KURZ Vietnam: Driving Technology Transfer, Advancing Sustainable Development

With the mission of linking German technological excellence with Vietnam’s industrial development, KURZ Vietnam Co., Ltd. not only invests methodically in high-tech manufacturing but also steadily follows a sustainable development strategy. To learn more about these efforts, Vietnam Business Forum conducted an interview with Mr. Waegner Thomas Fritz, General Director of KURZ Vietnam.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany, how do you evaluate the role of KURZ Vietnam Co., Ltd. in connecting and promoting investment and trade cooperation between the two countries?

KURZ Vietnam acts as a bridge between German technological expertise and the local market. Through investments in high-tech manufacturing, supplier networks, and joint business initiatives, the company strengthens bilateral cooperation. Especially on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, KURZ Vietnam symbolizes the successful transfer of knowledge and Germany's willingness to invest in Vietnam.

Can you share an overview of the formation and development of KURZ Vietnam Co., Ltd. in the Vietnamese market? What advantages or challenges has KURZ Vietnam faced during the process of investment, production, and business in Vietnam?

KURZ Vietnam was founded in 2021 as the youngest subsidiary of the KURZ Group, wholly owned by our German headquarters. Located in Gia Lai Province (previously Binh Dinh Province), we have since developed a state-of-the-art production facility at Becamex Industrial Park. This site spans 120,000 square meters and is designed for a capacity of up to 15 million square meters per year. It also holds a long-term environmental permit.

Vietnam offers a number of strategic advantages for industrial investment – including its location in the heart of Southeast Asia, a youthful and dynamic workforce, and an increasingly supportive business environment. From the outset, we have been grateful for the strong cooperation of local authorities and our partners, not only in environmental matters but across all aspects of our setup and operations.

Naturally, any new market brings its own learning curve, particularly in navigating regulatory processes, developing local operations, and adapting supply chains within an evolving infrastructure landscape. 

Regardless of challenges, in just three years, we’ve built a lean team of over 110 highly skilled employees, operating advanced production lines and managing complex technical processes, while exporting to more than 10 international markets. This reflects our belief that Vietnam is more than a manufacturing base – it is a true partner for sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, we are preparing for our Phase 2 expansion, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. This underlines not only our next chapter, but also our long-term commitment to the Vietnamese market.

An example of KURZ high precision Hot Stamping finishing on wheels

KURZ Vietnam is known as one of the companies that invests seriously, transfers advanced technology, and is environmentally friendly. What are the core values that KURZ Vietnam follows for sustainable development? Does the company have any strategies to grow its production and business while protecting the environment and promoting social responsibility?

At KURZ Vietnam, our growth is grounded in three core values: People, Sustainability,  and Technology.

Among these, sustainability plays a central role in our development strategy. We are committed to protecting the environment through multiple initiatives:

• Full compliance with all relevant Vietnamese environmental laws and regulations.

• Investment in high-tech, energy-efficient systems, including: A Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) with a Concentration Wheel that not only treats emissions but recycles them as input energy -helping reduce emissions while saving energy; A distillation system to recycle used solvents, effectively reducing both emissions and chemical waste; A 100% rooftop solar power system to enhance energy efficiency at our production facility; A LEED Gold-certified office building, showcasing our commitment to sustainable construction; Contribution to the KURZ Group-wide goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2040.

Our efforts align with the Group’s ’Be a Green Leader’ strategy and global initiatives like the RECOSYS® 2.0 program, supporting circular economy principles through recycled PET and organic raw materials. We are proud to have been a UN Global Compact member since 2021, and received an EcoVadis Bronze Medal in 2024 for our sustainability performance.

Through this integrated approach, we ensure that environmental responsibility, social impact, and high-tech innovation go hand-in-hand - not only globally but right here in Vietnam.

A corner of KURZ Vietnam

As a bridge between German technology and the need to develop domestic industry in Vietnam, what specific contributions has KURZ Vietnam made to promote localization, cooperation with local companies, or support for developing human resources in Vietnam?

KURZ Vietnam focuses on four key areas to strengthen localization, foster collaboration with domestic enterprises, and develop Vietnamese workforce:

Developing local supply chains: We prioritize partnerships with Vietnamese suppliers, sharing technical requirements, supporting process improvements, and aligning quality standards to increase localization and enhance the capabilities of domestic enterprises.

Workforce training and knowledge transfer: 100% of our technical staff have undergone intensive training programs and on-site upskilling. We also send selected employees to our German headquarters and Asian subsidiaries for knowledge transfer and experience learning. Furthermore, to prepare future workforce, we collaborate with local universities and colleges to provide career opportunities for the students in the region.

Embedding sustainability practices: Our site holds a long-term environmental permit and incorporates LEED-based green building standards. We actively share our expertise in sustainable construction and operations with partners in the industrial park to raise awareness and promote greener practices.

Prioritizing Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE): We implement high-tech safety systems and proactive training programs to ensure workplace safety, minimize risks, and build a culture where HSE is integral to daily operations.

Through these initiatives, we aim to anchor value, technology, and talent development in Vietnam, supporting its industrial growth while contributing to a safer and more sustainable future.

Do you have any messages that KURZ Vietnam would like to share with the business community, partners, and readers in Vietnam on this special occasion?

As the youngest member of the KURZ Group, KURZ Vietnam is proud to contribute to the 50th anniversary of Vietnam–Germany diplomatic relations by bringing advanced German technology and sustainable production standards into Vietnam’s growing industrial landscape.

We see Vietnam not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a place where innovation, responsibility, and long-term vision can truly thrive - where German precision meets Vietnamese potential.

In this spirit, we invite businesses, institutions, and future change-makers to join us in shaping the next chapter of a sustainable, responsible, and forward-thinking industry in Vietnam - built on trust, innovation, and shared progress.

Together, let’s continue building an ecosystem of social, ecological, and economic value for generations to come.

Thank you very much!

By Quynh Ngoc, Vietnam Business Forum