One of the initiators and motivators was Dr. Horst Birkmann, back then the CEO of WAFIOS.
The following companies founded the VDKM on November 23, 1988.
Five of the founding members are still active in the VDKM.
- Max Refflinghaus Maschinen und Werkzeug Fabrik GmbH + Co. KG
- Meyer, Roth & Pastor Maschinenfabrik GmbH
- August NEUHOFF – TRAXIT Chemische Werke
- NUTAP Schuhl + Co. GmbH
- Emil Jäger GmbH & Co. KG
- Ernst Koch GmbH & Co. KG
- WAFIOS Maschinenfabrik
- Association of the German Spring Industry (VDFI = Verband der deutschen Federnindustrie)
