ERNST ENGELMANN GMBH & CO. KG KG

A FAMILY BUSINESS WITH TRADITION In 1966, Ernst Engelmann, together with his wife Hedwig, founded the company Ernst Engelmann Galvanik. In the basement of their own home, they passivate the first stainless steel parts as a side business, intentionally creating protective layers on metal, and galvanize the so-called bulk material in a bell apparatus: the birth of the company. In 1968, the Engelmanns took the leap into self-employment. In a rented building in the center of Hirschlanden, they set up a facility for nickel plating and chrome plating in addition to the existing processes. Soon, the first employees joined the company. Ernst and Hedwig Engelmann worked tirelessly. Their great commitment led to a steady growth in their customer base. More surface treatments were requested, and soon a second building had to be rented. In this building, the Engelmanns operated a facility for chemical nickel plating – a true pioneering achievement for that time. The Engelmanns remained true to their innovative spirit when, in the early 1970s, significant decisions loomed due to the amendment of the Water Resources Act: Should they build new wastewater treatment facilities at two locations, or take the bold step of a new construction in the industrial area of Hirschlanden? At that time, Ernst Engelmann was already over 50 years old. However, as a forward-thinking entrepreneur, he and his wife decided to take the plunge and consolidate the company at a single location.