150th Anniversary of Romaco Kilian

The story behind Romaco Kilian

In a small, cluttered workshop in Berlin's Lichtenberg district, a young man named Friederich, Franz, Otto (also Fritz) Kilian was hard at work, tinkering with gears and pulleys. His mind was full of ideas for a future where machines could automate the production of life-saving medicines. He could not have known that his modest origins would lay the foundation for one of the world's leading manufacturers of pharmaceutical machinery.

The Dream and the Reality

Fritz Kilian was a young man with a restless mind and a passion for mechanics. He dreamt of a future beyond the confines of his father's small locksmith shop, yearning to create, innovate and leave his mark on the world. While his father meticulously crafted locks and repaired tools, Fritz Kilian's gaze extended beyond the immediate needs of his clientele. He was captivated by the burgeoning field of technology, witnessing the dawn of the electrical age with a mixture of awe and ambition.

The invention of the dynamo, the incandescent light bulb, and the internal combustion engine ignited his imagination. He immersed himself in technical journals, sketching out ideas for machines that could revolutionize everyday life. But his true fascination lay in the rapidly expanding field of medicine. He observed how advancements in medical science were leading to the development of new drugs, yet their administration remained cumbersome and often imprecise.

He saw an opportunity: to create machines that could accurately and efficiently produce medications in a standardized form. The concept of the "komprimat," or tablet, was gaining traction, but the existing methods for producing them were crude and unreliable. Friederich envisioned a future where machines could rapidly and precisely manufacture these life-saving medications, improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing healthcare.

However, translating his vision into reality proved to be a formidable challenge. Resources were scarce, and the path to innovation was uncertain. He faced skepticism from established manufacturers and the daunting task of securing funding for his ambitious projects. But Fritz, driven by an unwavering belief in his ideas, persevered. He meticulously studied existing technologies, experimented tirelessly, and sought the advice of fellow inventors and medical professionals.

The development of a hand-operated tablet press marked a significant breakthrough. This innovative device, while simple in design, offered substaintial advantages over existing methods. It allowed for more precise dosing and improved hygiene, quickly gaining the attention of local apothecaries.

War and Innovation

The outbreak of World War I presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities for Fritz Kilian. The urgent need for mass-produced medical supplies for the troops led to a surge in demand for his tablet presses. The military, recognizing the strategic importance of efficient medication delivery, became a significant customer, providing crucial funding for further research and development.

Kilian’s experience during the war years compelled him to adapt and innovate. He refined his designs, focusing on increasing production speed and ensuring the reliability of his machines under demanding conditions. He also expanded his workforce, employing skilled craftsmen to meet the growing demand.

Family Legacy

Fritz Kilian's sons, Fritz junior and Hans, grew up in a environment that was heavily focused on machinery. They spent countless hours in the workshop, observing their father's meticulous work and absorbing his passion for innovation. They subsequently joined the company, contributing new perspectives and new ideas to the family business.

Fritz junior, a highly skilled engineer, proved to be a valuable asset, contributing significantly to the development of new and improved tablet press models. Hans, a skilled businessman, focused on expanding the company's market reach, establishing a strong international presence.

The Kilian brothers, united by their shared passion for their father's legacy, collaborated to guide the company through the challenging post-war period. They overcame economic difficulties, intense competition, and the constantly changing demands of the pharmaceutical industry.

Technological Advancements

Throughout its history, Romaco Kilian has remained at the forefront of pharmaceutical technology. Building upon Friederich's initial breakthroughs, the company has continued to innovate, developing groundbreaking technologies that have revolutionized tablet press manufacturing.

The invention of the rotary tablet press, a revolutionary advancement in production speed and efficiency, marked a pivotal moment in the company's evolution. This pioneering innovation, coupled with the development of advanced materials and precision engineering techniques, propelled Romaco Kilian to the forefront of the global pharmaceutical machinery market.

The company has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to research and development, which is reflected in numerous patents. These technological breakthroughs have not only improved the efficiency and productivity of pharmaceutical manufacturing but also enhanced the quality and safety of medications worldwide.

To be continued...

This is just the beginning of the Romaco Kilian story. In the next part, we will explore the challenges and triumphs of the company during the tumultuous years of World War II and its subsequent resurgence as a global leader in pharmaceutical technology.