Pfleiderer Leutkirch

Pfleiderer Leutkirch GmbH is a German manufacturer of wood-based panels and surface solutions based in Leutkirch im Allgäu, Baden-Württemberg. The site was established in 1955 when Hermann D. Krages acquired the former Zefa-Plattenwerk area and began producing hardboard panels with plastic coatings. Over the following decades the plant expanded into particleboard and decorative panel production, becoming known as Thermopal GmbH. In 1983 Pfleiderer acquired its first stake in the company, and on 1 January 2013 the firm was renamed Pfleiderer Leutkirch GmbH, becoming a subsidiary of Pfleiderer GmbH. The Leutkirch plant is part of the Pfleiderer Group, a leading European manufacturer of premium wood-based panels. Its portfolio includes raw particleboards, MDF and HDF panels, decorative panels, laminates, worktops and compact laminates, marketed under brands such as Duropal, Thermopal and Wood Construction Systems (WCS). The site serves architects, planners, fabricators, furniture manufacturers and the construction industry. In January 2018 Pfleiderer commissioned a HotCoating lacquering line at Leutkirch, enhancing its surface finishing capabilities. The company emphasizes sustainability, holding EcoVadis Platinum status and promoting low-carbon wood-based materials.

The Leutkirch site's history began in 1955 when Hermann D. Krages, son of a Bremen timber merchant, acquired the area of the former Zefa-Plattenwerk in Leutkirch im Allgäu. Krages already owned two other plants producing hardboard panels. At Leutkirch, the focus was initially on hardboard panels coated with plastic. By the late 1950s, the first plastic-pressed panels were developed at the plant. In 1962, the company decided to build its own particleboard production. By 1976, ten presses were in operation, producing approximately 100,000 m² of plastic panels per day. These were used in interior finishing, the furniture industry and door manufacturing. At that time, the company employed around 1,000 people. Pfleiderer acquired its first stake in the company in 1983. In 2011, Thermopal GmbH was one of eight subsidiaries of the Pfleiderer Group. The Leutkirch plant employed 460 people, manufacturing various wood-based materials in multi-shift operations. The company site covered 190,000 m², of which 90,000 m² were built upon. On 1 January 2013, Thermopal GmbH was renamed Pfleiderer Leutkirch GmbH and became a subsidiary of Pfleiderer GmbH. In January 2018, Pfleiderer commissioned a HotCoating lacquering line at the Leutkirch site. The site continues to operate as part of the Pfleiderer Group, which relocated its headquarters to Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz in 2018.

• 2018

  Pfleiderer commissions a HotCoating lacquering line at the Leutkirch site.

• 2013

  On 1 January, Thermopal GmbH is renamed Pfleiderer Leutkirch GmbH, a subsidiary of Pfleiderer GmbH.

• 2011

  Thermopal GmbH is one of eight Pfleiderer Group subsidiaries; Leutkirch plant employs 460.

• 1983

  Pfleiderer acquires its first stake in the company.

• 1976

  Ten presses in operation, producing about 100,000 m² of plastic panels daily; around 1,000 employees.

• 1962

  Decision to build own particleboard production at Leutkirch.

• 1955

  Hermann D. Krages acquires the former Zefa-Plattenwerk area in Leutkirch and begins hardboard production with plastic coatings.

Premium manufacturer of wood-based panels and surface solutions, emphasizing design freedom, sustainability and German engineering.

• Duropal HPL XTreme plus

  Super matt, uniquely easy to maintain high-pressure laminate.

• DST System

  System allowing flexible combination of decors, textures and core materials.

• Thermopal decorative panels

  Decorative wood-based panels for furniture and interior design.

• Wood Construction Systems (WCS)

  Solutions for structural timber applications.

1. 1Sustainable Wood-Based Panels and Solutions | Pfleidererpfleiderer.com
2. 2DST-System - Design and Function in Harmony by Pfleidererpfleiderer.com
3. 3About Pfleiderer | Wood-Based Panels & Surface Solutionspfleiderer.com
4. 4Pfleiderer – a strong partner for high-quality wood-based panelspfleiderer.com
5. 5Pfleiderer Leutkirchde.wikipedia.org
6. 6Pfleiderer Leutkirchwikidata.org