major renovation, transforming the existing house, barn, stable, and small workshop into a production hall. This hall was expanded again in the 1980s and still stands today on Karlsruher Straße.
The company's success during this period is largely attributable to plant manager Günter Hermann and production manager Richard Scheffelmeier, who, alongside Willy Gottschling, guided the company's operations. In the mechanical engineering sector, the company designs and manufactures up to 480 intricate machines annually for the production of jewelry chains. Additionally, they produce eyeglass components using their own tooling.
The company's success during this period is largely attributable to plant manager Günter Hermann and production manager Richard Scheffelmeier, who, alongside Willy Gottschling, guided the company's operations. In the mechanical engineering sector, the company designs and manufactures up to 480 intricate machines annually for the production of jewelry chains. Additionally, they produce eyeglass components using their own tooling.
Relocation to the Gräfenhausen industrial park (1990s)
In the early 1990s, Willy and Hildegard Gottschling's children, Corinna Domschat (née Gottschling) and Rainer Gottschling, joined the family business. The company continually expanded into new business areas, such as the production of components for high-quality musical instruments and automation systems. Specialized components, tools, fixtures, and complete custom machines and systems for automation applications such as car windshield wipers, ship and mountain chains, and robotic systems were regularly manufactured throughout Germany. Due to the need for additional production space and the strong business performance with Siemens as a key customer, a move to the Gräfenhausen industrial park was decided upon, where 2,800 square meters of space became available in 1996.
Evolution towards precision manufacturing (2000s)
With a strong commitment to learning and newly established customer relationships, Kappler is developing into a precision engineering company equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and high-precision measuring technology. This development correlates with a shift in focus from machine, plant, and tool construction to the precision manufacturing of complex and challenging small batches and individual parts, as well as assembly of components.
Willy Gottschling passed away in 2006.
Shortly before the onset of the economic crisis, the company expanded by 3,900 m² in 2008. Parts of the now more than twice as large production area are air-conditioned.
Willy Gottschling passed away in 2006.
Shortly before the onset of the economic crisis, the company expanded by 3,900 m² in 2008. Parts of the now more than twice as large production area are air-conditioned.
Technological expansion and new manufacturing skills (2010s)
In 2011, the front part of the building was expanded with an additional story, including the addition of a cleanroom with an airlock. This expanded the company's portfolio to include assembly and packaging under clean, low-particle, and low-contamination conditions.
In 2013, the rear production hall was expanded with another story, creating new space for final assembly and additional parts cleaning processes. The total area now amounts to approximately 10,000 m².
In 2014, an automated robotic cell was commissioned, capable of operating three precision five-station machining centers with two setup stations each.
For years, the company, under the leadership of Managing Director Rainer Gottschling and Operations Manager Alexander Roeth, has worked ambitiously toward its goals, constantly striving to take on challenging tasks and remain at the forefront of technology.
In 2013, the rear production hall was expanded with another story, creating new space for final assembly and additional parts cleaning processes. The total area now amounts to approximately 10,000 m².
In 2014, an automated robotic cell was commissioned, capable of operating three precision five-station machining centers with two setup stations each.
For years, the company, under the leadership of Managing Director Rainer Gottschling and Operations Manager Alexander Roeth, has worked ambitiously toward its goals, constantly striving to take on challenging tasks and remain at the forefront of technology.
Relocation to Birkenfeld (2020)
To meet ever-increasing demands and the need for more production space, Managing Director Rainer Gottschling is initiating the construction of a new company building in the Dammfeld industrial park in Birkenfeld, with construction beginning in 2018. The 23,000 m² new building will be occupied in 2020 and will be fully air-conditioned.
Evolution into a high-tech development partner (2020s)
With the addition of a two-story extension in 2025, the company's site grew to a total of 36,500 m². Kappler CNC is expanding its expertise, particularly in the areas of large-part manufacturing and precision cleaning. At the same time, Kappler CNC has consistently evolved from a precision manufacturer to a comprehensive high-tech development partner: collaborating with customers on demanding projects, partnering with others for innovative manufacturing technologies, and developing sustainable production and energy concepts.
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