Kohler Maschinenbau GmbH successfully took part in the competition for the Environmental Technology Award in the category 02 Material Efficiency and Resource Conservation with the product 21-roll precision strip straightener KRS 2.0 40.1600/21 with roll bending.
Straightening sheet metal strips is an important work step in all areas of sheet metal processing, as the manufacturing process of the coil creates various tensions such as bends, curvatures and torsions in the material. On the one hand, this makes further processing more difficult and, on the other, impairs product quality. These tensions are eliminated by a Kohler straightening machine. The result of the straightening process is a flat and virtually tension-free strip.
The adapted straightening roll diameter of 40 mm in combination with the newly developed roll bending system allows material defects such as center and edge waves as well as damage to the coil end to be completely straightened out. The result: Significant material savings can be achieved. The process-related shrinkage is reduced to almost 0 kg material/coil.
from left Dr. Hans-Peter Laubscher, Managing Director of Kohler Maschinenbau GmbH, Stefano Cesarano, International Sales Manager
© BMF Armin Burkhardt
A renowned company in the construction technology sector, which is now successfully using the newly developed 21-roll precision coil straightener KRS 2.0 40.1600/21, has achieved a total material saving of 64,800 kg and a CO2 saving of 900 tons per year. Previously, 135 kg of material per coil with a total consumption of 440 coils per year was scrapped unused because the remaining coil length could not be straightened and therefore could not be processed.
Kohler’s new development enables significant material savings to be achieved during processing, particularly in the production of highly energy-intensive materials such as wrought aluminum alloys or cost-intensive stainless steels.
Since 2009, the Baden-Württemberg Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Sector has awarded the Environmental Technology Prize every two years to companies in the state that make a significant contribution to protecting the environment or conserving natural resources with their innovative products, technologies and processes. The prize money amounts to a total of 100,000 euros and is divided into four categories and a special jury prize.
In the categories “Energy efficiency”, “Material efficiency and resource conservation”, “Circular economy and avoidance of environmental pollution” as well as “Digitalization, artificial intelligence”, “Measurement and control technology”, products or processes that make a significant contribution to resource efficiency and environmental protection and are about to be launched on the market or have been on the market for no longer than two years are awarded. Companies based or with a branch in Baden-Württemberg are eligible to participate. State Secretary for the Environment Dr. Andre Baumann presented the awards to this year’s winners and nominees at the Schwabenlandhalle in Fellbach on November 11, 2025.
“The nomination is a special award for our work and our commitment. It motivates us to continue developing our products, which are not only innovative, but also make a contribution to protecting the environment, resources and the climate. Kohler began setting up a quality and environmental management system back in 2006. Thinking and acting sustainably is deeply rooted in our corporate culture,” emphasizes Dr. Hans-Peter Laubscher, Managing Director of Kohler Maschinenbau GmbH.
Facts and figures
Kohler Maschinenbau GmbH develops and produces part leveling machines and strip feeding systems for presses and automatic punching presses as well as cut-to-length lines for steel service centers, mechanical engineering companies and the automotive industry, for example.
In its state-of-the-art straightening center in Lahr, the company straightens sheet metal on a contract basis and carries out straightening tests as required. Kohler supports and advises its customers individually in order to always find customized solutions for their needs.
The company sets trendsetting standards in the industry with innovative solutions, for example with pioneering drive concepts or by dispensing with hydraulic systems in its part leveling machines. Kohler straightening machines achieve optimum straightening results that significantly increase quality and productivity in sheet metal processing. The high efficiency and long-term reliability of Kohler machines ensure sustainable profitability during operation.
The company reduces the energy and resource consumption of its machines for the benefit of the environment. The headquarters with its own production is located in Lahr in southern Germany. The specialist employs around 100 people and has successfully realized more than 6,700 reference projects worldwide in over 60 years.
