About Kern

Profile

Kern AG is a Swiss manufacturer and global supplier of products, solutions and services in the field of inserting systems and packaging solutions. The Kern system landscape is completed by software and platforms that are customised to the product and customer.

Innovative strength, flexibility and reliability

For over seven decades, Kern has stood for high innovation capability, quality, flexibility and reliability. Factors that, above all, entitle for the highest attainable level of safety and service.

The most recent packaging solution development is the PackOnTime 2box multi-format packaging system. This operates with sustainable recycled cardboard, and makes the need for additional filling materials (such as plastic, bubble wrap, polystyrene, and so on) redundant. Orders of all kinds (single and multiple items) are measured in 3D, and then inserted into the precisely tailored packaging.

Continuity through customer focus and cutting-edge technology

This arises on the one hand from the flexible production planning and process control, and on the other, from a long-standing and highly qualified team of development specialists.

The Group operates in around 50 countries worldwide and employs about 500 people. Kern Service is available, worldwide, 365 days a year: for optimum system availability and productivity, Kern offers a comprehensive and reliable service portfolio.

Global continuity – through our customer oriented approach and advanced technology.

Kern experts and Kern partners will be happy to answer questions and provide information on individual products. Reliable service is one of the most significant building blocks of our company. For optimal system availability and productivity, Kern AG offers a comprehensive and reliable service programme.

Do you require advice and support on an inserting process or the Kern mailFactory^® software? Or maybe you have other questions regarding the mailing process, or would like to send us your suggestions or requests? We will be happy to assist you and draw up a personalised quote!

Vision & Values

We are the global market leader in the field of document and parcel packaging solutions and distinguish ourselves by innovative, reliable products and first-class services. As a family-run company, we combine tradition with modernity and stand for Swiss values.

Testimonials

«We respond to customer needs and create the basis for long-term relationships with our behaviour.»

Kern value: Customer-oriented

«We earn trust with premium products, first-class service and an honest reputation.»

Kern value: Reliable

«We live a pioneering spirit and go beyond existing norms and standards.»

Kern value: Innovative

«We strive for a high level of economic and social responsibility and behave proactively.»

Kern value: Sustainable

«We ensure a motivating environment and identify with the company.»

Kern value: Committed

Our history

Since it was founded by Marc Kern in 1947, the company has remained within the family. With its roots in Konolfingen in Bern, Switzerland, of the Swiss company’s fame quickly spread beyond national borders.

Since then, Kern has put a great deal of energy into developing and implementing new ideas. Whether for optical reading and on-line processing in the 1960s, modular mailing systems in the 1980s, the Kern 3000 – the fastest inserting system in the world – in the 1990s, or the development of sophisticated robots in the new century. Kern again and again opened up new horizons in document processing and packaging. This development has resulted in steady growth and sustained success.

The beginnings: A strong team develops the first folding and inserting machine with modern, transmission-driven machine tools.

The first building for a larger production workshop is built on Hünigenstrasse in Konolfingen. Production of the first enveloping machine. The Kern company is converted into a public limited company. Marc Kern becomes the sole shareholder. The aim of the new inserting machine (Kern Automatic) is to reliably process one envelope per second. An electronics laboratory is set up in Konolfingen. The world's first folding inserting systems with optical mark reading under the name KAE (Kern Automatic Electronic) leave the factory in Hünigenstrasse. Manufacturer Marc Kern is proud of his latest product. The factory in Konolfingen is expanded to meet the growing demand for Kern machines.

**1947** A strong team develops the first folding and inserting machine. The young chef also stands on the wooden grid.

**1947** The modern, transmission-driven machine tools of 1947.

**1948** Marc Kern stands somewhat critically next to his self-developed sliding resistor. Are there any new projects in the pipeline?

**1948** The compact machine of 1948 charmingly presented by Rosa Kern.

**1951** Now it's time for assembly! In the foreground are the mixers, in the background the inserting machines. Series production has started!

**1951** The first factory building has a modern look.

**1953** An inserting machine with two folding and three feeding stations is presented for the first time.

**1954** The Kern company is converted into a public limited company. Mr Marc Kern becomes the sole shareholder. The aim of the new inserting machine (Kern Automatic) is to reliably process one envelope per second.

**1955** Participation in the ‘Foire de Paris’ is a must. The necessary funds are available for invoicing.

**1956** The new 1956 VW van is ready for transport.

**1960** The assembly department in action

Testimonials

«In 1947, I set up a small workshop with my wife on Hünigenstrasse in Konolfingen with the aim of becoming self-employed. Two years earlier, I had worked as a technical manager for an Italian printing press factory in Brussels and came into contact with paper at an early stage. In particular, I saw manually enveloped letter mail in print shops, which led me to the idea of designing a letter folding and inserting machine. The design on paper later led to the construction of the prototype»

Marc Kern
Founder of Kern AG

Progress: Since then, Kern has focussed a great deal of energy on developing and implementing new ideas

Be it optical reading and online processing in the 1960s, modular mailing systems in the 1980s, the fastest inserting system in the world in the 1990s (Kern 3000) or the development of sophisticated robots in the new millennium. Kern AG repeatedly opened up new dimensions in document processing and packaging. Ongoing growth and continued success were the results of this development.

**1964** The incoming order requires a new building.

**1964** The postman also registers the construction progress.

**1971** Kern presents an interesting range of machines at the IFABO in Vienna in 1971.

**1974** The first systems for connection to a continuous form cutter are being tested in the test department.

**1977** What do the two gentlemen say to each other at the first representatives' meeting in 1977?

**1978** The machines are lined up in rows. Up to 25 units of this type were built every month.

**1984** Production of the Kern 2000 starts successfully. The machine is offered as a modular system with several inputs for pilot documents and a large number of insert stations.

**1986** Kern AG presents its new development building in 1986.

**1987** Work planning already successfully utilised IT in 1987.

**1988** Kern 3000: Heavy Mailroom Traffic

**1989** Kern 4000: Wired for Problem Solving

A new era: Kern AG continues to grow thanks to first-class references.

The areas of planning, development, testing and training are expanded. The Kern 3000 is presented as the fastest inserter in the world. Its success is confirmed by further installations worldwide. The Kern 3500, Kern 2600, Kern 3600 and Kern 1600 systems are developed and established on the market.

**1991** Series production in the assembly department

**1992** The company founder, Mr Marc Kern, loses his life in a tragic helicopter accident. His two sons, Uli and Peter, who are already fully integrated into the company, take over the operational management.

**1994** Worldwide installations of Kern systems

**1995** Launch of the Kern 2500, which is regarded as the successor to the Kern 2000.

**2000** Kern in the Guinness Book of Records: The Kern 3000 is officially listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest inserting machine in the world.

**2001** A robot that loads envelopes into a Kern 3000 or Kern 3500 inserting system will be exhibited for the first time at CeBIT 2001.

**2002** Kern 3500: Presentation of the new Kern 3500 inserting system at CeBIT in Hanover.

**2005** Print05 trade fair in the USA: Double Decker Cutting Speed

**2006** Kern EasyMailer: The mail processing system EasyMailer Kern 515 celebrates its European premiere at the Océ InMotion in Hamburg!

**2006** Kern 40: Kern now includes the Kern 40 film packaging system in its product range, which is offered exclusively on the European market.

**2009** Kern 2600: The new multifunctional Kern 2600 high-performance inserting system will be presented at the Kern User Forum compact in Germany, including the Kern ADF software.

**2012** Kern 996: Presentation of the new Kern 996 automatic cutting machine, which sets new standards in the so-called ‘White Paper Solution’.vvv

**2014** Kern 3600: The Kern 3600 and Kern 5000 inserting systems are presented to the public for the first time.

**2016** Kern 1600: World premiere of the new compact Kern 1600 multi-format inserting system at drupa 2016 in Düsseldorf.

Future, change and reorientation. A spirit of new beginnings at the Kern Group.

75 years of Kern AG. Kern enters the next generation of inserting technology with the Kern 3200. Launch of a new product in the packaging solutions division: Multi-format packaging system for the production of customised corrugated cardboard packages in real time. Kern Group repositions itself for the future: Personnel and structural reorganisation at all levels.

**2021** Kern is entering the next generation of inserting technology with the new Kern 3200.

**2022** Kern AG celebrates its 75th anniversary: 1947 - 2022!

**2022** The new visionary platform strategy is based on two inserting systems, each available in different performance classes. These are designed for processing medium to high job volumes.

**2023** Kern made a high-profile appearance at the Hunkeler Innovationdays trade fair in Lucerne.

**2023** With the new management trio in the strategic and operational business, Caroline and Barbara Kern, together with Stefan Wüthrich, want to continue the success story of the traditional Swiss family business.

**2024** Kern strategy meeting. The new corporate culture at Kern also includes transparent and open internal communication.

**2025** Kern Group takes over Müller Apparatebau: Two inserting machine manufacturers join forces.

Sustainability and responsibility

Sustainability, environmental awareness and responsible behaviour are integral parts of Kern AG's corporate culture. These principles characterise our daily actions - today and in the future.

As a family business, we place the highest value on the health and safety of our employees. We consistently focus on prevention and ensure that applicable safety rules are observed and actively practised at all locations. To promote environmentally friendly mobility, electric vehicles are part of the company car fleet of our sales representatives. Our integrated management system has been certified in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 (quality management) and ISO 14001:2015 (environmental management) since 2022 - a clear commitment to quality, climate protection and sustainable development.

Zertifikat ISO 9001:2015	ISO 9001:2015 is an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems (QMS). It provides a framework for companies to structure their processes and increase customer satisfaction by meeting customer and regulatory requirements. The standard focuses on risk-based thinking, the process approach and continuous improvement.
Zertifikat ISO 14001:2015	The international environmental management standard ISO 14001 defines globally recognized requirements for an environmental management system. For Kern, an environmentally conscious contribution to a sustainable future is very important.
Green energy certificate	Kern AG consciously favours 100 % renewable energy from ecological production - certified with the renowned naturemade star seal of quality. In this way, we ensure that our electricity meets the highest environmental standards and makes a real contribution to climate protection.
Safety Charta	In Switzerland, around 250,000 work-related accidents are caused every year. The safety charta aims to reduce this high number by improving safety at work. Launched by Suva in collaboration with employee associations, planners and trade unions, it represents a willingness on the part of all its signatories to consistently comply with and enforce the vital essential rules in the workplace. The motto is "Stop at danger!" is a commitment, because no work is so important that one's own health or that of employees is endangered.

Kern AG consistently invests in quality... a trademark of Kern AG for years. Kern systems are known for their durability and high-precision workmanship. The fact that Kern AG has been ISO certified for many years is fundamental proof of this. This means that customers can also guarantee perfect in-house production.

Research and Development	Customer needs are the starting point for new ideas and technologies. Highly qualified specialists develop solutions for future technologies and processes that simplify workflows and meet customer expectations. Kern is always ahead of the state of the art and sets international standards for innovation – thanks to its own development department in Switzerland.
Specialist in Production and Assembly	Quality awareness shapes all production and assembly processes. The inserting and packaging systems are developed in Switzerland and manufactured according to the highest standards of Switzerland and the EU. Qualified personnel handle the technical implementation – whether it is a cutting machine or a complex packaging system. Short decision-making paths and state-of-the-art technology ensure efficient and on-time processes.
With Kern’s leading technology, you are ahead.	Kern is a leading partner in document processing – from complete packaging installations to individual modules. The goal is to provide customers with reliable, future-oriented solutions that deliver top performance in operation. Precise technology, intelligent software, and thoughtful design are key quality features. Numerous awards in industrial design and important certificates such as ISO confirm the high quality. Kern continuously develops to remain a market leader – committed to tradition.
Certificates ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015	ISO 9001 defines the requirements for a quality management system that ensures products and services meet customer expectations as well as regulatory requirements. At the same time, the system is intended to undergo continuous improvement. ISO 14001:2015 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system through which an organization controls and continuously reduces its environmental impact.