From the Barn to the Charging Station – Intelligent Energy Use
Interview with Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Kulke, Founder and Managing Director of alcona Automation GmbH
Agriculture is under pressure – economically, politically, and socially. At the same time, electromobility is booming, and the energy transition demands innovative solutions. It is precisely at these interfaces that alcona Automation GmbH from Beckum positions itself. With intelligent control and automation technology for barn installations, charging solutions for electric vehicles, and battery storage, the company demonstrates how medium-sized innovative power works in practice. Founder and Managing Director Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Kulke has shaped a dynamic company with three clearly defined business areas from a niche product.
"Originally, we come from agriculture," explains Andreas Kulke. The impetus for founding came from his personal circle – a farmer friend asked him for an alarm system for his pigsty. The search for a suitable solution was disappointing: "There was nothing sensible – that was the starting point." The first alcona system alerted directly via telephone – at the time, a real breakthrough. The Chamber of Agriculture was enthusiastic, and the company was founded soon after.
From Pigsties to Charging Stations
But it didn't stop with alarm technology. "I saw that many devices in the barn worked side by side, but not together. We wanted to change that," says Andreas Kulke. This led to the development of a comprehensive system: climate computers, alarm systems, frequency converters – all with a uniform operating concept and capable of being networked. Parallel to this, the company recognized the potential of electric mobility early on. alcona started developing its own charging stations as early as 2018. The market entry was successful with some tailwinds: "Our accountant laughed when I showed him our first wallbox – today he celebrates our success with us", recalls Andreas Kulke. alcona is particularly successful in collaborating with municipal utilities and energy suppliers, who order via networks throughout Germany. The company consciously positions itself in the premium segment – with custom solutions and individual appearance. One example: For the Malteser Aid Service, alcona equips 750 locations with around 4,000 charging points – including planning and installation. "Sometimes we drive the excavator all the way to Lake Constance because customers rely on our quality," reports the managing director.
Energy Storage as a Third Pillar
Another area of growth emerged with the energy crisis: battery storage. The background: operators of older photovoltaic systems lose their feed-in tariffs after 20 years. This makes it attractive to use electricity directly – for example, through storage. alcona developed its own solution, which took three years to develop. "This was our most complex project to date - with TÜV, VDE and many other certifications," says Andreas Kulke. The solution combines PV systems with dynamic electricity price management. Based on AI forecasts of the Leipzig power exchange, the most cost-effective time for electricity intake is calculated. "This is not only sustainable, but also economically interesting," emphasizes the managing director.
Rooted regionally, connected digitally
About 20 employees work at the company - including trainees and external developers. Production, development, and distribution are all carried out at the Beckum site. "We try to source as much as possible regionally - even our circuit boards are assembled in Germany," says Andreas Kulke.
Despite the success, the shortage of skilled workers remains a challenge. To remain visible as an employer, alcona relies on social media through an external agency and targeted TV campaigns - for example, during prime time on Bauer sucht Frau. "This is how we directly reach our target audience," says the managing director. alcona shows how a medium-sized company can successfully reinvent itself - with technical expertise, a feel for markets, and a clear vision. "We have three stable business sectors. If one weakens, the others support the company," says Andreas Kulke.