Ernst Kaufmann learns chemical stone printing from Aloys Senefelder who invented the printing technique of lithography in 1796. Ernst starts his own business with a library and a stone printing company. Shortly after, he also becomes involved in publishing.

Ernst's sons Theodor and Gustav successfully continue the development of the family business. The highlight is the accolade of an award for their work at the Great Exhibitioin in London. They expand the company to become the biggest lithographic institution in Baden, Germany.

Three generations later, Julius and Ernst turn the small family business into a global company by founding subsidiaries in New York City, Chicago, London and Berlin. After Ernst's death, his brother Theodor joins the company. In Lahr alone the main production unit employs 250 people.

Eberhard, Julius's son, and Marie, Theodor's daughter-in-law, keep the business going after the disastrous consequences of World War I and II. The subsidiaries in America and England must close. The banning of publishing activities by the state and the closing down of the complete production business result in existential problems.

Marie sets the course for rebuilding the family business once a new publishing licence is issued by the French troops. After the current reform in 1948, the disastrous situation improves. A core of loyal customers returns and machine facilities are once again set up.

Druckhaus Kaufmann relocates to a modern production site.

The installation of the first web offset printer sets another example for the ambitious goals of the family enterprise.

Globalisation and digitalisation make the world smaller. And also expand the business territory of Druckhaus Kaufmann. The company focuses on the rapid electronic transfer of data as well as on the personal expert advice on-site – an advantage that wins over many customers abroad, especially in neighbouring France.

Druckhaus Kaufmann responds to the demand for integrated solutions with an expanded spectrum of services. The range of full-service offers covers lettershop and innovative shipment solutions as well as prepress, printing and post-processing.

With the new KBA Rapida 106 from Koenig & Bauer, Druckhaus Kaufmann invests in load capacity, quality and environmental protection. The quickest printing machine in the world prints 20,000 sheets per hour and sets new standards in terms of the protection of resources.

For the past six generations, the printing company in Lahr has borne the unmistakable signature of the Kaufmann family. In the wake of the 200th anniversary of the company, this now becomes the new trademark. The "For you" brand message perfectly sums up Kaufmann's philosophy and work for the benefit of their customers.

Celebrate 200 years of Druckhaus Kaufmann with us. We'd be glad to see you!

Druckhaus Kaufmann is named “Magazine Printer of the Year” at the Druck&Medien Awards 2017. The printing house had already received the “Catalogue Printer of the Year” award two years earlier. The Druck&Medien Awards are the largest German printing industry awards.

Rolf Kaufmann celebrates his 90^th birthday. As a representative of the fifth generation, Rolf Kaufmann had taken over the management of Druckhaus Kaufmann in 1954 and led the company for almost half a century. Since 2003, Druckhaus Kaufmann has been led by the sixth generation with Markus Kaufmann.

Druckhaus Kaufmann has always been committed to promoting young talent and skilled workers. After participating in Girls’ Day in 2015, the first regional “JobXpedition” is held at the printing house in 2018. The campaign gives young people who are nearing the end of their school education a chance to get an idea of the company’s training professions.

Druckhaus Kaufmann’s services are certified regularly: in 2019, TÜV Rheinland once again certified the printing house for its quality, environmental and energy management. Further certificates come, for example, from Deutsche Post (“Certified Depositor for the PRESSEPOST Product”) and the association Verband Druck und Medien (“Certified Quality Company Process Standard Offset Printing”).

The protection of the environment and resources is becoming increasingly important in society. Druckhaus Kaufmann is making its contribution and, thanks to a collaboration with ClimatePartner, offers the option of verifiably climate-neutral printing. In addition, national and international certification systems such as the Blue Angel, FSC and PEFC guarantee eco-friendly and resource-saving production.