Success Story

The story of our company started in 1948, three years after World War II ended. The company “Einkaufs- und Liefergenossenschaft des Holzhandwerks “ (purchase and delivery cooperative in woodcrafts) was founded, existing from 26 smaller woodcrafts factories manufacturing the typical wood articles in the area of Geschwenda (fence material, several types of poles, wall paper borders, single furniture, ladders, planting boxes etc). Back then there were already approximately 100 employees and a turnover of 1,4 million DDM.

Foundation of the producers' cooperative

October 1st 1958 was the launch of the “Produktionsgenossenschaft der Holzwarenhersteller im Thüringer Wald” (production cooperative of the woodcrafts manufacturers in the Thuringian forest).
There were 143 employees working in 11 production halls. As the main line of production, skies, loungers, gymnastic equipment and children´s playpens were added to the previous range of the purchase and delivery cooperative.

Increase in turnover and expansion of the company

In the Sixties centralizing of wood storage, wood drying and the construction of a factory began at a new site in Geschwenda, “alte Lage”. Furthermore, a factory kitchen and a food court were established in the administration building for the employees as well as a recreation center on the island of Rügen.

„PGH Thüringer Wald“ Geschwenda

In July 1970 the name was changed to “Produktionsgenossenschaft des Handwerks (PGH), PGH Thüringer Wald” (production cooperative of craftswork in the Thuringian forest).
In the early Seventies plastic production, especially injection molding with capacities for assembly, was launched. It was continuously expanded together with wood production. Also an operative locksmith and a metal parts production for sports equipment already existed.

VEB Rennsteig sports equipment

In April 1972 our company was forced into nationalization and changed into a public-owned factory – the “VEB Rennsteig-Sportgeräte” ( VEB Rennsteig sports equipment).
With a production value of 9 million DDM, main range of production was sports equipment, 2 million DDM of that was export. The company had 187 employees on its payroll.

Sports equipment Schmalkalden combined

In 1976 the company joined “Kombinat Sportgeräte Schmalkalden” (Sports equipment Schmalkalden combined), keeping the production lines under steady expansion of the articles with new developments in the field of plastic processing (seat shells, children´s skies and sleds).

KHW Kunststoff- und Holzverarbeitungswerk GmbH

From 1982 to 1990 gymnastics and sports equipment as well as leisure articles were manufactured by 290 employees, accomplishing a yearly turnover of 26,5 million DM.
On July 1st 1990 the company was re-privatized and “KHW Kunststoff- und Holzverarbeitungs GmbH” (plastics and wood processing Ltd.) was founded.
A successful development began after founding KHW.

High input of investments and market leader

Using an investing volume of 18 million DM, the business was extended in the 1990s at the location of Geschwenda into a modern injection molding company.
Due to consistent and determined production development as well as a high input of investments and developments the company became market leader with its range of sleds.

Worldwide innovative sleds program

The company developed a worldwide innovative sleds program which is attractive because of its new and unique design. The market position is confirmed by national and international rewards for outstanding product design.
Our company and its product designer received numerous design rewards in Germany, Switzerland and Russia.

Variety of sleds

In the following years a sleds program was developed which advanced the business to the worldwide market leader. More than 30 sled models were created, ranging from a simple device to an innovative high-tech product for higher standards.

Modernization of the factory

Modernizing the factory in 2005 in cooperation with the Thuringian state department for development on a site of 36.000 m² was an important step.

Expansion of storage capacity

Extensive expansion of storage capacity with the addition of a further finished goods warehouse with an area of approx. 1,000 m² and capacity for approx. 1,500 pallets.

new Chief Executive Officer

Marcus Cramer joined KHW as CEO on 1st April 2019.

Marketing department established

Establishment of our own marketing department to better position our products on the market.

Founding of the KHW Eco2Mind label

Under the KHW - ECO2MIND label we understand the continuous development of our materials, articles and processes in order to continuously reduce the CO2 impact on our environment and to protect it in a sustainable way. We are supported by a wide network of companies and partners who share our goals.

Launch of Demeter raised bed

The launch of the Demeter raised bed not only expanded the gardening product range, but was also a further step in strengthening the recycled plastic sector. The raised bed is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic and its timeless design makes it suitable for any garden.

Launching own online shops

Development of three online shops for garden products, winter products and sledge spare parts.

The narrow version of the Demeter raised bed complements the garden range and is ideal for smaller areas. It is compatible with the Demeter raised bed and can therefore be used as an extension to a raised bed landscape.

NABU ‘Wild Islands’ award

In the summer of 2022 we received a plaque from NABU Thuringia. In spring, the sandstone wall on our KHW site is a nesting paradise for mason bees and other wild bee species, which we want to preserve for the long term.

Market launch of CUPITO reusable cup

The CUPITO reusable cup is the first market-ready product in the KHW Eco2Mind range. The CUPITO is made from 100% renewable PLA, but is just as durable as a conventional cup made from petroleum-based PP. With the CUPITO, we offer a reusable solution for local authorities, event organisers and clubs who are looking for not only reusable but also renewable raw materials.

Expansion of production capacity

Expansion of production capacity with the addition of a 1,800t SGM with shot weights up to 22kg.

At the 1st Thuringian ChampionsMeet on 3 March, KHW was honoured as the Thuringian world market and technology leader. The meeting also marked the relaunch of the Thuringian World Market Leader campaign. As part of a comprehensive evaluation of the Thuringian economy, almost 90 companies across all sectors were identified as world leaders in their respective fields.

Nominated for the German Sustainability Award

A jury of experts has nominated KHW as one of the pioneers of change in the plastics and rubber industry for the German Sustainability Award. The prize is awarded this year by the Federal Environment Ministry and the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) to particularly exemplary companies in their respective sectors. Now we have to wait and see - in August a second jury will decide on the finalists and the winner in the industry. In any case, we are very proud and pleased to have been nominated. Especially as we are the only nominated company from the new federal states in the plastics and rubber industry.
We also wish our fellow nominees every success!
No matter who wins - together we are already making an important and necessary contribution within the plastics and rubber industry to ensure that we leave no trace in the future.

Nominated for the Thuringia Innovation Prize

We have been nominated with our CUPITO for the Thuringian Innovation Award 2023 in the category Tradition and Future! A video has been made beforehand and is embedded on the CUPITO page.

Market launch of CUPITO in the colour smoke

After repeated requests for a 'transparent' CUPITO, we were able to launch our CUPITO in the colour 'smoke', i.e. semi-transparent, in the 300 ml and 400 ml versions at the beginning of 2024.

New Energy - Phase 1

Our photovoltaic system was successfully connected to the grid in spring 2024. The aim is to achieve a degree of self-sufficiency of more than 50 % in the future.