DRIVING NAMIBIA’S INDUSTRIAL FUTURE: KRAATZ MD SHARES JOURNEY, VISION AND COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.

In an ever-evolving Namibian industrial landscape, Kraatz , under the leadership of its Managing Director, Frank Kernstock has steadily emerged as a cornerstone of engineering and industrial excellence. With an expansive background in mechanical engineering and over a decade’s experience working in high-calibre industries across Germany and Namibia, Kernstock brings a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic foresight and a commitment to fostering Namibian talent and infrastructure.

A Journey Rooted in Innovation and Dedication

Frank Kernstock’s journey began with a technical apprenticeship in toolmaking at Protoform in Germany, followed by an academic and professional trajectory through top engineering firms, including Bosch, Ina-Schaeffler and Siemens, where he worked on turbine refurbishment and research in advanced manufacturing technologies. His expertise in engineering not only provided a strong foundation but also instilled a mindset focused on precision, quality and consistency - values that have become cornerstones of his approach at Kraatz.

“Engineering is fundamentally about understanding and applying the principles of nature to make life simpler and more efficient,” he shared, reflecting on his background. “In a leadership role, it’s about continuous improvement and making sure that each day, each project and each individual can contribute to a bigger, more sustainable future.”

Leading Kraatz: Commitment to Excellence and Industry Growth

At the heart of Kraatz’s operations is a mission focused on delivering tailored, quality-driven solutions. “Each project brings unique challenges,” explains the MD, “and at Kraatz, our mantra is that nothing is impossible. We re-invent ourselves daily to meet the demands of each new task.”

This philosophy has guided Kraatz’s recent achievements, including the launch of the offshore division to service the fast-growing demand of this specialised industry as well as a coatings business unit, which recently completed high spec projects such as HFO tank refurbishments and marine vessel maintenance. The company’s marine department has earned recognition for handling complex ship conversions and repairs and it aspires to expand services with a new floating asset to meet the increasing demands of international clients. In line with this growth, Kraatz has also invested in advanced plasma and laser cutting technology and established a cost-effective international material supply chain, further strengthening its position in Namibia’s industrial sector.

ISO 9001:2015 Certification – A Commitment to Global Quality Standards

Kraatz’s recent ISO 9001:2015 certification marks a critical step in the company’s evolution. "Quality assurance is our gateway to international markets,” Kernstock explained. “ISO 9001 provides a robust framework that standardises our processes and aligns our operations with global standards. By adopting the ‘Plan, Do, Check, Act’ cycle, we’re building a system that’s scalable and sustainable, ensuring that we consistently meet and exceed client expectations.”

WeldNAM Partnership – Paving the Way for Skills Development and Industrialisation

Kraatz’s involvement in WeldNAM, a pioneering collaboration with the International Institute of Welding (IIW) and UNAM, underscores its commitment to fostering local skills and building a quality-focused industrial base. “The industrialisation of Namibia requires not only skilled labour but also adherence to international quality standards,” the MD noted. “Through WeldNAM, we aim to develop a skilled workforce that is globally competitive and attuned to the specific needs of Namibia’s burgeoning green hydrogen and energy sectors.”

The collaboration with WeldNAM holds the potential to drive significant advancements in welding technology and quality infrastructure - key elements in supporting the green hydrogen value chain in Namibia. “Green hydrogen demands the utmost precision in fabrication and safety standards. Welding technology will be instrumental in ensuring both safety and reliability as we build this sector from the ground up,” he added.

Looking Ahead – Building a Sustainable, Future-Focused Kraatz

As Kraatz eyes its next phase of growth, it remains committed to delivering on its core values: excellence, customer centricity and people development. Future plans include establishing a large fabrication workshop to support offshore and mining projects and building an engineering department that will act as the nucleus for upcoming industrial ventures.

“My role is to make Kraatz a sustainable and profitable business that contributes meaningfully to Namibia’s industrial revolution,” the MD remarked. “This means creating a company that’s not just about the work we do today, but about building the capacity, infrastructure and people to ensure a better future.”

A Leader’s Inspiration – Creating a Better Tomorrow

Driven by a commitment to community and progress, Kraatz’s MD is motivated by the success of his team and the potential for a better tomorrow. “What inspires me most is seeing my team succeed,” he shared. “It starts with my family and extends to the community and economy. If we can make Kraatz a place that fosters growth, quality and opportunity, then we’re doing more than just business - we’re building a legacy.”

Under this visionary leadership, Kraatz stands poised to lead Namibia’s industrial landscape, fostering a future where engineering excellence and quality assurance set the standard for an empowered and globally competitive nation.