The German refrigeration contractors’ association VDKF held its annual meeting in Münster from 16 to 18 April, combining a technical conference, a members’ assembly and a social programme. The main outcomes were the election of two new vice presidents, the farewell and recognition of two outgoing vice presidents, and the presentation of the Josef-Biber merit badge.
Ahead of the assembly, VDKF hosted a free technical conference for members, invited guests and the trade press. Topics included the EPBD, DIN EN 378, the PFAS ban, Germany’s ChemKlimaschutzV and refrigerant circular economy. According to the association, each presentation was followed by in-depth discussion.
The members’ assembly took place on 17 April at the Mövenpick Hotel in Münster. After opening remarks by VDKF Managing Director Marcel Rehder, VDKF President Karl-Heinz Thielmann and VDKF Administrative Council spokesperson Burkhard Dunst, the participants also heard greetings from Münster Mayor Angelika Stähler and Westfalen Group CEO Dr. Thomas Perkmann. VDKF said it remained in a secure financial position and generated another surplus in 2025.
During the event, the association honoured long-standing members and also recognised long-time VDKF legal counsel Thomas Heuser, who had to end his work for the association for health reasons. The Josef-Biber merit badge was awarded to Dr.-Ing. Rainer M. Jakobs for what VDKF described as his outstanding services to the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. The laudatory speech was delivered by DKV Managing Director Carmen Stadtländer.
VDKF also bid farewell to its long-serving vice presidents Kai-Michael Kuder, who served 17 years, and Reinhard Jeschkeit, who served 21 years. Their successors, Lars Kratzenberg from the Baden-Württemberg regional association and Markus Freund from the Hesse regional association, were elected without any votes against them. The meeting concluded with a presentation by Dr.-Ing. Christian Vehring of RWTH Aachen titled “Making climate protection targets achievable together.”
