KRONEN GmbH reported record turnover of €22 million in 2025, marking a 5% increase year-on-year and the highest revenue in the company’s history, supported by international project activity and a strategic partnership with U.S.-based Urschel.
The Germany-headquartered supplier of processing equipment and lines for the food industry cited stable domestic demand and continued global expansion as key contributors to performance, alongside the cooperation with Urschel announced in May 2025.
“Our international approach, technological competence, and close cooperation with our partners and customers provide us with stability and prospects, even in a challenging global environment. Our cooperation with Urschel offers us additional market potential in North America and Asia and strengthens our position as a solution provider for comprehensive processing lines,” said Stephan Zillgith, Managing Director of KRONEN GmbH.
The partnership with Urschel, a manufacturer of cutting technology, is intended to combine capabilities in cutting systems and full processing lines. Within a year of its announcement, KRONEN reported increased incoming orders from the United States and Mexico, alongside early-stage market development in Asia. Joint trade show participation and coordinated market activities have also supported expansion in key regions.
KRONEN operates a sales and service network spanning more than 80 countries and supplies equipment to over 120 countries worldwide, providing the basis for further international growth.
Alongside commercial expansion, the company continued to invest in its production footprint and operational capabilities in 2025. Developments at its Kehl-Goldscheuer and Achern sites included process optimisation, upgrades in production technology, and the expansion of digital infrastructure.
Production capacity was increased in sheet metal construction, welding, and special assembly. The relocation of part of the warehouse to an external site enabled additional space for assembling larger processing lines, facilitating more efficient testing and system approvals.
Product development remained a focus area, with KRONEN introducing the CAP 350 cabbage cutting machine and the HEWA 4000 washing system during the year. The company also continued its research collaborations, including work with the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP). In 2025, the institute commissioned a climate chamber equipped with KRONEN’s HEWA 2600 B washing machine to simulate production conditions and support research into optimising washing processes.
Project activity during the year reflected demand across multiple application segments. In the UK, KRONEN installed a processing line for iceberg lettuce at Kanes Foods, designed to enable continuous, gentle processing and improve operational efficiency in salad production.
In fruit processing, projects included apple processing solutions for Kartause Ittingen and a pineapple processing system for Tropicaux in Guinea. The company also supplied high-capacity fresh-cut processing solutions, including a system for Agrifresh in Lebanon capable of processing up to 25,000 kilograms of vegetables per day.
Automation developments were highlighted by the Robot Avocado Line, presented at Gulfood Manufacturing. The company also hosted its KRONEN Customer Day 2025, attended by approximately 180 industry participants, featuring machine demonstrations and technical exchange.
KRONEN continues to emphasise workforce stability and skills development, marking multiple long-service employee anniversaries in 2025, including staff with up to 35 years at the company.
“The long-standing commitment of many colleagues shows just how strongly our corporate culture is shaped by continuity and mutual appreciation,” said Zillgith.
The company also confirmed it will continue its vocational training programmes, which have been in place for more than 25 years, with new training positions planned for 2027 as part of its long-term workforce development strategy.
