Here stands Keller Grundbau a name synonymous with geotechnical expertise. Johann Keller founded it back in 1860. He started a small well-building company in Renchen Germany.
Keller Grundbau’s story began humbly. Johann Keller likely didn’t envision a global enterprise. By 1900 his company had grown. It employed 150 people.
Facing illness and without heirs Johann Keller sold his firm. The buyer was engineer Johann Degen. Degen’s family expanded the business. In 1930 they moved its headquarters to Frankfurt am Main.
Keller Grundbau’s innovations reshaped the industry. In 1933 Johann Keller secured a patent. It was for a ground improvement technique called deep vibratory compaction. This method revolutionized construction. It allowed for safer more stable foundations.
In 1939 Keller achieved a world record in Berlin. They reached a compaction depth of 35 meters. This feat demonstrated their advanced capabilities. It solidified their reputation as pioneers.
The company expanded internationally after World War II. They established a branch in Portugal during the 1930s. This was for a large water supply project in Lisbon. Acquisitions further fueled their growth.
Keller Grundbau became part of the British GKN Group in 1974. It was known as GKN Keller from 1976 to 1990. In 1990 a management buyout led by the Keller Group in London. This created an independent specialist ground engineering group.
The Keller Group went public in London in 1994. Keller Grundbau introduced the Soilcrete process to Germany in 1979. In 1986 they first used Soilfrac injections. These injections protected a machine factory during tunnel construction.
Keller Grundbau continued to innovate. In 1998 they introduced compaction grouting to Germany. By 1999 they were experimenting with large-diameter columns. A Soilcrete DS trial in Munich created columns 4 meters wide.
Keller’s global presence grew. In 2007 they secured a major piling project in Saudi Arabia. It was worth 65 million euros. They also worked on a large vibratory compaction site. This was at Palm Deira in the UAE.
In 2014 Keller introduced the new TR07 crawler carrier. It allowed for compaction depths of 27 meters. Today Keller Grundbau is a global leader in geotechnical solutions. They offer a wide array of services. These include foundation work complete excavation pits and groundwater seals.
Their expertise extends to ground improvement and exploration. They also specialize in underground construction and structural preservation. Keller employs over 10000 people worldwide. In Germany alone they have over 500 employees.
From its humble origins Keller Grundbau has become a giant. It continues to shape the world’s foundations. Their projects stand as testaments to their expertise. They are a testament to their innovative spirit.