The Carl Friederichs GmbH in Frankfurt am Main will celebrate its 185th anniversary on 21 August 2025. The company was founded in 1840 by Heinrich Ludwig Friederichs and initially manufactured representative carriages. In 1876 his son Carl took over the business, whose name has been associated with the company ever since.
Development from coachbuilder to car body manufacturer
According to the company, the operation evolved in the following decades into a coachbuilder for automobiles. Among its clients were brands such as Maybach, Benz, Packard, and Horch. With the start of industrial mass production in
the 1920s, the company shifted its focus to the construction and repair of commercial and special-purpose vehicles.
Special vehicles and repair services
Today, Carl Friederichs GmbH manufactures bespoke special vehicles for national and international customers. These include, according to the company, armored vehicles, cash- and value-transporters, mobile banks, and blue-light response vehicles. Another business segment is the repair and painting of accident-damaged vehicles. For years the company has been a qualified and certified body shop partner for the repair of electric vehicles.
Locations and employees
According to its own statements, the company operates two
sites in Frankfurt and has one of the largest paint centers in the Rhine-Main area. The operation currently employs 120 staff from 16 nations, as well as 21 apprentices in four different trades. The management is led by Henrik Schepler and Stephan Berger.
Sustainability and regional responsibility
According to the company, Carl Friederichs GmbH invests in technology and sustainability. It is part of the project “Sustainable Industrial Area Fechenheim-Nord/Seckbach” and was awarded by the City of Frankfurt for climate protection, climate adaptation, and social engagement.
Measures include a photovoltaic system with an annual saving
of 110 tons of carbon dioxide, the installation of charging stations for electric vehicles, a green facade with bee-friendly planting, an insect meadow, unsealed areas for rainwater infiltration, as well as the use of rainwater from cisterns.
Foundations work and certifications
According to the company, the profits flow into the Heinz and Gisela Friederichs Foundation. This supports young artists, promotes contemporary art, helps those in need, and is involved in the training of science and engineering talent. Additionally, Carl Friederichs GmbH is certified according to quality, environmental and data protection standards and continually invests
