Karl Kaps Mikroskope made in Germany: Abstrakte Ansicht einer schillernden Seifenblase vor tiefschwarzem

back in time

Our History

Karl Kaps Mikroskope made in Germany: Abstrakte Ansicht einer schillernden Seifenblase vor tiefschwarzem

back in time

Our History

About Karl Kaps GmbH & Co. KG.

About KArL KAPS

About
KArL KAPS

Since our founding on 1 April 1946, Karl Kaps GmbH & Co. KG has represented precision, innovation, and quality 'Made in Germany'. What began with the manufacture of parts for cinema projectors has developed over the decades into a globally recognised high-tech company. Our headquarters in Aßlar near Wetzlar is the centre of our production and innovation.

Since November 2025, Karl Kaps has been part of the Lifco Group, and since August 2026 Mark Reinhard has led the company as Managing Director. We use the latest technologies and closely collaborate with international experts to develop products that meet the highest standards. With a global dealer network, we are present in over 100 countries.

Today, we specialise in the core areas of medical technology, as well as sports and hunting optics.

80 years with an eye for detail

The exceptional precision and attention to detail characterise every project from Kaps Optik, a quality appreciated by clients and partners worldwide.

Expertise built up over 80 years is incorporated into every bespoke solution, whether for local or international projects.

Karl Kaps Logo. Rot, mit "KAPS", und "80 Jahre". Mikroskope made in Germany.

80 years with an eye for detail

The exceptional precision and attention to detail characterise every project from Kaps Optik, a quality appreciated by clients and partners worldwide.

Expertise built up over 80 years is incorporated into every bespoke solution, whether for local or international projects.

Karl Kaps Logo. Rot, mit "KAPS", und "80 Jahre". Mikroskope made in Germany.

80 years with an eye for detail

The exceptional precision and attention to detail characterise every project from Kaps Optik, a quality appreciated by clients and partners worldwide.

Expertise built up over 80 years is incorporated into every bespoke solution, whether for local or international projects.

Karl Kaps Logo. Rot, mit "KAPS", und "80 Jahre". Mikroskope made in Germany.
Werkstattansicht: Beschäftigte an Tischen/Regalen, Arbeit mit Maschinen.
Werkstattansicht: Beschäftigte an Tischen/Regalen, Arbeit mit Maschinen.

From the cinema screen to the operating theatre

The history of Kaps Optik is marked by change and innovation. What began in 1946 in Aßlar, Hesse, has evolved into an impressive success story. From a manufacturer of cinema projectors, the company has become an internationally renowned specialist in high-tech surgical microscopes.

The history of Kaps Optik is marked by change and innovation. What began in 1946 in Aßlar, Hesse, has evolved into an impressive success story. From a manufacturer of cinema projectors, the company has become an internationally renowned specialist in high-tech surgical microscopes.

The key to success lies in the ability to perceive challenges as opportunities and transform them into innovative solutions. With meticulous attention to detail and extensive experience, Kaps develops bespoke products that are appreciated globally. Since 1946, one principle has been central: innovations must provide genuine benefits.

The key to success lies in the ability to perceive challenges as opportunities and transform them into innovative solutions. With meticulous attention to detail and extensive experience, Kaps develops bespoke products that are appreciated globally. Since 1946, one principle has been central: innovations must provide genuine benefits.

Made in Germany since 1946

Made in Germany since 1946

Aßlar near Wetzlar is the heart of our company and a symbol of uncompromising quality. Karl Kaps is deeply rooted in the region. Many employees continue a family tradition that has been associated with Kaps across generations. This commitment is reflected in the precision and reliability of our products. We not only invest in regional jobs but also ensure our high-quality standards for the long term.

Eine Gruppe von Fachleuten der Firma Karl Kaps steht auf einer Treppe. Microscopes made in Germany.
Eine Gruppe von Fachleuten der Firma Karl Kaps steht auf einer Treppe. Microscopes made in Germany.
1 April 1946

Company Foundation

Company Foundation

In the post-war years, Karl Kaps laid the foundation for the company. Initially, the focus was on manufacturing precision parts for the then booming cinema industry.

Person presents Karl Kaps "Microscopes made in Germany" to professional.
Person presents Karl Kaps "Microscopes made in Germany" to professional.
1948

Expansion of the portfolio

Expansion of the portfolio

Shortly after the company was founded, Karl Kaps expanded the product portfolio and entered the field of optical instruments. School and laboratory microscopes became a key pillar of the business.

Shortly after the company was founded, Karl Kaps expanded the product portfolio and entered the field of optical instruments. School and laboratory microscopes became a key pillar of the business.

Display of Karl Kaps Microscopes made in Germany. Microscopes on display, poster visible in background.
Display of Karl Kaps Microscopes made in Germany. Microscopes on display, poster visible in background.
1955

Start of production of riflescopes

Start of production of riflescopes

By starting the production of telescopic sights, Karl Kaps tapped into a new market. This decision marked the beginning of the company's successful development in the hunting and sports optics sector.

Karl Kaps professional drawing a diagram, with "Microscopes made in Germany".
Karl Kaps professional drawing a diagram, with "Microscopes made in Germany".
1960

Manufacture of laboratory equipment for film and image development

Manufacture of laboratory equipment for film and image development

In the 1960s, Karl Kaps expanded his expertise in optics and began manufacturing laboratory equipment for film and image development. These products were utilised in research facilities and laboratories.

In the 1960s, Karl Kaps expanded his expertise in optics and began manufacturing laboratory equipment for film and image development. These products were utilised in research facilities and laboratories.

Ein Profi arbeitet an einer Werkbank mit Karl Kaps "Microscopes made in Germany".
Ein Profi arbeitet an einer Werkbank mit Karl Kaps "Microscopes made in Germany".
Nineteen seventy-nine

Development and production of medical technology products

Development and production of medical technology products

A pivotal moment in the company's history: Karl Kaps unveiled the first prototype of a surgical microscope. This marked the beginning of the successful development and production of medical technology products.

Lifco Group logo
Lifco Group logo
November 2025

Part of the Lifco Group

Part of the Lifco Group

Since November 2025, Karl Kaps has been part of the Lifco Group. Development and production remain in Aßlar, and our quality made in Germany stays the same.

Since November 2025, Karl Kaps has been part of the Lifco Group. Development and production remain in Aßlar, and our quality made in Germany stays the same.

Mark Reinhard, Managing Director of Karl Kaps GmbH & Co. KG
Mark Reinhard, Managing Director of Karl Kaps GmbH & Co. KG
August 2026

Mark Reinhard takes over as Managing Director

Mark Reinhard takes over as Managing Director

On 1 August 2026, Mark Reinhard takes over as Managing Director of Karl Kaps GmbH & Co. KG. Many customers and partners already know him from his 18 years with the company. His goal: to be an even more agile, innovative and customer-focused partner by your side.

Booth for Karl Kaps Microscopes made in Germany.
Booth for Karl Kaps Microscopes made in Germany.
Today

One of the world's leading providers of medical technology and optical products

One of the world's leading providers of medical technology and optical products

Today, Karl Kaps is a globally operating company known for its high-quality medical technology and optical products. Continuous innovation and the highest quality standards have made us a leading provider.

Today, Karl Kaps is a globally operating company known for its high-quality medical technology and optical products. Continuous innovation and the highest quality standards have made us a leading provider.

A few words from our CEO

A few words from our CEO

Trust, reliability, and a clear focus on the future form the foundation of a successful collaboration. We will leverage our proven strengths, forge new paths, and act as an even more agile, innovative, and customer-focused partner by your side.

Mark Reinhard, Managing Director