Current events

Hagen, Germany,20.12.2012

Season's Greetings from KOSTAL Industrie Elektrik

The KOSTAL Industrie Elektrik team would like to thank you for the pleasure of working with you in 2012.

We wish you a joyful Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Please note that we will be closed over the festive period and only a skeleton staff will be on duty in some departments.

We will open again for normal business on 2 January 2013.

Hagen, Germany,14.12.2012

KOSTAL donates € 4000 to Blindenwerk Westfalen for Christmas

Blindenwerk Westfalen is the recipient of a special gift this Christmas as for the first time KOSTAL Solar Electric, Freiburg, and KOSTAL Industrie Elektrik, Hagen, are donating to this local organisation.

The charity for the blind is delighted with the financial boost which will allow various campaigns to be implemented. The Managing Director of Blindenwerk Westfalen gGmbH, Günter Seidenberg, expresses his delight at the €4000 sum: "We can use this money to make a start on projects we have been planning for some time now." Two projects are in the running to benefit. Firstly, the charity is planning a sensory garden which will allow blind people to get a sense of nature as the garden will feature plants with especially fragrant, strong-smelling flowers and individual leaf structures. "It will allow people, both with and without visual impairment, to experience nature with their other senses," says Seidenberg. The second option is a new, low-energy lighting concept. This is an important project because blind people perceive light and good lighting in the workshop and home improves quality of life. Energy savings can also be made, e.g. by installing motion detectors.

A joint decision on which of the projects ultimately receives the donation from KOSTAL will be made at the start of next year.

Markus Vetter, Marketing Manager at KOSTAL, is also pleased: "We have maintained links with this charity for a number of years now - for example, their employees package the installation accessories for our PIKO inverters. The fact that we can now support the organisation with a donation will strength this smart connection."

Nuremberg, Germany,07.12.2012

KOSTAL Industrial Electronics looks back at a successful SPS IPC Drives 2012

Also in this year the SPS IPC Drive presented itself as the most important fair trade for electrical automation in Germany. Following this continuous uptrend KOSTAL Industrial Electronics established numerous smart connections.

Due to the motto “Curious about future? – Discover efficient drive solutions from tomorrow.” our visitors could experience the following future-oriented product innovations:

• Application in higher performance category: extension of product spectrum up to 22kW
• Easy usability: INVEOR with optional foil keypad
• Efficiency from a single source: drive systems with INVEOR
• Complete automation: optional implementation of all common fieldbus systems (e.g. Profibus, EtherCAT or CANopen)
• Application in lower performance category: INVEOR with single-phase main supply (from 0.37kW to 1.1kW)
• Operation in extreme environmental conditions: INVEOR with liquid cooling

In terms of our corporate philosophy “Smart connections.” the personal contact did not get the short end of the stick, of course. Next to qualified interchange of ideas and interesting dialogues we started together with our partners into the future at our “future”-evening on 28^th November 2012.

Thank you for your visit and we would be glad if we could welcome you at our exhibition stand next year again.

Hagen, Germany,03.12.2012

Painting competition for children – numerous smart connections transferred to paper creatively

The sixth round of our painting competition with the topic “Smart connections.” has been finished with ongoing participation, also with international entries. Till the end of last month children up to 14 years could send in their most beautiful pictures. The selection of the winners’ images was very difficult for us, because we received not only numerous smart connections, but also very personal and creative pictures. Hence we could enjoy many different realizations - whether it was with felt tip pens, colored pencils or even with the use of various materials. The winners’ pictures could be gazed at KOSTAL Industrie Elektrik’s or KOSTAL Solar Electric’s website.

If you like to draw your own smart connection now, then take part at our competition and send in your pictures. Entry deadline is the 30^th June 2013. The winners receive great prices, but also every participant gets a little surprise.

More information concerning our painting competition you can find here.

Nuremberg,30.10.2012

KOSTAL Industrie Elektrik at SPS IPC Drives 2012 - Discover efficient drive solutions of tomorrow

At this year’s fair trade SPS IPC Drives in Nuremberg (27^th – 29^th November, 2012) KOSTAL Industrie Elektrik presents its efficient drive technology solutions of tomorrow. At our fair stand 1-258 the forward-looking product innovations can be experienced first-hand.

With the universal applicable drive controller platform we set new standards for the future. The INVEOR represents an integrated platform over all performance categories. Thereby the product range comprises the higher performance fields (until 22kW) such as the lower fields from 0,37kW until 1,1kW with single-phase main supply.

A variety of forward-looking features enables an easy adaption to specific customer needs. Thus, for example, the INVEOR platform can be equipped with all common fieldbus systems optionally – including Profibus, EtherCAT and CANopen. That way an easy integration into existing automation processes is possible, without forcing the user to change his currently used fieldbus system.

Furthermore the customer has different options regarding the handling. Especially easy to handle is the INVEOR with a foil keypad adapted to customer requirements, which is directly integrated in the device. In addition the proven PC software or the handheld controller can be used for parameterization.

The drive controller platform INVEOR is not only available as a component, but also as a system. This step was enabled by an engine manufacturer and a gearbox manufacturer. Thus we can offer customer-oriented solutions and solutions in line with the market on system level.

We look forward to your visit.

Hagen,01.10.2012

KOSTAL’s PV junction boxes now with own PV plug connector KSK 4

KOSTAL Industrial Electronics provides its PV junction boxes now with the PV plug connector KSK 4 and rounds off its product portfolio in the field of solar module connection technology.

The KSK 4 comes with a connector face which is already well known in the PV market. It is TÜV-approved according to DIN EN 50521 and is labeled as “UL Recognized Component“. This test mark facilitates the UL-certification of the total solar module, because no more testing of the plug connector KSK 4 is required.

The development and production of the PV plug connector are based on the know-how drawn from years of experience and a wide competence of the KOSTAL Group within the product fields connector systems and plug connectors. Combined with the PV junction box from KOSTAL customers receive a reliable system solution from a single source.

Furthermore, this product mirrors the philosophy „Smart connections.“ of the in Hagen, Germany located company in two aspects: The KSK 4 plug connector represents a smart connection with the junction boxes of the KOSTAL Industrial Electronics. Furthermore it connects the solar modules with each other.

Hagen,24.09.2012

KOSTAL's drive controller platform INVEOR with optional fieldbus systems

The universally applicable drive controller platform INVEOR from KOSTAL Industrial Electronics can optionally be provided with all common fieldbus systems over all performance categories (0.37kW until 22kW).

Due to the use of optionally pluggable fieldbus modules, also further field bus connections besides the already realized fieldbus systems Profibus DP, EtherCAT and CANopen can be implemented. Thus the drive controller from KOSTAL can easily be integrated into existing automation processes without forcing the user to change his currently used fieldbus system.

It is no longer possible to imagine modern automation processes without fieldbus systems. An essential advantage is the possibility of system diagnostics. Hereby, for example, warnings are directly sent to the superior control to help planning maintenance intervals or similar. Furthermore, the cabling effort is reduced because of the bus connection. On the one hand this saves time for planning and installing, on the other hand it ensures a higher reliability of the total system due to reduced interfaces.

Moreover it's possible to adapt the INVEOR easily and flexibly to the particular application with the help of an integrated Soft-PLC. Among other things, also external sensor technology can be evaluated by the INVEOR. In this way the drive controller platform offers an ideal solution for any industry - for example in the area of material handling or in the mechanical engineering.

Orlando,19.09.2012

Numerous smart connections at Solar Power International

Some days ago the Solar Power International in Orlando, Florida, closed its doors. With 20,000 visitors the attendance of this show compared with the previous year decreased slightly. Nevertheless the atmosphere was positive.

Also KOSTAL Industrial Electronics is satisfied with its exhibition presentation. According to the company’s philosophy “Smart connections.” new contacts were established and consisting connections deepened in personal dialogue.

Orlando, USA,13.08.2012

KOSTAL at Solar Power International in Orlando, Florida

From 10^th to 13^th September 2012 KOSTAL Industrie Elektrik exhibits its comprehensive junction box portfolio at the Solar Power International – stand 2769 – in Orlando.

Next to our established leadframe technology we also present our newest product innovation – the fully automatable PV junction box SAMKO 100 04 with integrated cable holder. With this new feature a full automation from the placing of the PV module up to the electrical module inspection is possible.

Beyond that our visitors can inform themselves about the string inverter PIKO 5.3 for the US market and about the PIKO Data Communicator as an example for the comprehensive monitoring concept of the KOSTAL inverters at our exhibition stand. Our subsidiary KOSTAL Solar Electric is responsible for international sales and service of the PIKO inverters.

It goes without saying that KOSTAL’s “Smart connections.” exhibition concept is also all about exchanging ideas with experts, engaging in interesting discussions and having direct contact with our visitors.

Hagen, Germany,04.07.2012

Marvel, draw, win – the fifth round of our drawing competition for kids is successfully finished

Now the fifth round of our “Smart connections.” drawing competition came to an end. After a big success in the last round we are glad about a record number of participants again and about the fact that our drawing competition is increasingly known internationally. This time we received submissions from the US, India and Austria. Not only that ensured a big surprise for us, but also that more school classes get interested and participate. Therefore we would like to thank all the participants very much.

Since we received so many drawings, the decision to determine the best pictures was very hard. That’s why this time we introduced a further category named “Most creative school class”. Besides an innovative smart connection idea of the submitted drawings we also evaluated the total artistic realization.

Unfortunately, not every drawing could win one of our first prizes. But so that nobody comes away empty-handed, every participant gets a small gift from us. The winning pictures can be found at our homepage and also at the homepage of the KOSTAL Solar Electric.

After this big success we now open the sixth round. So if you know another smart connection, which you did not bring on paper yet, rush to your pencils or brushes and send it in until the 30th of November, 2012! You can find suggestions in the KOSTAL colouring book.

We are very happy about your pictures and of course there are prizes for the winners, but also a small surprise for every artist.
 

Luedenscheid, Germany,28.06.2012

100 years of KOSTAL – “Smart connections.” between tradition and innovation

On 15 June 2012, the KOSTAL Group celebrated its 100-year company anniversary. For this special occasion the Kostal family invited guests from the world of politics and business to an entertaining time travel through the company’s history as well as to a festive dinner at the new KOSTAL location “Zum Timberg” in Luedenscheid, Germany. One day later this special birthday was celebrated with all employees of KOSTAL at the same place – time to give thanks, to take review on what has been accomplished so far and to throw a glance into the future.

Our company history began in 1912, when Leopold Kostal founded his business in Lüdenscheid, giving it his own name. The initial product range comprised installation materials for industrial and private applications; in 1927, the company branched out into automotive electronics with a product it had developed in-house, a direction indicator. Since 1953, the company has focused on developing and producing items for the automotive industry. Helmut Kostal, representing the third generation of management since the death of our founder Leopold Kostal and his successor Kurt Kostal, became company manager in 1981 and further strengthened the company's international outlook. Also the formation of the three further business divisions KOSTAL connectors, KOSTAL Industrial Electronics and SOMA next to the KOSTAL Automotive Electrical Systems in the year 1995 happened under the aegis of Helmut Kostal.

In early 2011, Helmut Kostal handed over the reins of management to his son, Andreas Kostal. The task of "serving and managing KOSTAL" is now in the hands of the fourth generation of the Kostal family.

Throughout our entire 100-year history, our actions have been guided by the values of family, partnership, reliability, customer satisfaction, responsibility and zero tolerance for mistakes.

The above values form the foundation for our brand philosophy of "Smart connections.", with our four competitive advantages of the KOSTAL family, partnership, a proactive approach to quality and future programmes. This brand promise ensures that we will remain a reliable partner in future, continuing to develop energy trends on the basis of a 100-year company tradition and the immense experience that this has given us.

"Smart connections." – for the past 100 years, and for the future.

For more information please click here.

Munich, Germany,21.06.2012

Intersolar 2012 – with PV trends of tomorrow started into the future

Also this year KOSTAL Industrial Electronics and KOSTAL Solar Electric can look back at a successful exhibition presentation at the Intersolar Europe 2012 – despite the decreasing number of fair visitors.

According to our exhibition motto “Curious about future? Discover the PV trends of tomorrow.” our stand visitors got informed about our future-oriented product innovations. Of high interest was our new feature of our fully automatable PV junction box SAMKO 100 04, which enables a full automation from the fitting up to the module exam with the help of a cable holder.

Particularly well received was also the PIKO battery inverter with an integrated energy management system, which regulates in consideration of economical and technical aspects whether the energy produced by the PV system will be fed into the public grid, stored temporarily in the battery or is used for energy consumption. Our new future-oriented design of the PIKO string inverters was a crowd puller, as well.

Our already traditional stand party aroused enthusiasm by our visitors. With future music and future cocktails we celebrated together with our visitors and established numerous smart connections in a relaxed atmosphere.

Thanks to all who visited us at our exhibition stand. We are glad that we could start into the future together with you.

Munich, Germany,24.05.2012

KOSTAL at Intersolar in Munich - Curious about future? Discover the PV trends of tomorrow.

At this year’s Intersolar from 13^th to 15^th July 2012 in Munich you can discover the PV trends of tomorrow at first hand at the exhibition stand of KOSTAL Industrial Electronics and KOSTAL Solar Electric (stand 310, hall C4).

KOSTAL Industrial Electronics already sets new standards for the future with their innovative PV module connection technology:

• With the help of our new cable holder at the fully automatable PV junction box SAMKO 100 04 a full automation from the fitting up to the module exam is possible.
• Rounding off the product portfolio the PV module junction boxes can be equipped with the PV plug connector KSK 4.

Our sales company KOSTAL Solar Electric presents further future-oriented products. These involve

• the new PIKO battery inverter with an integrated energy management system,
• the new design of the PIKO multi-string inverters in the power category 3kW and >10 kW,
• the PIKO inverter with arc detection,
• and the new central inverters from KOSTAL.

Besides future-oriented product innovations the professional dialogue and personal contact are in the focus of our exhibition activities according to our philosophy “Smart connections.”. A further fair highlight represents our already traditional stand party which also picks up the motto ‘future’ in this year.

Get to know these and many more future-oriented forms of “Smart connections.” and visit us at our fair stand, hall C4, stand 310. For further information please have a look into our fair invitation.

Shanghai, China,22.05.2012

KOSTAL at the SNEC – successful trade fair in China

KOSTAL Industrial Electronics presented its PVmodule connection technology at a Chinese trade fair in this year for the first time. With its exhibition stand at the SNEC in Shanghai – one of the world’s largest PV trade fairs – the company located in Hagen, Germany, established many new contacts and numerous smart connections.

In personal conversations our stand visitors could inform themselves about our wide range of products in the area of PVmodule connection technology. Our proven concept of leadframe technology has been of special interest.

All in all we reached a positive conclusion and are pleased that our successful presence at the SNEC created crucial prerequisite for a market entry in China.

Thank you for being there.

Shanghai, China,28.03.2012

KOSTAL Industrial Electronics at the SNEC in China for the first time

At the SNEC PV Power Expo in Shanghai, KOSTAL Industrial Electronics presents itself at a Chinese fair from 16^th to 18^th May, 2012 for the first time. With record numbers of over 180,000 trade visitors and more than 2,000 exhibitors from round about 70 countries the SNEC positions itself as one of the worldwide largest photovoltaic trade fairs. How these last years’ numbers illustrate the exhibition offers the ideal opportunity to introduce our PV module connection technology to the Asian market.

Our wide product portfolio of PV junction boxes is based on the innovative concept of the leadframe technology. The main advantages here lie in the optimal reliability by minimizing the contact points such as in an ideal heat distribution which allows a rated current of 10 A. Additional security is given by UL certificate and TÜV approval.

Beside the numerous product solutions we rely on direct exchange and a personal dialogue. We would be glad to welcome you at our stand 358 in hall E2.

Hagen,26.03.2012

School and practice smart connected – Girls’Day 2012 at KOSTAL Industrial Electronics

They want to be a “cardiologist” or an “architect”, or maybe “something in the medical field” – the 17 eighth-grade girls from the Fichte high school in Hagen, who participated together with their teacher Mrs Sonnenschein in the Girls’Day 2012 at KOSTAL Industrial Electronics on the 22^nd march, 2012.

According to the motto “Smart connections.” the marketing director Markus Vetter introduced the world of KOSTAL Industrial Electronics, presented the corporate philosophy, explained the history of the KOSTAL Group and described how to connect school and practice smartly. During a guided production tour the girls could watch how circuit boards for our products arise in a modern production hall through precision work. Afterwards the girls were able to lend a hand with manufacturing a key tag as a memory under expert guidance. In the following presentation held by the Human Resources Department on the topic of training opportunities and career chances at KOSTAL there was a lot of useful information dealing with the topic of application.

We were very glad about the visitation and hope that we were able to arouse interest into technical professions.

Witten/Herdecke,20.03.2012

KOSTAL donates PIKO for the photovoltaic system of the University of Witten/Herdecke

Due to the student initiative “Grüne Verantwortung” (Green Responsibility) the University of Witten/Herdecke has built its own photovoltaic system on the rooftop. The student organisation was established with the goal to convey more consciousness of ones own actions in the everyday life. This also includes a sustainable use of energy.

Assuming responsibility for the future – this also is an essential element of our philosophy “Smart connections.”. That for it was natural for us to involve ourselves in that project in the course of our long-time cooperation with the University of Witten/Herdecke as well. Therefore, together with the KOSTAL Solar Electric we provided a PIKO inverter for transformation of direct current into alternating current.

We wish you always great profit!

Hagen,16.02.2012

Girls' Day 2012 is just around the corner

It is that time again: Together with the Fichte high school in Hagen KOSTAL Industrial Electronics organizes the Girls’Day 2012, which is an integral part of the smart connection with the partner school for already 5 years. On 22^nd March students of the 8^th class will be visiting the company to gain an initial impression of the business.

After a presentation of the company there will be a tour of the production areas, where the girls will be able to see how products – especially the printed circuit boards – are manufactured. The girls will also be able to take an active part in proceedings. Everyone will make their own Girls'Day key-rings and will be able to take them home as souvenirs. Finally the personnel department will tell the pupils of the training which the company offers and give them useful tips when applying for jobs.

We look forward to their visit and wish all the pupils lots of fun on the Girls'Day. We hope that they will pick up useful tips for their future careers.

Hagen,12.01.2012

„Smart connections.“-song is also available as ringtone for your mobile now

We are very pleased that our “Smart connections.”-song still has a strong appeal. Hence we decided to offer our song also for your mobile phone as ringtone. Here or under "Smart connections."-project on our homepage you can download our “Smart connections.”-song for free. We wish lots of fun with the song!

Hagen,09.01.2012

KOSTAL Industrial Electronics wishes a great start and successful year 2012

The team of KOSTAL Industrial Electronics wishes you a healthy, happy and successful year 2012. We graciously thank for the numerous smart connections in the last year and look forward to an ongoing good cooperation in 2012.