KNF Celebrates 80 Years of Quality and Innovation
The KNF Group celebrates a milestone anniversary, reflecting on growth while looking towards the future.
KNF is proud to celebrate its 80th anniversary on April 1. Since its inception as a motor workshop in 1946, KNF has evolved into a globally renowned diaphragm pump manufacturer with 24 locations and more than 900 employees. Each location took time to celebrate this milestone anniversary in their own way while also looking ahead to a bright future.
Celebrating a Milestone Anniversary
KNF employees across Europe, Asia, and the Americas gathered for a celebration of the group’s 80th anniversary on April 1, 2026. “Over the past 80 years, KNF has grown from a small workshop into a global leader in diaphragm pump technology,” Alexander Heizler, Chief Executive Officer of the KNF Group, said. “Our success is driven by the expertise and dedication of our people, and our commitment to innovation ensures we continue to develop reliable solutions going forward.”
From Humble Beginnings to International Recognition
Kurt Neuberger founded KNF in Freiburg, Germany, as a firm focusing on engine repair and the production of thread-cutting machinery. A decisive change occurred in 1962, when the company released the AEROMAT AL 15 and AEROMAT AL 17 laboratory pumps, beginning the strategic shift toward the diaphragm pump technology KNF is known for today.
KNF’s future would further take shape in 1966 with two pivotal developments: the company was granted its first patent for diaphragm pump technology, and Erich Becker officially took over management of KNF. Under the leadership of the Becker family, KNF embarked on a path of continuous growth, expanding its technological expertise while creating innovative pump solutions. The Becker family maintains ownership of the KNF Group to this day, with Martin Becker serving as Chair of the Board of Directors.
Worldwide Expansion and Revolutionary Pump Technology
KNF began to expand continuously and sustainably, beginning with new locations outside of Germany. In 1977, KNF USA was established, marking the company’s first expansion outside of Europe. This was followed by further locations in Europe, including UK, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Sweden, as well as a steadily growing presence in Asia, first opening in Japan in 1983 and later expanding to China, Korea, India, and Singapore.
Alongside its global expansion, KNF has remained on the cutting edge of diaphragm pump technology. From the introduction of corrosion-resistant pumps and double diaphragms in its early days to new Smooth Flow technology, proprietary BLDC motors, and pumps with groundbreaking Intelligent Features, KNF has continued to set new standards in performance, precision and reliability.
People Are at the Heart of KNF
For 80 years, KNF’s success has been powered by the people behind the technology. Their expertise, curiosity, and dedication enable our teams to create reliable, high-quality solutions for the most demanding applications worldwide. Equally important are our long-standing partnerships with our customers built on trust, collaboration, and a shared drive for innovation for 80 years and beyond.
