A Generational Change in KRONEN’s Management Board

The retirement of Rudolf Hans Zillgith from the operational business of KRONEN GmbH marks the conclusion of the generational change in the company’s Management Board that has been underway since 2018. The well-established management team will continue leading the company on its successful course.

After more than a quarter of a century as a key figure at KRONEN GmbH, Rudolf Hans Zillgith is retiring from the company’s operational business. Responsibility for managing the company now rests with its managing directors: Stephan Zillgith (Spokesman of the Management Board), Eric Lefebvre (Technical Director) and Johannes Günther (Sales Director).

This transition provides continuity for KRONEN’s customers, partners and employees. The three managing directors have served alongside Rudolf Hans Zillgith on the Management Board since 2018, each overseeing their respective business divisions. His retirement from day-to-day operations represents the final step in the generational transition initiated several years ago.

Rudolf Hans Zillgith will remain connected to KRONEN as a shareholder of Zillgith Beteiligungs GmbH. The holding company maintains a majority stake in KRONEN GmbH and also has investments in companies within the Dutch food industry that complement KRONEN’s products and solutions.

“When I look back at the development of KRONEN GmbH over the past few decades, I feel extremely grateful and proud. Together with its committed team, this medium-sized company has evolved into an internationally successful partner for the food industry,” said Rudolf Hans Zillgith.

“I would like to thank all employees, customers, partners and supporters who have helped shape the company throughout this journey. The current members of the Management Board have worked together successfully for many years, know the company inside and out, and are well positioned to continue its success with competence and responsibility. I wish them every success.”

Expansion Into an Internationally Successful Company

In 1998, Rudolf Hans Zillgith acquired the food technology company then known as Kronen Nahrungsmitteltechnik after a long career with Hobart. As an entrepreneur, he steadily developed KRONEN GmbH, including construction of the company’s headquarters in Kehl-Goldscheuer, Germany, while establishing the company’s strong international focus.

Today, KRONEN GmbH, including WS Edelstahltechnik, which it acquired in 2020, employs approximately 130 people. Since Zillgith acquired the company, annual sales have grown from approximately €5 million to €25 million, and KRONEN products and solutions are now marketed in approximately 120 countries.

Shaping the Future on a Strong Foundation

During Rudolf Hans Zillgith’s leadership, KRONEN concluded a strategic marketing agreement in 2025 with Urschel Laboratories of Chesterton, Indiana, the global market leader in industrial cutting machines and milling equipment for the food processing industry. Through the partnership, Urschel distributes KRONEN solutions in the United States, Mexico, Asia and Italy, expanding its product portfolio.

“The retirement of my father, Rudolf Hans Zillgith, from the company’s operational business concludes the generational change that we initiated in 2018,” said Stephan Zillgith, spokesman of the Management Board.

“The members of the Management Board have worked together on a strong foundation of trust for many years and will continue to lead KRONEN GmbH along this successful path.

“On behalf of the entire Management Board and all employees, I would like to thank Rudolf Hans Zillgith for his extraordinary entrepreneurial commitment. His foresight, courage and personal dedication have played a key role in shaping KRONEN GmbH over the past several decades and transforming it into an internationally successful company. We will continue building the future of KRONEN on this strong foundation.”

About KRONEN GmbH

KRONEN is a family-managed, globally operating manufacturer and supplier of stand-alone machines, specialized equipment and high-tech processing systems for the fresh-cut industry.

Its product portfolio covers the processing of fruits, vegetables and leafy greens—from preparation, cutting, washing, drying, dewatering, peeling and sanitizing through packaging. KRONEN also manufactures equipment for processing meat, fish, vegan products, baked goods and pet food.

Headquartered in Kehl am Rhein, Germany, with a second production facility in nearby Achern, the company employs more than 130 people, has representatives in more than 80 countries and supplies customers in over 120 countries worldwide.

With more than 45 years of experience in food technology, KRONEN is committed to quality, innovation and sustainable food processing. The company focuses on hygienic, reliable and resource-efficient production solutions while working closely with customers, industry partners and research institutions to develop practical, forward-looking technologies.