MKT's history is marked by continuous growth and development. From its first production facilities in the early 1990s, through numerous plant expansions and investments in innovative manufacturing technologies, to its international expansion with global partnerships.
After nearly 10 years, Elke Gornik is leaving her position in the management of MKT and entering well-deserved retirement.
Sven Kirchner and Tim Kroner will lead the management together.
It is with deep sorrow and great sadness that we announce the passing of our company founder and long-time managing director, Mathias Eschbach, on March 21, 2024, at the age of 90. A memorial bench has been erected in his memory in the Ohrdruf Castle Park.
MKT can already look back on 30 years of company history.
together with long-time partner SSI North America (Surface Source International - leading North American distributor of high-quality decorative surfaces)
3,600m² additional production area,
€ 5 million investment
(Laboratory, warehouse, maintenance department, new administration rooms)
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary, we had a big celebration with all MKT employees in Ohrdruf.
as part of an asset deal
Takeover of their sales network in Italy
On April 1st 2015 the descendants of the former shareholders Mathias Eschbach and Antonius Kroner assume control of leading functions. Together with Sven Kirchner (Commercial General Manager since 2012) they are forming the new general management. From now on, Elke Gornik (daughter of Mathias Eschbach) will be General Manager of technology and production and Tim Kroner (son of Antonius Kroner) will be General Manager of Technology, Research & Development.
At the turn of 2013/2014, Antonius Kroner is retiring after more than 20 years of being a managing partner. "An era is coming to an end" and the transition to a younger generation of MKT- management is complete.
After more than 20 years, Mathias Eschbach ends his management position at MKT and bids farewell into deserved retirement.
Sven Kirchner and Thomas Streichardt are newly appointed to the general management.
in Guérande, France
MKT France S.A.S.
to a new production site in Ernstroda, Thuringia
The fire restoration of the high-bay warehouse can finally be completed in spring 2008.
On the night of Friday, November 2 in 2007 the newly built warehouse at MKT's main location (Plant 1) was completely destroyed by a serious fire. Around 40 tons of plastic granulate and finished goods with a value of between € 2 and 2.5 million went up in flames. Fortunately, nobody was injuried. The continuation of production took place immediatly, as did the construction work for the renovation.
in the same industrial area "Ohrdruf-Herrenhof-Hohenkirchen", in close proximity to the main plant 1
65,000 m² area, 11,000 m² production area, € 25 million investment volume
New inline and offline printing lines, numerous new extrusion and cutting lines, administration rooms
by adding a new high-bay warehouse
hall space: about 1700m²
Development and production of printing inks, lacquers and pigment pastes
(founded in 2000 in Erolzheim, Baden-Württemberg)
By building a new hall in 2003, the previous production area is extending to the double. Numerous investments in new production lines and equipment followed.
by adding a new hall for general maintenance work. The final completion of the hall took place in May 2000. The construction was necessary in order to create the spatial conditions for the further increase in capacity. Furthermore, a modernization of the outer facade and the creation of an employee and customer parking lot started.
With May 4th, 1998, Jakob Eschbach (previous co-founder and majority shareholder of MKT) sold his company share to Antonius Kroner, who has already been working for MKT as sales manager since January 1, 1992.
On February 18, 1998, MKT acquired the business property that had previously been leased. Meaning in numbers:
In the business years 1991 to 1993, the first production building was erected and completed on the land that had previously been leased.
At the beginning of 1992, MKT started production by partially commissioning the production building, which was still under construction. The main subject of MKT's business activity relates to the production and sale of plastic profiles. The used production process is essentially due to the technical development work of Mathias Eschbach.
with main plant and headquarters (plant 1) in the Thuringian town of Ohrdruf on the site of the former Ohrdrufer Seilwerke GmbH, in the newly opened industrial area.
Date of foundation: May 23, 1991
June 1st, 1991: Start of business operations with preparatory work for the later start of production
October 23, 1991 Entry in the commercial register under: HRB 102943
