The Katz Group dates from 1716, when Johann Georg Katz established a sawmill in Weisenbach, Germany, later producing telegraph poles and railway sleepers.
The first coasters were produced over a hundred years ago in 1903, following the invention of Robert Sputh for fibre cast mats. From this point forward the coaster became an integral part of Katz’ core business.
1903
First Coaster produced.
1930
The first automatic coaster printing machine developed, with a capacity of 30,000 coasters per day.
1969
The BDS invention – combined letterpress and stamping innovation, with a capacity of 1,000,000 coasters per day.
1972
Foudrinier cardboard manufacture - innovative methods of continuous material flow.
1975
Katz moved from letterpress to offset printing, and continued to invest in large scale stamping aggregates and fully automated packaging lines.
1978
Katz International coasters was acquired by the Pfleiderer Group.
2001
Acquisition of Quarmby in the UK and Waterlomat in Belgium creating an international group.
2006
Acquisition of Kurprinz in Grosschirma.
2007
The Katz Group continues to go from strength to strength with investment and innovation in coaster technology.
2009
On 1st October, August Koehler AG takes over The Katz Group.
