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. 

2023

DC-BI – First Fully Integrated Pump Motor

With DC-BI, KNF develops a new generation of brushless motors that enhance the advantages of diaphragm pumps. For the first time, the motor is integrated directly into the pump housing, significantly improving durability, compactness, and weight.
DC-BI – First Fully Integrated Pump Motor
2022
KNF Service GmbH
KNF Service GmbH is founded in Freiburg-Munzingen in 2022. The location provides IT, BI and financial services for the KNF Group and operates the global IT backbone.
KNF Service GmbH
2022
KNF Starter
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.
KNF Starter
2019

Innovative Smooth Flow Technology for Liquid Pumps

KNF develops a special Smooth Flow Technology that significantly reduces pulsation of liquid pumps. This allows diaphragm pumps to be used for sensitive media as well as in applications where low pulsation is required.
Innovative Smooth Flow Technology for Liquid Pumps
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. 
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. 
KNF DAC
2015
KNF Australia
KNF opens a sales office in Australia which will also serve neighboring New Zealand. 
KNF Australia
2014
KNF Singapore
KNF opens a sales office in Singapore to serve the Southeast Asian market.
KNF Singapore
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.
KNF Global Strategies
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.
KNF Micro
2009
KNF India
KNF opens a subsidiary in Pune to manage sales and marketing in India. 
KNF India
2007
KNF China
KNF opens a subsidiary in Shanghai to manage sales and marketing in China. 
KNF 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. 
First Solenoid-Operated Pump
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. 
The World’s Smallest Diaphragm Liquid Pump
2001

Explosion-Proof Pumps

KNF introduces explosion-proof pumps which are specially designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. 
Explosion-Proof Pumps
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.
CEO Martin Becker
2000
KNF Sweden
KNF opens a subsidiary in Stockholm to serve Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway. 
KNF Sweden
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. 
First Electronically Driven Diaphragm Pump
1997
KNF Korea
The Group’s second Asian subsidiary is opened in Seoul to manage sales and marketing in South Korea.
KNF 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. 
 
KNF Belgium
1994

First Lab-Pump Systems

New KNF vacuum systems with responsive adaptation for the laboratory are introduced to the market.  
First Lab-Pump Systems
1991
KNF Netherlands
KNF opens a subsidiary in the Dutch town of Vleuten to manage sales and marketing in the Netherlands. 
KNF Netherlands
1990
Structured Diaphragm
KNF sets a new standard in diaphragm pump technology with its innovative, stress-optimized, patented-structure diaphragm for gas pumps. 
Structured Diaphragm
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.
KNF Flodos
1983
KNF Japan
The Group’s first Asian subsidiary is founded in Tokyo to manage sales and marketing in Japan. 
KNF 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.
Liquid Diaphragm Pumps With Resonance Chamber System
1980

First PTFE Pumps

KNF develops full PTFE pumps specially designed for pumping aggressive gases and vapors in laboratory applications. 
First PTFE Pumps
1979
KNF Switzerland
KNF opens the doors of its second Swiss location, in Balterswil, to manage sales and marketing activities in Switzerland. 
KNF Switzerland
1978
KNF UK
KNF opens a subsidiary in Witney, Oxfordshire, to serve the UK and Irish markets.
 
KNF UK
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.
KNF USA
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. 
First Temperature-Resistant Diaphragm Pumps
1972
KNF Italy
KNF opens a subsidiary in Milan to manage sales and marketing in Italy. 
KNF Italy
1971

Double-Diaphragm Pumps

KNF develops its first double-diaphragm system. These pumps are designed especially for toxic, dangerous and expensive gases. 
Double-Diaphragm Pumps
1968
KNF France
KNF opens its first international subsidiary in Village-Neuf to manage sales and marketing in France.  
 
KNF France
1967

Focus on Diaphragm Pumps

KNF decides to focus exclusively on developing its existing product line, diaphragm pump technology. 
Focus on Diaphragm Pumps
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. 
 
Change of Ownership
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.
First Corrosion-Resistant Diaphragm Pump
1962
KNF’s First Pumps
The company’s first pumps (laboratory pumps) are launched under the names AEROMAT AL15 and AEROMAT AL17. 
KNF’s First Pumps
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.
Foundation of KNF

The KNF Group