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.
2023 September
Change of leadership at Kern AG
After more than 30 years, Uli Kern is withdrawing from active company management and is passing on management within the family to the third generation. Uli Kern can look back with pride on many years of management. He has played a decisive role in shaping Kern's success story over decades.
The Kern company has thus steadily developed and has been one of the world's leading suppliers of inserting systems and packaging solutions since Marc Kern founded the company.
2023 September
Kern Group repositions itself for the future.
Personnel and structural reorganization at all levels. A spirit of optimism at the Kern Group: 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.
2023 August
The Kern Group will be led by a new CEO as of August 1st, 2023
Stefan Wüthrich has many years of experience in the industry and, as the former CEO of Kern AG, knows its customers and partners very well
2022 March
Kern at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023 in Lucerne: Kern draws a lot of attention with their appearance at the exhibition.
Kern made a highly regarded appearance at the Hunkeler Innovationdays in Lucerne. The focus was on the Kern 3200 flash, which enters a new dimension in modular multi-format inserting systems. In particular, Kern's new platform concept met with great interest.
2022 September
Event of the Kern User Forum in Düsseldorf
A successful mix of presentations and live demos that impressed the participants with the diversity of Kern systems.
2022 April
Introduction of the new "Sphera" platform concept
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.
2022 February
Review Kern Live Streaming Event 22/2/2022
Kern AG can look back on a successful first online event of the Kern Group in 2022. The highlights and functionality of the Kern 3200 modular multi-format inserting system were presented directly from our factory in Konolfingen/Switzerland.
2022 Januar
Company Jubilee!
Kern AG celebrates its 75th anniversary: 1947 - 2022!
2021 December
Kern „goes green“ - Ecologically clean journeys to customers
Electric cars for the field staff are now part of Kern AG's company car fleet. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important. Kern AG will be running an environmental management system certified in accordance with DIN ISO 14001 from 2022. The focus is on the company's activities and performance with regard to sustainable development.
2021 April
The Kern multi-format packaging system PackOnTime 2box was officially named a winner in the packaging machine category. The award was given for the patented packaging solution for cardboard boxes, implemented in a highly flexible packaging system.
2021 April
Kern 3200 - next generation inserting technology
The latest evolution in envelope inserting. The Kern 3200 offers the latest evolution in inserting. The Kern 3200 can be used wherever flexible and complex requirements are placed on an inserting system. The modular multi format inserting system is the ideal solution for the medium to high performance ranges. The Kern 3200 is characterised by flexibility, fast changeover, ultimate convertibility, outstanding reliability and simple, intuitive operation. Thanks to the different configuration options, it is suitable for use in the transactional and direct mail markets as well as in lettershops.
2021 April
A select group of guests were personally invited to the Kern Open House at the Stalden site near Konolfingen/Switzerland from 27 - 30 April 2021. Over four days, Kern specialists presented new developments and comprehensive solutions from the first to the last mile in a safe and informal environment. The four Kern business units (kernMail, kernPack, kernTerminal and kernService) were presented in detail on a guided tour of the production facility. Guests who were not allowed to travel due to current Covid restrictions had the opportunity to access exclusive videos with online registration, and live streams were also featured at the event.
2020 March
Award for PackOnTime 2box
The innovative PackOnTime 2box Multi Format Packaging System operates with sustainable recycled corrugated cardboard and eliminates the need for additional filling material. Orders of all kind are measured in a 3D process and then inserted into the tailor-made box. Kern’s innovation was awarded “LogiMAT BEST PRODUCT 2020” in the “Identification, Packaging and Loading technology, Load securing” category.
2017
Launch of a new product in the packaging solutions business field: Multi Format Packaging System for the real-time production of custom shipping packages from corrugated cardboard. The concept PackOnTime® can help you optimise your production or shipping processes and increase productivity; all while ensuring environmentally friendly usage of resources. This is our aim: Smart Pack – Made On Time.
2017
Kern AG celebrates its 70th anniversary:
1947 - 2017!
2017 April
The Kern User-Forum 2017 took place at Kern GmbH in Bensheim, Germany, from 25 - 27 April.
The compact multi-format Kern 1600 system and the new Kern Lockers package terminals were in the key focus.
In addition to informative speeches, the Kern machine portfolio including interesting partner solutions were presented, as well as the versatile KAS inserting systems for the graphics industry.
2016
World premiere of the new compact multi format system Kern 1600 at drupa 2016 in Düsseldorf. The Kern 1600 is the ideal inserting solution for customers processing different size envelopes and document formats, who require the flexibility to change applications frequently and need to react quickly to varying situations in the mailroom.
Launch of the new Kern-Lockers. Kern-Lockers offers the market a full range of automated parcel lockers, with a modular design to suit different requirements.
2015
Product of the year 2014 is the multi-format inserting system Kern 5000. The readers of the Postmaster magazine voted the Kern 5000 inserting system as the winning product in the category machines and product ideas.
2014
September: A great response and two world premieres at Kern's first open house event. Attendance tops 1200 at the international event held in Münsingen (Switzerland). First public showing of the Kern 3600 and Kern 5000.
2013
Restructuring of the Italy subsidiary with a focus on development and worldwide sales of card processing systems and processing & service activities. Kern S.p.A. and Kern Sistemi S.r.l. is now Kern Italia.
Building a strategic alliance with Winkler + Dünnebier.
2012
Presentation of the new cutting system Kern 996, which sets new standards in the so called "White Paper Solution". Positive sales success for this product can be reported.
2011
In march, the Kern Print Module is voted by readers of the "Postmaster-Magazin" as "product of the year". The inserting system Kern 3500 SilverLine is presented the first time at the Innovationdays in Lucerne.
2010
During IPEX (Great Britain), Kern presents its Cutting System Kern 996 with success.
2009
The new multifunctional high-level inserting system Kern 2600 – including the Kern ADF software - is presented at the Kern Anwenderforum kompakt in Germany. Founding of a new subsidiary company in the Netherlands on 01.01.2009 (www.kernbv.nl)
2008
At Drupa in Dusseldorf, Germany, the Kern 2600 is presented. The system will be launched at the end of the year. The Kern 2600 will replace the well proven Kern 2500 Multimailer step by step.
2007
Foundation of Kern S.p.A. and Kern Sistemi S.r.l. in Italy in March.
2006
Kern incorporates the new Kern 40 Mail Wrapping System in its product range, which will be offered exclusively in the European market. The mail processing solution Kern 515 EasyMailer celebrates its european premiere at the Océ InMotion.
2005
Kern receives the iF design award for the 2nd time for its products. This time for the 2-channel inserting- and mailing system Kern 3500. In addition, Kern is awarded with the innovation price of the German print industry for the Smart-Binder.) The 2-channel inserting- and mailing system Kern 3500 is presented as world premiere at the Print 05 in Chicago. Foundation of Kern France SAS in July 2005. Foundation of the Kern N.V. in Belgium (www.kernnv.be)
2004
More than 300 companies participate in this year's "innovation award of the German economy". Kern achieves a nomination with the new product logistics system Kern 60.
2003
Two years after founding of Kern Sistemas in Spain, the fifth subsidiary follows, which is located in Russia. The new logistics system Kern 60 [1] is exhibited during the Océ OpenHouse in Poing, Germany.
2002
Presentation of the new Kern 3500 Inserting System during the CeBIT in Hanover, Germany. The worldwide 2000th Kern 2500 Multimailer was delivered to the Allianz Gruppe in Unterföhring / Munich. The fourth subsidiary – Kern Sistemas – is founded in Spain. (www.kern.es). By purchasing the former company Dessindus, Kern now has a complete program in computer forms pre- and post-processing.
2001
A robot, which loads inserting systems Kern 3000 or Kern 3500 with envelopes, is exhibited at the Cebit 2001 for the first time.
2000
The Kern 3000 Megamailer was officially included in the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest document inserting machine in the world! In the first Guinness Book of Records of the new century, there are again astonishing and great record achievements collected from all around the world. Kern GmbH Germany with headquarters in Bensheim achieves a new world record: in the new edition of the bestseller, the German subsidiary of the Swiss family company Kern AG (Konolfingen) has established that their Kern 3000 Megamailer document inserter system is the fastest in the world. With 26,000 document inserts per hour, this is still unbeaten today. A certificate from the Guinness Book of Records confirms this success. However, not only the jury of the Guinness Book of Records confirms that the Kern 3000 Megamailer is the fastest on the market – 26,000 document inserts per hour: cut, folded, grouped, complemented, inserted and checked.
1998
The first Kern 4000 Mailing Systems for C4 applications were successfully installed.Kern develops software programms for the "ADF-(Automated Document Factory" under the name mailFactory.
1997
Kern AG celebrates its 50th anniversary. Kern International Inc. is founded in the USA (www.kerninc.com) Launch of the Kern 4000 Mailing System into the inserter market.
1995
Launch of the Kern 2500, which is the successor of the Kern 2000 Megamailer. The first Kern 2500 is installed in the field. Kern offers a broad and balanced program of productive inserting solutions.
1994
Serial production of the up to now fastest inserting system Kern 3000 Megamailer is started. A new dimension in form mailing opens up to large users from all areas of the economy. The Kern 3000 Megamailer is born. Up to 26,000 mailings ready for the post – the fastest mailing system in the world.
1993
Pilot installation of 2 Kern 3000 Megamailers at Telecom Germany. The first system with direct connection of printers is developed.
1992
The company founder Mr. Marc Kern lost his life in a tragic helicopter accident. His two sons Uli and Peter, both of whom were already fully integrated in the company, take over the operative management.
1991
Presentation of the Kern 3000 – the fastest document inserting system in the world. The German Telecom ordered more than 70 systems. The series production of this model is launched.
1988
Due to expansion in the areas of planning, development, testing, and training, Kern AG decides to build another building in Stalden.
1984
Production of the Kern 2000 starts successfully. The system is offered as a modular system with several inputs for pilot documents and a larger number of stations for enclosures. Delivery of the first modular mailing system in the world, the Kern 2000 Multimailer. Up to 1995, over 1,500 systems of this type were successfully delivered in 50 countries.
1983
Founding of Kern Limited in England. Thanks to first-class references, Kern Ltd has grown continuously. (www.kern.co.uk)
1982
Founding of the first subsidiary company, Kern GmbH in Germany, with 25 employees. The motto is: “Closer to our customers”. (www.kerngmbh.de)
1978
Development of an inserting system for 2-up processing. Mounting of the T-Line systems.
1975
The new factory hall in Stalden (near Konolfingen) is taken into operation.
1974
The world's first micro-computer controlled system is developed for the Swiss Bank Corporation. Kern AG expands into the US with the delivery of customer-specific systems. In the test & research department, the first systems to be connected to a continuous forms cutter are being tested.
1971
The first system with a directly connected cutting machine for processing continuous form computer printouts – equipped with optical mark reading (OMR) - is produced. A new manufacturing hall with over 6,000 m2 is built in Stalden. More than 100 employees are working for Kern AG. Kern presents its interesting machine range at the IFABO fair in Vienna 1971.
1968
The first on-line systems were manufactured. Cutting, folding and inserting is performed in one operation. Kern AG expands its leading position in the area of document inserting for mailing.
1964
An electronics development laboratory is installed in Konolfingen. The worldwide first folding document inserter machines with reading of optical marks leave the factory under the name KAE (Kern Automatic Electronic). The manufacturer Mr. Marc Kern is clearly proud of his latest product. The factory is extended to accommodate the increasing demand for Kern machines.
1960
Over 100 Kern machines are already in use under the name KAU (Kern Automatic Universal) in over 10 countries. Men of the installation department at work. A The VW delivery van is ready for transport.
1955
Participation at the “Foire de Paris”.
1954
The Kern Company is converted into a limited company. Mr. Marc Kern is the sole shareholder. The aim of the new inserter is to insert an envelope per second safely.
1953
First Presentation of a folding and inserting system with two folding and three feeding stations.
1951
Construction of the first building for a larger production workshop at the Hünigenstrasse in Konolfingen. Entrance to the factory building. Production start of the first inserting system.
1947
Mr. Marc Kern, the founder of the Kern company, made the following statement:
"In 1947, together with my wife, I equipped a small workshop in Hünigenstrasse in Konolfingen, with the objective of becoming self employed. Two years previously, I was employed as technical manager by an Italian printing press manufacturer in Brussels, and I came into early contact with the subject ‘paper’. Especially in printing shops, I saw letter post being manually inserted and this led me to the idea of manufacturing a document folding and inserting machine. The design on paper led to the later construction of the prototype."
A strong team developed the first folding and document inserting machine on modern, transmission driven machine tools.
