125 Years of AKW – 30 Years in Partnership with Quarzwerke
125 years of Amberger Kaolinwerke, 30 years as part of the Quarzwerke Group—two anniversaries that symbolize tradition, change, and the future. Hardly anyone has been as closely involved in this development as Bernhard Neudecker. For over four decades, he held various positions at Amberger Kaolinwerke. Even today, he continues to contribute his experience to important future projects.
Mr. Neudecker, you have a long history with Amberger Kaolinwerke. Please introduce yourself briefly. How has your time at AKW been?
My career in the kaolin industry began in 1983 in Schnaittenbach. At that time, I started as a plant engineer in production. Over the years, I had the opportunity to take on various roles and responsibilities—including serving as production manager and, later, as plant manager for ten years.
Overall, I have been involved in the development of AKW for more than four decades. Throughout this time, change and future-oriented projects have consistently been at the forefront: We have modernized plants, continuously improved processes, and repeatedly adapted to new market demands. One flagship project worth highlighting is the conceptual development of and responsibility for the current Schnaittenbach plant, which began operations in 2016.
And even today, I continue to support AKW in an advisory capacity as it further develops its plant concept and builds the new reprocessing facility in Hirschau—a project that truly represents the future of the site. I am very pleased to be able to continue making an active contribution to the company’s development.
When you look back on the history of AKW, what makes this 125th anniversary special to you personally?
A 125th company anniversary is something truly special and by no means a given. When we look back on such a long corporate history, it becomes clear that behind this milestone stand generations of employees who, through their knowledge, daily dedication, and sense of belonging, have left a lasting mark on the company and helped shape it. That is why, for me personally, this is above all an occasion to say thank you to everyone.
At the same time, AKW’s history shows that long-term success is only possible if one is willing to continually evolve and take on new challenges. That is exactly what the company has proven time and again over the past 125 years.
Thirty years ago, Amberger Kaolinwerke became part of the Quarzwerke Group. What did this move mean for AKW, and how did you personally experience that time?
In my view, becoming part of the Quarzwerke Group was the decisive step for AKW’s long-term development.
Above all, the overall conditions have changed. Collaboration has become more international, communication between locations has intensified, and the opportunities created by investments in modern technologies have expanded significantly.
Today, we benefit from a strong network within the group and close collaboration across locations. This creates new perspectives and opportunities that did not exist in this form before.
Personally, I found this period to be very exciting. Of course, every change brings its own challenges. At the same time, it created many new opportunities for collaboration, sharing experiences, and joint projects within the group.
The values that have always defined AKW remain unchanged: a high level of professional expertise, a strong connection to the region, a sense of responsibility in handling our raw materials, and, above all, the people who make the company what it is.
A lot has happened at the Quarzwerke Group over the past 30 years. What do you remember most fondly?
Looking back, I find the company’s steady upward trajectory particularly impressive. The Quarzwerke Group is on a growth trajectory.
It was fascinating to see how the plants have evolved technologically and how numerous individual investments have led to the creation of modern, high-performance facilities. And the number of facilities has also steadily increased.
But what matters most to me are the people and the teamwork. Many challenges could only be overcome by working together. This combination of experience, team spirit, and the determination to move things forward has defined Quarzwerke over the past 30 years.
If I had to describe the past few decades in a few words, they would be progress, cooperation, and a forward-looking approach.
Now you’re about to start a new chapter—retirement is just around the corner. What are you most looking forward to? What advice would you like to give your younger colleagues at AKW for the future?
Of course, I’m looking forward to retirement. Finally, I’ll have more time for family, friends, travel, and all the things that often get neglected in my day-to-day work life.
However, I won’t be leaving AKW entirely. I look forward to continuing to contribute my experience to ongoing projects and supporting the company’s development.
There’s one thing in particular I’d like to share with my younger colleagues: Stay curious and open to change. Technologies, markets, and requirements are constantly evolving—and so is our work.
At the same time, we should draw on the wealth of experience within the company. The best solutions often emerge when tried-and-true methods meet new ideas.
And last but not least: Success is always a team effort. Respect, trust, and mutual support are the foundation for making changes a success and ensuring our company remains successful in the long term.
Mr. Neudecker, thank you very much for the interview.
125 years of AKW and 30 years of the Quarzwerke Group are a striking example of how tradition, innovation, and teamwork can shape the future together. With the construction of the new processing plant in Hirschau, the next chapter in this success story is already being written.
