Our history

The "Lippische Felgen- und Schutzblechfabrik, Hans Kerkhoff" is registered in the Commercial register. Two days later, the first 20 tons of cold strip are brought to our production facilities by means of a horse carriage. Already 3 weeks before, 22 employees had got their employment contracts.

Construction of a new warehouse on the former moorland. In our production facility are produced bicycle rims, bicycle mudguards, buggies and doll carriage rims as well as rims for ambulance vehicles and serving trolleys to a number of several hundred thousands up to millions.

The product range is extended by wheels for buggies, Dutch bicycles and toys as well as carriers for bicycles and chain guards. In addition, our fitters and toolmakers take successfully the 1. Practical examination at the Industrial Chamber of Commerce in Lippe.

The Second World War also leaves its marks on our business. As a consequence of the shortage of material, the production at LFS KERKHOFF is cut back sharply. For the first time, women took their place in the production. Necessity is the mother of invention: Instead of using complete rubber tyres, old car and bicycle tyres are punched into small plates, which are drawn onto wires and spanned on the wheels. This is just one example of the German spirit of invention.

Beginning and expansion of Europe-wide export activities. Fritz Georg Kerkhoff, Hans-Jürgen Kerkhoff and Helmut Kerkhoff, the sons of the company founder Hans Kerkhoff, are joining the company. The company site is growing by acquisitions of additional real estate as well as by the extension of available buildings. The product range is also extended by several rim types, spoked wheels and construction parts for transport devices and vehicle construction.
The first patent application is filed.

The company reaches its maximum number of employees of the post-war years: 120 employees. The three Kerkhoff brothers lead the company as a general partnership. The growing international business demands additional new buildings at the Bad Salzuflen site. LFS KERKHOFF develops the first go carts for the company PUKY; this is only one example of numerous innovations from that period.

LFS KERHOFF is celebrating 50 years of company’s success!

To be able to meet the growing demand, more and more space is needed. 1984 a new warehouse is constructed. In the course of transformation of traditional wet coating to modern powder coating, the production facilities Schötmar and Bad Salzuflen are combined into one. The introduction of a new CAD system and the plastics manufacturing enable LFS KERKHOFF to go successfully new ways.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the entire workforce visits the EXPO 2000 world exhibition in Hanover.

Already in 2004, LFS KERKHOFF is aware of its responsibility to the environment. The first step is taken towards renewable energy by the installation of a photovoltaic system.
Due to necessary storage capacities, a new warehouse for tyres is built. In 2011, Dirk Kerkhoff, managing director for many years and son of the founder Fritz, leaves the company. The company is now run by Ralf Schröder and Erich Wolfmeier. Erich Wolfmeier retires in 2020.
... A story whose end is hopefully not in sight for a long time to come ...