KfW is a strong and reliable partner to the German economy.

The former construction site of the electric crucible furnace plant in Stadtallendorf.
Fossil fuels such as coke and natural gas out, environmentally friendly electricity from renewable sources in - that's a simple description of the Fritz Winter Eisengießerei GmbH & Co KG project.
Founded in 1951, the family business has built the largest electric crucible furnace plant in Europe at its Stadtallendorf site. "The commissioning of this plant marks an important step towards decarbonisation. This was also made possible by the excellent support from KfW," explains Ralf von Hörsten, Managing Director of Fritz Winter. The investment will enable the Hesse-based company to reduce its CO2 emissions by around a quarter - equivalent to around 43,000 tonnes per year.
Fritz Winter Eisengießerei is also part of the SME sector, the backbone of the German economy. Founded in 1951, the company employs around 3,500 people and has an annual turnover of just under one billion euros. In recent years, the company has invested around 220 million euros - a lot for one company, but easily achievable with a strong partner like KfW at its side. Our promotional loans are also characterised by attractive interest rates and customised terms.

The electric crucible furnace system can reduce CO2 emissions by 25 per cent.
In practice, we see ourselves as an interface between politics, business and the financial sector: we provide impetus and open up opportunities. For example, we usually allocate funds according to the tried and tested house bank principle: companies submit their loan application to their financial institution and KfW then refinances this loan at fair conditions.
With these loans, we support companies on their way to a nationally and internationally competitive future. Of course, such a change also harbours risks. Right now, society and the economy in Germany are in the midst of a decade of decisions that will set the course for future generations. This makes it all the more important for companies to find a reliable partner in the development bank of the federal and state governments, even in this challenging environment. We are at their side.
In fact, the project is typical of an investment promotion programme in the field of energy and resource efficiency, in which KfW grants a low-interest loan that is repaid by the company over the long term - reduced by a repayment subsidy from federal funds.

‘The commissioning of this plant marks an important step towards decarbonisation.’
We are the reliable partner of the German economy when it comes to successfully shaping the path to a nationally and internationally competitive entrepreneurial future. We not only support companies in all phases of development - from start-up to the growth phase to succession planning - KfW also supports SMEs, especially in the challenges of digital transformation and the adjustment towards climate neutrality. We enable technological innovations and promote environmentally and climate-friendly processes. This strengthens sustainable economic activity in Germany and secures jobs.
99,3%

In 2024, KfW provided 13.4 billion euros to support companies with their plans for the future.
Of course, such a change also harbours risks. Right now, society and the economy in Germany are in a decade of decision-making in which the course is being set for future generations. This makes it all the more important for companies to find a reliable partner in the development bank of the federal and state governments, even in this challenging environment
Published on KfW Stories: 15 May 2025.
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