The family-owned company based in Rendsburg/Büdelsdorf was founded in 1946 on the site of the "Carlshütte" iron foundry, the first industrial enterprise in Schleswig-Holstein. Building on this tradition, the innovative strength of the ACO Group consists of intensive development and research and expertise in the processing of polymer concrete, plastic, cast iron, stainless steel and reinforced concrete. This is how ACO has become the world market leader in drainage technology.
When Hans-Julius Ahlmann joined his uncle Severin Ahlmann's company in 1981, he had a big goal already in mind. ACO was destined to become an international company. The foundation for this had already been laid in the 1970s: the introduction of the innovative polymer concrete material and the polymer concrete line drainage system ACO DRAIN®, which marked the start of the company's internationalisation. It was largely driven forward by Hans-Julius Ahlmann, Severin Ahlmann's nephew, who successively took over the management of the family business at the beginning of the 1980s.
ACO is and remains a family business. The present and future of the ACO Group are represented by Hans-Julius Ahlmann and his son Iver, who officially joined the management of ACO Ahlmann SE & Co. KG as managing partner in 2012. Both Iver Ahlmann and Hans-Julius Ahlmann have their sights set on the future. Since 2012, father and son have jointly assumed responsibility for the family business as managing partners - with a clear mission: protecting people from water and protecting water from people.
Water, life and culture belong together: The cultural commitment of the Ahlmann family at the ACO headquarters in Schleswig-Holstein is reflected above all in the creation of spaces dedicated to the international art and culture scene. The annual NordArt, for example, is held in Rendsburg/ Büdelsdorf on the Kiel Canal on the grounds of the former Carlshütte iron foundry. It is Northern Europe's largest exhibition of contemporary art and is presented anew each year. The Carlshütte has a historical connection to ACO and, as an venue, has charisma that extends far beyond Schleswig- Holstein. The Orchestra Academy of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival has also found its new home there.
ACO system solutions inspire customers all over the world. Since ACO sees the challenges through the eyes of its customers, it can create solutions that are both technically and visually inspiring and that meet modern design requirements. The basis for this is the extensive and customised ACO product range, which we can be combined within the ACO system chain to create comprehensive drainage solutions.
