Kiesling, the Refrigerated Vehicle Manufacturer, Celebrates 50 Years of Existence

Kiesling Fahrzeugbau GmbH, a specialist provider of refrigerated bodies for trucks, has double the reason to celebrate this year: the company was founded in 1973 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Fifty years after its founding by Herwig Kiesling Sr., the grandson of the company founder takes over the management of the family business. Niklas Kiesling will continue to lead the company into a digital, electrified, and sustainable future.

(Dornstadt) “Others talk – we deliver” was the slogan with which Kiesling started in 1973 with the sale of refrigerated vehicles. Ready-to-use refrigerated vehicles were available for selection at that time, offering quick transport solutions. Customers appreciated this service. For the increasing demand for refrigerated vehicles across various industries, Kiesling always provided the appropriate solution. In addition to quick availability, Kiesling refrigerated vehicles have been known from the beginning for their good stability and high quality.

Since 1990, Peter Kiesling has led the company. During this time, expansions were made in all areas, the production hall was extended, and production was gradually increased. Currently, over 10,000 m² in two foaming plants produce bodies “made in Germany”.

Successes with Innovative Products

Kiesling celebrated successes with innovative products, such as the Cool Slide® partition. This system minimizes cold losses and ensures significant savings in fuel consumption. In many refrigerated vehicle fleets, the system has become the standard. In further product developments, environmental aspects were always taken into account, focusing on durable and robust materials.

Peter Kiesling (left) hands over the management of the refrigerated vehicle manufacturer Kiesling to Niklas Kiesling (right)

The FIP bodies produced by Kiesling can also be recycled at the end of their long service life. They are the first recyclable refrigerated bodies that can demonstrate a TÜV-certified recycling rate. Kiesling refrigerated vehicles have been continuously and sustainably developed. As early as 2010, the company invested in photovoltaic systems and has been producing more electricity than it consumes overall for several years. In 2020, production was able to be climate-neutral for the first time (according to Scope 1 and 2). The degree of autonomy for the production company is currently being further expanded, for example, through the construction of energy storage systems.

Securing 120 Jobs

With Niklas Kiesling, the next generation now takes responsibility and ensures continuity in the continuation of the family business. Customers, employees, and partners can continue to rely on a reliable and innovative partner. The digital transformation, the sustainability of production and products, as well as further optimizations of processes are at the top of the agenda. This is intended to ensure that customers are supplied with refrigerated vehicles “made in Germany” in the long term and that the jobs of around 120 employees are secured.

Photos: © Kiesling