In 2024, Kempen-based engineering company PFEIFFER Chemie-Armaturenbau celebrated its half-century jubilee.
SAMSON PFEIFFER develops, produces and assembles Globe valves, Butterfly valves, Ball valves and pigging technology, along with the associated actuators for the chemical industry as well as for sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, food and hydrogen technology.
When Horst Pfeiffer founded his small workshop in neighbouring Grefrath-Oedt in 1974, hardly anyone would have guessed that this lovely little factory would one day turn into a global player for innovative valves. Germany had just won the world football championship, the after-effects of the oil crisis were still being clearly felt, Nixon resigned as US President, and Helmut Schmidt became the Federal Chancellor of Germany. At this time, a mechanical engineering wonder called Pfeiffer staunchly implemented the bold idea of lining valves with PTFE to offer chemical customers financially viable solutions.
Polytetrafluoroethylene is a polymer made from fluorine and carbon. The material turned out to be just right for Globe, Butterfly and Ball valves made by PFEIFFER. PFEIFFER uses just a few of the 38 fluoropolymers to protect its valves from chemicals of all kinds. This means the valves are more resistant to acids, alkalis and aggressive gases than ceramic materials that are sensitive to impact and thermal shocks.
The production facility needed for this was also planned by PFEIFFER and manufactured in Kempen – with a service life of 10 years according to the TÜV. The facility has now been running smoothly for 24 years. It is unique and was specially designed to make valve parts.
