Kern International
Kern, AG is the Swiss-based, 60-year-old, privately held, company that manufactures, distributes, services, and supports its production mail solutions, including inserting systems, associated finishing systems, and mailFactory software systems, worldwide in over 60 countries. Kern International, Inc., the U.S. based subsidiary, covers distribution and support for North America. Kern manufactures envelope stuffing, sealing and addressing machines; manufactures computer peripheral equipment, computers, computer printers, computer equipment and accessories, computer data input devices, computer data input accessories, computer displays, and computer display accessories.
Overview
Kern is headquartered in the Columbus, Ohio area. Kern is a privately held company in the information technology and services industry.
History
Kern was founded by Marc Kern. Kern AG has its beginning in 1947, when Marc set up a small workshop at Hunigenstrasse in Konolfingen, Switzerland with the help of his wife. Marc constructed a prototype letter folding and inserting machine in this year. By 1954, 10 inserting system had been sold in Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands. By 1957 Kern AG was incorporated with Marc Kern as President and sole shareholder. In 1964 an electronic department was established. This led to the world's first fold-inserters with optical reading (KAE - Kern Automatic Electronic.) The manufacturing plant is enlarged to meet the growing demand for Kern equipment. In 1982, a wholly owned subsidiary, Kern GmbH, is established in Germany with 25 employees. The following year Kern Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary is established in the UK. In 1984, the first modular inserting system is launched, the K2000. By 1995 over 1500 units are sold worldwide. In 1992, Marc Kern is killed in a helicopter crash, leaving his two sons Uli and Peter Kern to assume General Management Responsibility. In 1997, Kern celebrated its 50th anniversary by founding Kern International Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary in the United States.
Accomplishments
1964 - First fold-inserters with optical reading created (KAE - Kern Automatic Electronic)
1968 - First 'online' system that incorporates [...], folding, and inserting as a single process
1975 - First computer controlled document inserting system
1984 - The world's first modular inserting system is launched, the K2000
1998 - Introduction of the first Automated Document Factory integration (ADF)
2000 - 'iF product design award' for the K3000
2001 - Guinness Book of World Records for fastest inserting machine for the K3000
2001 - First robotic traying/envelope loading system for the K60
2005 - "iF product design award' for the K3500
2006 - Launch of first hybrid mail solution for production color, the K515 EasyMailer
Collaborations
Kern International, Inc. and Crawford Technologies Inc. signed an agreement on March 14, 2006 having the two companies collaborate on automated document factory solutions. Under the agreement, CrawfordTech will provide software that enhances and extends Kern's mailFactory Suite product line with print data mining, document reengineering, mail piece reprint, print stream conversion and manipulation capabilities, and the ability to support all major print stream formats. Together, the two companies will be building the next generation of automated document factory infrastructure. The resulting solutions will be sold through the Kern sales force.
Kern collaborates with IBIS to provide one-stop service for book finishing systems. IBIS was formed in May 1999 by senior managers and engineers who previously worked with Heidelberg Finishing Systems (formerly Harris Graphics and AM Graphics). The team has over 150 years of combined experience in book finishing equipment design and applications. IBIS is dedicated to providing printer around the world with high performance, heavy duty and reliable book finishing system.
In 2001, eMarket Capital Inc. of King of Prussia, Pa., signed Kern International Inc. as a client and will provide equipment financing for Kern's customers. eMarket Capital CREATES and maintains Web-based private-label financing services for equipment manufacturers. It serves as intermediary for the customer, manufacturer and assorted lenders.
References
http://www.macraesbluebook.com/search/company.cfm?company=714025
http://www.linkedin.com/companies/kern-international
http://www.kern.co.uk/aboutus/kerngroup.htm
http://www.kern.co.uk/aboutus/kerngroup.htm
Guinness World Records 2001. Topeka Bindery. October 2001.
http://www.kern.co.uk/aboutus/kernlimited.htm
http://kerncan.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90&Itemid=28
http://philadelphia.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2001/09/24/daily23.html