Knauf Gips KG is the world’s leading gypsum provider, supplying building and related construction materials in over 86 countries. Headquartered in Iphofen, Germany, this family business was established in 1932 by brothers Alfons and Karl Knauf.
The company built its first gypsum factory in 1933 and developed revolutionary construction methods and dry-lining systems by the 1950s. In 1970, the company diversified beyond gypsum-based fabrication with its purchase of Deutsche Perlite GmbH and continued to develop its insulation segment with the acquisition of a production facility in Shelbyville, Indiana.
Nikolaus and Baldwin Knauf, sons of the founders, took over management of the Group in the early 1980s. The company continued to expand its production presence globally and, today, operates more than 250 facilities.
Knauf generates over $10 billion in annual sales and has over 25,000 employees worldwide. The grandson of the company’s founder, Alexander Knauf, is one of the company’s three managing partners.
- Family name: Knauf family
- Sector: Real Estate, Hospitality & Construction
- Founded: 1932
- Founders: Alfons and Karl Knauf
- Country: Germany
- Company headquarters: Iphofen, Germany
- Managing Partner: Alexander Knauf
- Revenue: US$6.7 billion
- Family ownership: >50%
- Employees: 26,559
- Website: https://www.knauf.com/en/
