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Foundry Industry Pioneer celebrates Milestones in 2020

These days people are especially happy when there is something to celebrate. For a pioneer of the modern foundry industry and especially in the chemical foundry, this is particularly true. Dipl.-Ing. Wilhelm Kuhlgatz, a well known, valued and networked member of the industry, is celebrating three major anniversaries this year.

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Thomas Fritsch, Chief Editor

While the memories of Dipl.-Ing. Wilhelm Kuhlgatz's 85th birthday festivities from July have just faded away, the 60th wedding anniversary was celebrated in the Kuhlgatz house, and on August 1st, 2020 almost simultaneously, the 60th anniversary of the Albertuswerke Group.

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, no major celebratory events could take place, but we can imagine that many of Wilhelm Kuhlgatz's companions, just like us, would like to express their heartfelt congratulations!


Dipl.-Ing. Wilhelm Kuhlgatz studied foundry at RWTH Aachen University from 1955 to 1960 and then began his professional career in foundry chemistry at the Albertus works in Hanover.

After the merger of Gebr. Hüttenes KG to form Hüttenes-Albertus GmbH in 1970, W. Kuhlgatz was significantly involved in the establishment and development of the company, and has the reputation and importance of today's HA Group as a long-term technical manager and head of production (domestic and abroad).

In addition to a wide range of tasks, the business units Chemex Foundry Solutions GmbH and Eurokern (where today's Center of Competence is located) in a leading position have always been particularly important to the entrepreneur.

After 40 years, he retired from operational business in 2000, and served on the board of directors for another 10 years. To this day, Kuhlgatz is still managing director and partner of Albertuswerke, which is why the 60th anniversary is of very special importance.

Recognitions
Anyone who knows Wilhelm Kuhlgatz knows how to appreciate his humor, his clear points of view and his diverse activities. He was of course also involved in various professional organizations in addition to his business.

He has been a member of the VDG since 1960, initially as chairman of the Lower Saxony state group, then for four years as vice-president and from 1993 to 2002 as president.
He headed the industrial association foundry chemistry from 1982 to 2013. Of course, Kuhlgatz was also active on the GIFA board, and was president for some time.
As part of his international activities, he became a board member of CIATF (today WFO) in 1990 and was its president from 1996-1998.

It is not surprising that the work of W. Kuhlgatz in the field of science and economy at the service of the foundry industry and also 32 years in local politics have received various recognitions and honors over the years. Here is a small selection:

  • Bernhard Osann Medal
  • Honorary member of the VDG
  • Adolf Ledebur commemorative coin
  • Cross of Merit on ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany

Countless connections and friendships have not only shaped the company and the life of the Kuhlgatz family, they continue to this day, like the friendship with Vinod Kapur (Gargi HA), which easily overcomes thousands of kilometers to India.

That Dr. Carsten Kuhlgatz, the son of Wilhelm, who has long since followed in the footsteps of his successful father and shaped his own path in the HA Group, is a stroke of luck and a further development of the family tradition. Dr. Carsten Kuhlgatz is currently on the Supervisory Board of the HA Group and designated WFO President from 2022.

It's nice that Wilhelm Kuhlgatz was able to celebrate the current anniversaries with the family in good health despite the Corona restrictions.

We join the congratulations from the bottom of our hearts - Congratulations and best of luck, Dipl.-Ing. Wilhelm Kuhlgatz!

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