Axel Horstmann takes over as general manager of Kautz

"With renewed momentum into a successful future"

The Kautz company has begun the year 2012 with the appointment of a new general manager: the 72-year-old engineer Rolf Kautz has handed over the general management of the firm to the 48-year-old industrial engineer, Axel Horstmann. The new boss is himself from a business family; he has held several positions as general manager and has considerable experience in the field of energy plant construction. Customers, suppliers, partners and employees of Kautz can continue to count on the standards of quality, performance and reliability that they have always been used to.

Passing on of baton marked with a genuine innovation

"I am highly fortunate to be able to take over the leadership of a company with naturally evolved structures, a strong team, and great innovative strength," says Axel Horstmann. "I am looking forward to guiding the Kautz company with renewed momentum into a successful future, from the main site in Trier." Horstmann intends to maintain the company's strict quality standards and to systematically expand its product portfolio. His experience both in Germany and in international markets will serve him in very good stead. One major innovation that will be playing an essential role is the arc-flash protection for high-voltage electric power installations. This new development has already aroused considerable interest among several reputable companies.

"No hesitation in placing life's work in successor's hands"

For a transitional period, the former owner, Rolf Kautz, will be supporting Axel Horstmann in an advisory role. It was the former who first set up the company 25 years ago, steering it through its subsequent expansion with great success. The company enjoys a great reputation among energy suppliers and plant constructors as well as in the industry. He will now be taking a well-earned, if not entirely restful, retirement, and will be devoting his time to his family and his hobby – forest hunting.

"I am confident in having found an experienced and skilful successor in Axel Horstmann, and I have no hesitation in placing my life's work in his hands," says Rolf Kautz. "I am convinced that he will continue to steer the Kautz company forward on its ongoing course of success."