OUR HISTORY
Built on Experience and Expertise
With years of knowledge and experience, BES Bollmann has developed a proven approach to designing and implementing innovative, energy-efficient, and sustainable drying solutions. This approach ensures reliability, quality, and well-structured project execution. Thanks to our clear working methods and attractive lead times, we consistently deliver outstanding drying results, fully tailored to our customers’ needs.
Ludwig Bollmann Lays the Foundation for the Company
The foundation of today’s BES Bollmann organization was laid in 1959 by engineer Ludwig Bollmann. At that time, the company’s core business focused on the design and construction of ventilation systems. In 1965, the first Bollmann aluminum drying kilns were introduced—marking the beginning of the company’s specialization in drying technology.
The Launch of a Unique Bollmann Control System
In 1970, an even more significant step was taken with the launch of a unique Bollmann control system to manage and monitor the drying process even more accurately. A digital technology, developed entirely in-house. And it didn't stop there. Today, R&D is still conducted in-house, but entirely with today's knowledge, experience, and technology.
The first digital wood moisture meters
In the 1970s, Bollmann also introduced the first wood moisture meters with digital readouts to the market. This marked the start of a massive development in the field of professional moisture measurement. And a development that the Bollmann team continues to drive to this day.
The Introduction of Microprocessors in Control Systems
Ludwig Bollmann not only pioneered controlled wood drying, but also laid the foundation for an entire field of study. He documented and shared his knowledge, skills, and experience in a book dedicated to the subject. The fact that this work is still used today at various colleges and universities underscores its lasting impact and scientific value.
Acquisition by Reinders Almelo Companies
Another leap into the future came in 1996, when the originally German company was acquired by the Reinders Almelo Companies in the Netherlands. This move complemented and strengthened the bioenergy concepts that KARA Energy Systems (part of the Reinders Almelo Companies) had been engineering, producing, and implementing since 1910. The sustainable energy generated by these bioenergy installations became the driving force behind the drying solutions and drying kilns. This further reinforced the company’s commitment to supply chain responsibility and sustainability.
BES Bollmann Acquires WSAB Lignomat GmbH
In 2002, BES Bollmann acquired WSAB Lignomat GmbH, a renowned manufacturer of drying kilns. This acquisition proved to be a valuable step not only for BES Bollmann, but also for WSAB Lignomat’s existing customers. By joining forces, a smooth transition was ensured. From that moment on, customers were able to benefit from BES Bollmann’s service, maintenance, and sales network.
Wood Treatment: A Revolution in the Market
Technology never stands still—neither at BES Bollmann, nor for our customers. And fortunately, that’s exactly how it should be. In 2017, our team was involved in the development of a drying solution that could be seamlessly integrated into a wood treatment process. This application enables companies to give softer wood species the characteristics of hardwood, a true market revolution. We are convinced that this knowledge from the past, combined with today’s technology, will continue to drive future success. And so, together, we keep writing history.
A Big Step Forward in Sustainability
Thanks to a strong partnership with KARA Energy Systems, our drying solutions are increasingly powered by bioenergy, actively contributing to a greener future. But we go beyond renewable energy alone: we integrate data-driven technologies that optimize and automate the drying process. This enables us to work more efficiently, save energy, and reduce overall consumption, bringing us one step closer to a circular economy.
Our hybrid solutions combine multiple energy sources and technologies to make drying processes not only more energy-efficient, but also more flexible. By leveraging the latest innovations, we achieve higher efficiency and better results. These technologies ensure that we not only address today’s challenges, but also actively develop solutions for the future.
Learn more about the smartest drying solution
Contact us and discover how our smart drying solutions contribute to sustainable, efficient, and future-proof production processes, delivered worldwide, with guaranteed results.
