People Shape Companies.

In our Research & Development team, these ideas and insights are taken up, trials are planned and results are evaluated. Working closely with Quality Management and Production, we turn them into new questions, findings and approaches that feed into further development.

It is not simply about developing a formulation. It has to prove itself in our customers’ day-to-day operations – often over many years and under very different process conditions.

That is why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to development at KEBO. Chemical expertise, experience and a willingness to look closely at the details have always been an integral part of how we work.

The photographs show some of our colleagues from Research & Development, as well as a colleague from Production representing the wider team, all of whom are carrying this work forward today with their knowledge, experience and curiosity. The historical photograph in the centre shows Renate Keller, one of the daughters of our company founders. She represents a generation that built up and passed on knowledge and had a lasting influence on the development of KEBO.

The historical photograph creates a link between the past and the present. Because behind every development are people.

People who take responsibility, share their knowledge and work carefully to develop solutions.

A great deal has changed over these 100 years: technologies, processes and the requirements of our customers.

What has remained is the way we work: collaboratively, with curiosity and with the ambition to develop the best possible solution for our customers.

Every new insight is the starting point for the next idea. That is how we have continued to shape our company’s story for 100 years.

They require the ability to identify developments early, assess risks and work closely with many different departments to keep the business moving forward. And that is exactly why people are needed who maintain a clear overview, respond quickly and, above all, know how to communicate.

Before any raw material can be used, it must be tested and approved. Production orders need to be planned efficiently, inventory levels assessed and delivery dates coordinated, even though conditions can change at short notice.

At the same time, close communication with suppliers is essential to keep procurement costs under control while ensuring a reliable supply. In addition, there is the daily coordination between Sales, Customer Service, Production, the Laboratory, Quality Management and Logistics. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, yet it is essential to our day-to-day business.

Since September 2017, Valeri has been responsible for this area at KEBO. With extensive experience, close collaboration across departments and a strong ability to turn challenges into practical solutions, he plays a key role in keeping our processes running smoothly. Thanks to his many years of experience in the international chemical trade, his strategic understanding of supply chains and his calm, solution-oriented approach, he helps ensure stability - even when circumstances become particularly challenging.

Away from his dynamic working day, Valeri enjoys travelling with his family and pursuing his passion for photography - two interests that also require a keen eye for detail.

The photo captures one of those everyday moments: Valeri exchanging ideas with our colleague Michael Weber (our Quality Manager) - because good procurement starts with good communication. 😊

Thank you for your dedication and commitment every single day, Valeri!

What started with structuring laboratory data evolved step by step into a broader scope: standard operating procedures, training programs, auditor training, internal audits, and certification processes.

By the way, his first “contract” at KEBO was a handshake.

Today, Michael is responsible for quality management – covering everything from ISO topics and internal audits to Halal and Kosher requirements. 

His career also reflects how quality management itself has evolved: from pure documentation to clear processes, traceable standards, and continuous improvement in day-to-day operations. Or, as we sometimes say with a twinkle in the eye: the more complex the issue, the more likely it is to land on Michael’s desk.

Thank you, Michael, for your experience, your reliability, and your contribution behind the scenes that makes a difference every single day.

Her scope of responsibility extends far beyond traditional accounting. In addition to financial matters, she is also responsible for key administrative and organizational functions within the company from payroll and travel expense management to statistics and industry association reporting, as well as coordinating the vehicle fleet, rental properties, and various internal processes. Many organizational threads come together here.

She ensures that processes are correct, figures are reliable, and decisions can be made on a solid basis. Her work is structured, precise, and often unspectacular and for that very reason, it is so important. Much of this happens in the background. Invoices, financial statements, reconciliations. Things that are only missed when they do not work.

The fact that KEBO can now look back on 100 years of company history is also due to this kind of work: care, continuity, and the commitment to taking responsibility seriously.

Here too, 100 years of KEBO mean stability and change. Both require people who look closely and do their work reliably.