Martin Kapp, shareholder and chairman of the advisory board of KAPP GmbH & Co. KG, was presented the AGMA Hall of Fame Award in 2022. Martin is recognized for his leadership and involvement in AGMA throughout 38 Years. As a board member (from 2004 – 2008) and volunteer over the years, Martin Kapp was a significant player in the association and was seen as the European representant. He supported with his staff on committees, sponsorships, industry knowledge and provided AGMA and its members excellent advice. Overall, KAPP has been a member of AGMA for 50 years.
The Hall of Fame Award is presented by AGMA to an outstanding individual or company for years of service to the Association and to the worlds gear industry. Criteria for choosing a recipient include:
- Any person, living or deceased, who has made noteworthy and specific contributions that have improved the gear industry or AGMA is eligible; a company may also be nominated for its significant contribution to the industry.
- The individual’s or company’s contributions may be related to innovation, contributions to the gear art, or industry leadership.
- The nomination can be based on the engineering achievement, invention, corporate and industry leadership, educational impact, or pioneering success of the nominee.
- The Hall of Fame should be reserved for the “best of the best” and therefore should be awarded only when the need arises.
“Martin Kapp is a true hall of famer, blessed with both technical ability and natural charm, he has worked hard to build a company that supports AGMA members’ innovation efforts, while maintaining a strong character – everyone recognizes Martin’s humble nature,” noted Matthew E. Croson, AGMA President. “We wish Martin the very best as he enjoys his well-deserved retirement, while continuing to develop the next generation of KAPP NILES leadership.”
During the event, KAPP's pioneering spirit in the mid-80s was particularly acknowledged:
“With the introduction of CBN (cubic boron nitride) as a cutting material for the grinding tools, the company was a real technology driver in the world of gear finishing. Nothing has changed to this day. Through numerous innovations and further developments, KAPP NILES makes a significant contribution to the performance and cost-effectiveness of modern drive technology.”