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News18
6 hours ago
- News18
Entrepreneur Prof. Klaus Fischers 75th Birthday
Last Updated: Only those who focus on the future will be successful Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (NewsVoir) On 17 August 2025, the owner of the fischer Group of Companies celebrates his 75th birthday. This year, he also celebrates 50 years of service and 45 years as General Manager – impressive milestones for a consistently future-oriented entrepreneur. His principle: 'Only those who focus on the future will be successful.' Prof. Fischer is demanding and always ahead of his time. 50 years ago, at the age of 25, he joined the company as a graduate engineer (FH) and took over the test field. At that time, the company had around 1,000 employees and generated sales of 102 million German marks (approximately 51 million euros). Today, 4,700 people worldwide are part of the family-owned company with an annual turnover of over 1.11 billion euros in 2024. Prof. Fischer soon became part of the management team. In 1980, he took over overall responsibility and developed his own vision. He took into account social changes, growing global competition and internal complexity while customer proximity, spirit of innovation and sustainable service have always played a central role. New products are now being developed worldwide. Research and development are also becoming increasingly international. 'Acting entrepreneurially, focusing on the customers and leading the company strategically into the future together with our employees – that was and is my goal,' explains Prof. Fischer. Strategic expansion of the company divisions Prof. Fischer continuously expanded the fixing systems division. In 1993, the acquisition of Upat GmbH & Co. KG in Emmendingen (then Germany's second-largest plug manufacturer) secured his market leadership. In addition to plastic plugs, heavy-duty metal fastenings gained in importance. The integration of ROCCA Bauchemie GmbH & Co. KG (foams and silicones) in 1997 created today's successful chemical division in Denzlingen. Further expansion of the chemical division is imminent. This will further strengthen the fischer fastening technology in the long term whilst becoming aligned with the future of construction. fischer mission statement and fischer ProcessSystem Prof. Klaus Fischer's understanding of progress is holistic. It was already in 1987 that he introduced a company mission statement. The values 'innovative', 'reliable' and 'accountable' were developed together with the employees and still apply to everyone in the company today. The group works worldwide in a results-oriented manner for the benefit of its customers. This is also achieved by avoiding waste and increasing added value. The fischer Process System was developed from the mission statement and the Japanese philosophy of KAIZEN, which stands for continuous change for the better. Employees play a central role in this: with their experience, they recognise weak spots and know how the company can be improved. They are thus entrepreneurs within the company, take responsibility and initiate improvements on a daily basis. Mistakes are allowed, as long as they are not made twice. 'We strive to be the best, not only in our products but also in our processes – in order to create real added value for our customers.' In 2004, fischer Consulting was created from the expertise developed within the company. The internationally active process consultancy supports internal and external customers on their way to lean and efficient processes. Fibre composite pioneer fisco The subsidiary fisco was founded in 2015. Among other things, the fibre composite pioneer is the first company in the world to develop a non-combustible fibre composite material that is ideal for structural retrofitting. With its versatile products and solutions, fisco is represented in the construction industry, railway infrastructure, shipbuilding and vehicle equipment. One year later, in 2016, Klaus Fischer strengthened the fischer Group of Companies' activities in the field of electronic components with the acquisition of LNT Automation GmbH. The division, in the meantime renamed fischer Electronic Solutions, develops and manufactures customised electronic solutions for industry and medicine. Inspiring young and old alike for technology – with fischertechnik Over the past decades, the fischertechnik division has undergone continuous development. The multi-award-winning construction kits stand for quality, durability and a playful learning experience. Prof. Fischer is particularly keen to inspire young people – especially girls – to take an interest in technology at an early age. fischertechnik learning concepts are used in schools, colleges and universities – for example in training in the MINT subjects (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology) or Industry 4.0. Today, fischertechnik is represented in over 60 countries worldwide. Investments in education and health 'The greatest asset and most important factor for success in our company are the employees – not the facilities and buildings,' emphasises Prof. Fischer. Success depends largely on motivation and qualifications. That is why Prof. Fischer and his company invest heavily in training and further education. There are various talent pools. The Klaus Fischer Education Centre, the company's own training facility, has held around 1,000 free events on various topics since it was founded in 2010. In addition, all employees and pensioners have free access to the company's own fitness studio seven days a week at the company's Waldachtal site. Professional sustainability Sustainability is a particularly important issue for Prof. Fischer. It is managed holistically within the company, resulting in lean processes, speed and efficiency. The company passes on its knowledge and experience through the fischer Sustainability Campus and trains future sustainability managers. The company has received the German Sustainability Award in the 'Large Companies' category and numerous other awards for its commitment to sustainability. Prof. Klaus Fischer's commitment extends far beyond the company: in 2015, he established the Klaus Fischer Foundation for Children and Youth Education. Numerous institutions – kindergartens, schools, associations – benefit from his donations, as do international projects. He has also received numerous awards for this work: in 1996, he was awarded the Baden-Württemberg Business Medal; in 1998, he received the Training Oscar from the Junior Chamber; in 2001, he was awarded the Cross of Merit, 1st Class; and in 2013, he received the Grashof Medal from the Association of German Engineers, VDI. He has also been made an honorary professor at Tongji University in Shanghai and an honorary senator in Vienna and Stuttgart. In 2016, he received the Global DIY Lifetime Award, and in 2020, the title 'Host of the Year' for the company restaurant in Waldachtal. This was followed in 2021 by the title of Dottore Magistrale ad honorem from the University of Padua and, in 2024, the title of Dr.-Ing. E. h. from the University of Stuttgart. Looking ahead Prof. Klaus Fischer has a clear vision for the future of his company. 'It is very important to me that we focus on tomorrow and the day after tomorrow and prepare our company for the future,' he says. Artificial intelligence, digitalisation and robotics have long been part of the fischer Group of Companies. The best example of this is the fischer BauBot construction robot. Already since 2020, the fischer Innovation Campus, located in the immediate vicinity of the company's Tumlingen site, has been opening up new avenues for research, technology and collaboration. The family-owned company has 50 operating companies worldwide and exports to over 120 countries. The establishment of the 51st company in Saudi Arabia is imminent. More will follow. Thus, Prof. Klaus Fischer is continuing to expand the company's internationalisation. And what are Prof. Klaus Fischer's wishes for the coming years? 'To stay healthy! And that what we all started together in our company will be continued – with strength, enthusiasm and the same passion for the company that I have felt all these years.' (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 16, 2025, 16:30 IST News agency-feeds Entrepreneur Prof. Klaus Fischers 75th Birthday Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business Standard
Driving Energy Independence: Eastman Launches SolarLink Grid-Tie Inverter Range
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], August 14: Eastman Auto & Power Limited (EAPL), a leading name in innovative and sustainable energy solutions, today announced the launch of its SolarLink Grid-Tie Inverter Series, marking a significant step in the company's mission to deliver high-performance, future-ready solar solutions. The SolarLink series is designed for both residential and commercial applications, with capacities ranging from 3 kW to 110 kW. Whether for a small household or a large commercial site, SolarLink delivers intelligent energy conversion backed by Eastman's legacy of trust, durability, and technical excellence. One of SolarLink's standout advantages is its low start-up voltage, enabling earlier energy generation even under low sunlight conditions. The inverters support high DC input voltages and peak AC outputs, making them ideal for larger PV arrays and higher energy throughput. With a wide operating temperature range of -25°C to +60°C, SolarLink is engineered to perform reliably across diverse climatic conditions. Housed in a rugged IP65-rated enclosure, the series offers superior protection against dust, water, and harsh environmental exposure, while built-in safety features--such as DC reverse polarity protection, short circuit and thermal safeguards, and Type II surge protection on both AC and DC sides--ensure long-term operational security. Optional string-level monitoring provides real-time insights into system performance, while zero export functionality and Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) mode ensure compliance with modern grid requirements. Additionally, multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, GPRS, 4G, LAN, and Bluetooth, enable seamless remote monitoring. Reinforcing Eastman's confidence in the product's longevity and reliability, the SolarLink series comes with a 10-year warranty. By combining robust engineering with intelligent design, SolarLink addresses key challenges faced in India's rapidly expanding solar market, ensuring optimal performance, grid stability, and ease of integration. Mr. Shekhar Singal, Managing Director, Eastman Auto & Power Limited, said, "With SolarLink, we are introducing a new benchmark in inverter technology--combining efficiency, reliability, and smart connectivity in one powerful solution. This launch reflects our commitment to designing and manufacturing advanced Power Electronic products in India, while supporting the nation's transition towards clean, self-reliant energy." SolarLink is proudly manufactured at Eastman's advanced Power Electronics facilities, leveraging backward integration for the majority of critical components. Paired with the indigenously developed Eastman One App for Grid Tie Inverter monitoring, it empowers customers with complete control over tracking and optimizing their solar system's performance. By blending advanced engineering with local manufacturing expertise, SolarLink is one of the finest Grid Tie Inverters for Residential, Commercial and Industrial Segment. Eastman Auto & Power Limited (EAPL) is a leading player in the energy transition space, offering innovative solutions across energy generation, storage, and utilization. The company operates in three key verticals: LastMile E-Mobility, Solar Solutions, and Continued Energy Solutions. Eastman delivers a wide range of technology-driven products, including energy storage systems and power conversion solutions designed for solar and backup applications. With a strong manufacturing base and an expanding global footprint, the company is committed to driving clean, accessible, and reliable energy solutions. Backed by a deep-rooted distribution and service network, Eastman partners with OEMs and end users to deliver seamless energy experiences. Through continuous innovation and customer-centricity, the company is helping accelerate the shift toward sustainable and self-reliant energy ecosystems -- both in India and internationally.


News18
2 days ago
- News18
Driving Energy Independence: Eastman Launches SolarLink Grid-Tie Inverter Range
New SolarLink series offers grid-tie inverters from 3 kW to 110 kW, delivering higher efficiency, smarter connectivity, and robust safety features to power India's clean energy transition New Delhi, Delhi, India (NewsVoir) Eastman Auto & Power Limited (EAPL), a leading name in innovative and sustainable energy solutions, today announced the launch of its SolarLink Grid-Tie Inverter Series, marking a significant step in the company's mission to deliver high-performance, future-ready solar solutions. The SolarLink series is designed for both residential and commercial applications, with capacities ranging from 3 kW to 110 kW. Whether for a small household or a large commercial site, SolarLink delivers intelligent energy conversion backed by Eastman's legacy of trust, durability, and technical excellence. One of SolarLink's standout advantages is its low start-up voltage, enabling earlier energy generation even under low sunlight conditions. The inverters support high DC input voltages and peak AC outputs, making them ideal for larger PV arrays and higher energy throughput. With a wide operating temperature range of –25°C to +60°C, SolarLink is engineered to perform reliably across diverse climatic conditions. Housed in a rugged IP65-rated enclosure, the series offers superior protection against dust, water, and harsh environmental exposure, while built-in safety features—such as DC reverse polarity protection, short circuit and thermal safeguards, and Type II surge protection on both AC and DC sides—ensure long-term operational security. Optional string-level monitoring provides real-time insights into system performance, while zero export functionality and Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) mode ensure compliance with modern grid requirements. Additionally, multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, GPRS, 4G, LAN, and Bluetooth, enable seamless remote monitoring. Reinforcing Eastman's confidence in the product's longevity and reliability, the SolarLink series comes with a 10-year warranty. By combining robust engineering with intelligent design, SolarLink addresses key challenges faced in India's rapidly expanding solar market, ensuring optimal performance, grid stability, and ease of integration. Mr. Shekhar Singal, Managing Director, Eastman Auto & Power Limited, said, 'With SolarLink, we are introducing a new benchmark in inverter technology—combining efficiency, reliability, and smart connectivity in one powerful solution. This launch reflects our commitment to designing and manufacturing advanced Power Electronic products in India, while supporting the nation's transition towards clean, self-reliant energy." SolarLink is proudly manufactured at Eastman's advanced Power Electronics facilities, leveraging backward integration for the majority of critical components. Paired with the indigenously developed Eastman One App for Grid Tie Inverter monitoring, it empowers customers with complete control over tracking and optimizing their solar system's performance. By blending advanced engineering with local manufacturing expertise, SolarLink is one of the finest Grid Tie Inverters for Residential, Commercial and Industrial Segment. About – Eastman Auto & Power Ltd Eastman Auto & Power Limited (EAPL) is a leading player in the energy transition space, offering innovative solutions across energy generation, storage, and utilization. The company operates in three key verticals: LastMile E-Mobility, Solar Solutions, and Continued Energy Solutions. Eastman delivers a wide range of technology-driven products, including energy storage systems and power conversion solutions designed for solar and backup applications. With a strong manufacturing base and an expanding global footprint, the company is committed to driving clean, accessible, and reliable energy solutions. Backed by a deep-rooted distribution and service network, Eastman partners with OEMs and end users to deliver seamless energy experiences. Through continuous innovation and customer-centricity, the company is helping accelerate the shift toward sustainable and self-reliant energy ecosystems — both in India and internationally. view comments First Published: August 14, 2025, 18:15 IST News agency-feeds Driving Energy Independence: Eastman Launches SolarLink Grid-Tie Inverter Range Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.