In April 2022, KNF Starter was founded. Located in Switzerland, the unit explores and researches new areas of interest that go far beyond the development of new diaphragm pumps.
Our History
Delivering high-quality pump solutions to our customers has always been part of our DNA – from our inception in 1946 to the present day. Learn more about our pump innovations, our international growth, and other important milestones in the KNF Group’s history.
2022
KNF Starter
2019
KNF Pump Blog
Since June 2019 KNF has been sharing interesting news, facts and information in the field of pump solutions in the KNF Pump Blog.
2018
KNF DAC
The Digital Acceleration Center (DAC) is founded in Hamburg, Germany. It is the driver and innovator for all of KNF’s digital projects and for the digital transformation of the KNF Group in particular.
2015
KNF Australia
KNF opens a sales office in Australia which will also serve neighboring New Zealand.
2014
KNF Singapore
KNF opens a sales office in Singapore to serve the Southeast Asian market.
2013
KNF Global Strategies
KNF Global Strategies is founded in Sursee, Switzerland, to support the Group’s managing directors worldwide in implementing the KNF customer promise.
2012
KNF Micro
KNF Micro is founded in Reiden, Switzerland, to focus on designing, developing and producing micro gas pumps for the whole KNF Group.
2009
KNF India
KNF opens a subsidiary in Pune to manage sales and marketing in India.
2007
KNF China
KNF opens a subsidiary in Shanghai to manage sales and marketing in China.
2006
First Solenoid-Operated Pump
KNF develops the first solenoid-operated diaphragm metering pump, the FMM 20 – a quiet, compact, and highly accurate device with a long service life.
2004
The World’s Smallest Diaphragm Liquid Pump
KNF introduces the NF 5, the world’s smallest diaphragm liquid pump. It measures just 2.5 cm and weighs 32 g thanks to state-of-the-art technology.
2001
Explosion-Proof Pumps
KNF introduces explosion-proof pumps which are specially designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
2000
CEO Martin Becker
Martin Becker, Erich Becker’s eldest son, follows in his father’s footsteps and becomes the new CEO of the KNF Group and KNF Germany.
2000
KNF Sweden
KNF opens a subsidiary in Stockholm to serve Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway.
1998
First Electronically Driven Diaphragm Pump
KNF introduces the first electronically driven diaphragm pump. The new FEM product line is equipped with a smart stepper motor drive enabling highly accurate dosing.
1997
KNF Korea
The Group’s second Asian subsidiary is opened in Seoul to manage sales and marketing in South Korea.
1996
KNF Belgium
KNF opens a subsidiary in the Belgian town of Aartselaar to manage sales and marketing in Belgium and Luxembourg. In the same year, KNF is awarded ISO 9001 certification.
1994
First Lab-Pump Systems
New KNF vacuum systems with responsive adaptation for the laboratory are introduced to the market.
1991
KNF Netherlands
KNF opens a subsidiary in the Dutch town of Vleuten to manage sales and marketing in the Netherlands.
1990
Structured Diaphragm
KNF sets a new standard in diaphragm pump technology with its innovative, stress-optimized, patented-structure diaphragm for gas pumps.
1987
KNF Flodos
KNF Flodos is founded in Sursee, Switzerland. The location is responsible for designing, developing and producing diaphragm liquid pumps for the KNF Group.
1983
KNF Japan
The Group’s first Asian subsidiary is founded in Tokyo to manage sales and marketing in Japan.
1982
Liquid Diaphragm Pumps With Resonance Chamber System
KNF develops a new system with a resonance chamber which is connected to the suction side of the pump and works as a pulsation damper. This levels out acceleration peaks in the liquid on the suction side of the pump and reduces cavitation effects.
1980
First PTFE Pumps
KNF develops full PTFE pumps specially designed for pumping aggressive gases and vapors in laboratory applications.
1979
KNF Switzerland
KNF opens the doors of its second Swiss location, in Balterswil, to manage sales and marketing activities in Switzerland.
1978
KNF UK
KNF opens a subsidiary in Witney, Oxfordshire, to serve the UK and Irish markets.
1977
KNF USA
KNF USA opens its doors in New Jersey. This location is responsible for sales and marketing activities in North and South America and also manufactures diaphragm pumps for air, gases and vapors for the US market.
1974
First Temperature-Resistant Diaphragm Pumps
KNF introduces the first temperature-resistant, gas-sampling diaphragm pumps for temperatures up to 200°C. This product line is subsequently expanded to include new pumps with temperature control options up to 240°C.
1972
KNF Italy
KNF opens a subsidiary in Milan to manage sales and marketing in Italy.
1971
Double-Diaphragm Pumps
KNF develops its first double-diaphragm system. These pumps are designed especially for toxic, dangerous and expensive gases.
1968
KNF France
KNF opens its first international subsidiary in Village-Neuf to manage sales and marketing in France.
1967
Focus on Diaphragm Pumps
KNF decides to focus exclusively on developing its existing product line, diaphragm pump technology.
1966
Change of Ownership
Erich Becker takes over the management of KNF. In the same year, KNF’s first patent is granted for diaphragm pumps.
1964
First Corrosion-Resistant Diaphragm Pump
KNF introduces a corrosion-resistant diaphragm pump that enables new applications in the chemical, industrial process engineering, and laboratory sectors. The cutting-edge device is used in space and nuclear technology.
1962
KNF’s First Pumps
The company’s first pumps (laboratory pumps) are launched under the names AEROMAT AL15 and AEROMAT AL17.
1946
Foundation of KNF
Kurt Neuberger establishes KNF in Freiburg, Germany. The firm originally focuses on engine repair, the production of thread-cutting machinery, and contract engineering projects.
