Busch, a leader in vacuum technology, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1963 in Germany, the company opened its first U.S. facility in 1979. Today it is one of the largest global vacuum and low pressure technology companies in many sectors of industry.
It all started in 1963 with a vision — Dr.-Ing. Karl Busch and his wife, Ayhan, put the idea of designing simpler, better and more user-friendly industrial vacuum technology into practice. In 50 years, Busch has grown from a small company into an international group with over 2,500 employees. But one thing has remained the same: the team spirit of a family-owned company.
Busch has a customer-oriented approach to constantly develop innovative technologies that have, and will continue to define the world of vacuum. It all started with the Huckepack, a two-stage, rotary vane vacuum pump with a space-saving and sturdy design. Then came the revolutionary development of the R 5, a modular vacuum pump that is still the most successful vacuum pump technology to date. With over 2.5 million vacuum pumps sold, the R 5 has significantly influenced the development of food packaging technology. Additionally, the COBRA screw vacuum pump and the Mink claw vacuum pump by Busch have radically changed the vacuum technology marketplace with their completely oil-free and contact-free operation. But they place their focus on the future and are constantly working on new, innovative technologies.
Since its founding, Busch has been living and breathing globalization. Busch USA, now led by President Charlie Kane, became the first production plant abroad when it began producing vacuum pumps in Virginia Beach, VA in 1979. Currently represented by 57 companies in 39 countries, Busch has an exclusive global network. Busch contributes to the success of its customers as the vacuum technology supplier with the most extensive global presence and considerable local expertise. Support from Busch isn’t just about supplying vacuum equipment. It also means individualized advice and support for customers and their projects that are tailored to each process.
Busch vacuum pumps and systems are used in a range of applications. The first Busch vacuum pump was developed especially for vacuum packaging, and Busch is now the world market leader for that market. For decades, Busch products have also been produced for plastics manufacturing and processing as well as chemical and pharmaceutical processes. Vacuum technology from Busch is even used in the semiconductor industry to manufacture flat screen monitors, mobile phones and laptops.
In addition to developing and manufacturing vacuum equipment, Busch specializes in designing and manufacturing complex vacuum systems that consist of a combination of vacuum pumps and process components, and are precisely adapted to customer requirements.
Busch remains a family-operated business to this day, and it is now in the hands of the second generation. Busch USA is one of six Busch production plants. The other five are located in Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Korea and the UK. Fifty year anniversary celebrations started earlier this year at Busch locations across the globe. The final celebration will take place in late September at the Virginia Beach, VA, United States headquarters.