Family concrete specialist Kronimus

FAMILY CONCRETE

SPECIALIST

Kronimus AG has been making concrete for the past half a century with a passion for innovation and unparalleled quality levels. Industry Europe looks at the reasons behind the success of the German family concrete specialist.

The Iffezheim-headquartered concrete specialist Kronimus AG is dedicated to meeting the specific needs of its customers, offering the highest quality standards in concrete blocks and paving the way for future generations with a portfolio of durable concrete products. The family-owned company is now under the management of the third generation; the grandfather of the current CEO, Martin Kronimus, launched this specialist business more than 80 years ago back in 1925. It was only a very small company back then; the company we recognise today really started in 1955 with the production of its first concrete kerb.

Today, the family firm owns a little more than 75 per cent of the company, with the remaining shares owned by HeidelbergCement, one of the world’s leading producers of building materials, which acquired its holding in Kronimus in 1991.

Kronimus is a concrete product manufacturer that specialises in the production of concrete blocks and facades, cobblestones, paving slabs, roads and paths, as well as complementary ornaments and other decorative items for the garden. It is widely recognised in the industry as being one of the leading manufacturers of concrete blocks – and one that offers an unrivalled and comprehensive portfolio of products to suit the wishes of any customers, including the exacting demands of architects.

In fact, although the paving specialist delivers a wealth of standard concrete paving stones, kerbs, blocks and curbing in an assortment of colours for generic applications, the majority of its business lies in supplying paving slabs, stones and kerbs.

Complete product offering

Unlike some other concrete product manufacturers, Krominus is able to supply its customers with the complete range of concrete products – the paving slabs, paving stones and kerbs, for example, all in the same colour. Once again this total offering puts the company in a winning position when working with architects and local authorities on largescale housing projects; and all deliveries have the same Kronimus quality hallmark.

In fact, the company’s offering goes one further than the slabs and kerbs: Kronimus can also supply complementary garden, park or highway furniture such as fountains and ornamental products, if required by a customer. However, this remains a small part of the business, and is also something of an added value offering for the company as Kronimus is determined not to compete with customers who are active in this sector.

Such a bulging portfolio and expertise in meeting customers’ specific needs has been a key driver of growth, particularly in the tough economic conditions being experienced in many of its markets.

In the future, Kronimus believes its biggest markets will be those areas where it is able to work on large city development projects. In fact, some of its latest projects have been focussed on the industrial sector, away from the temperamental property market.

Kronmius’ confidence is well placed; its core competencies since its establishment have been the quality standards of its products, which are above and beyond those required by the Europe Union and set out by the DIN, the German Institute for Standardisation. It guarantees the lifespan of its concrete slabs, kerbs and blocks against corrosion from frost and the de-icing salts used to treat the roads and pavements in wintry conditions to a level that is seven times that of the European benchmark.

Regional production sites

Currently, some 400 people are employed across production and the Kronimus factories function and manage application specific projects as if they were independent craft workshops. Since its establishment its skilled workforce has crafted and constructed components from concrete blocks according to the ideas and wishes of customers and town planners.

The main factory is based in Baden-Baden but Kronimus also operates additional facilities in Freiburg, Heilbronn and Magdeburg. It maintains a rolling investment programme across all

of its facilities, with heavy investments in new lines or in renewing or refurbishing production processes made every two years.

A breakthrough in coating

In research and development, Kronimus is focused on satisfying a market need for new and innovative shaped paving. In fact, this German specialist has a rich history of innovation, and continues to work on developing new concepts: a few years ago it invented a new protective coating for concrete slabs designed for slabs to be used on terraces and patios to protect the surface of the slab from accidental spillages. This has achieved considerable success since its market launch.

Judging by its previous success, Kronimus shouldn’t have any problems in satisfying its markets with new innovations, and in turn fulfil its strategy to achieve steady growth where it can guarantee the same quality level. The quality of its products, and its capacity to adapt to the changing needs of the customer has garnered great success over the years.

Kronimus is a trusted and stable family business that is respected among customers who value its transparency and enduring commitment to meeting their needs, and all with the minimum of fuss. n

KNOPP Group

With a complete series of products for concrete and flooring and a passion for new ideas, the KNOPP Group is today on an expansion course throughout Europe and Asia. Our problemsolvers in ready mix, dry cast concrete block production technology and floor screeding are proven by a broad and innovative product range to increase efficiency, performance and quality. MTC concrete admixtures are especially used in the area of pre-fabricated concrete goods for pavement and masonry. Our experience with these semi-dry compacted concrete products is established on long and close cooperation with leading German manufacturers.