kothes: We make technical writing successful

Our mission

People need to be able to quickly understand and reliably apply technical information in specific situations, such as when operating, maintaining or further developing a product. That is why we regard information as part of the entire product life cycle and not as documents that are created once.

At the same time, technical information must be managed cost-effectively for our customers. It should be possible to create, maintain and reuse it efficiently, and to make it available through appropriate channels. In this way, they safeguard knowledge, reduce the number of enquiries and service efforts, and sustainably improve information processes.

Our strength lies in bringing together different perspectives and areas of expertise. kothes is not simply a traditional technical documentation team, nor is it solely a consultancy, translation service or software provider. We want to develop solutions that stand the test of time and can be further developed in line with our customers' requirements.

Drei Personen in Businesskleidung posieren lächelnd in einem Büroflur für ein Teamfoto.

Lars Kothes, Lisa-Marie Baldus, Manuel Welter (from the left)

Family-run. Always has been.

kothes was founded by Lars Kothes and is now managed by Lars Kothes, Lisa-Marie Baldus and Manuel Welter. This allows us to combine the continuity provided by our founder with the fresh perspective of the next generation and the wealth of experience within the company.

kothes is independent and not backed by private equity. Its ownership structure is geared towards the long term: 85 percent of the shares are held by kothes Holding, which is owned by the Kothes family, and 15 percent are held by M Welter Holding, which is owned by Manuel Welter.

This independence gives us room to manoeuvre. We can invest in people, quality, processes and technology without having to align our strategy with the short-term return expectations of external investors. For our customers, this means that decision-making and accountability go hand in hand.

Großes Gruppenfoto von Mitarbeitenden vor einem Gebäude; einige stehen, andere knien in der ersten Reihe und schauen in die Kamera.

Information is our passion

Around 150 people with different professional backgrounds work at kothes: From engineering and other technical disciplines, from didactics, pedagogy, the sciences, language and communication. Career changers have also been part of kothes for a long time.

This mix is intentional. Good technical information requires technical understanding – but also linguistic clarity, analytical thinking, curiosity and the ability to adopt the perspective of future users. Our many locations remain important hubs for face-to-face interaction and collaborative work.

For our customers, this means we can draw on expertise across all our locations to assemble the right team for each project. Clear responsibilities, accessible points of contact, coordinated processes and transparent quality assurance help us deliver the reliability our customers expect.

Frau klebt Notizzettel an eine Glaswand und plant Aufgaben in einem hellen Büro.

Not every project calls for the same solution

We add particular value when technical information is expected to do more than simply serve as a finished document: When expertise from specialist departments needs to be brought together, content must be maintained over many years or information needs to be delivered in multiple languages and across multiple channels.

At the same time, we keep costs firmly in view. We standardise appropriate processes, reuse content and make use of suitable systems, automation and, where appropriate, AI. This is how we work efficiently and ensure quality. For us, the key is achieving the right balance between cost, quality and results.

Good technical information is built through collaboration. We take responsibility for our part and, to do so, need ready access to specialist knowledge, clear points of contact and a willingness to make decisions.

The kothes standard

The true measure of quality is how effectively information supports people in their work.

For us, high-quality technical information must be more than technically accurate: It must be clear, reliable, easy to find and useful in the context in which it is used.

Reliable

Information must accurately reflect the technical interrelationships and be aligned with the requirements of the product.

Clear

Content must be worded and structured so that its intended users can understand and apply it with confidence.

Fit for purpose

Information must be available where and when it is needed, and in the right format.

Sustainable

Good information must be easy to update, reuse, translate and deliver efficiently through appropriate channels.

Managing Director Manuel Welter hält Präsentation mit Mikrofon vor kothes Team in einem Meetingraum.

What drives us

We are convinced that technical information makes a real difference

Technical information can reduce risks, simplify servicing, preserve knowledge, support effective product use and help businesses work more efficiently. That is why we see it not as a mere by-product, but as a valuable part of the product and the way it is used.

This is what we want to be judged by: Not by general promises, but by whether information becomes clearer, more reliable and easier for our customers and their users to access.

If technical information in your organisation is not working as it should, talk to us. Together, we can identify the underlying challenge and establish whether kothes is the right partner to help address it.

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We make technical writing successful

Owner-managed and independent, we combine editorial expertise, technical understanding and digital competence. At kothes, we create technical information that provides people with clear, reliable guidance and delivers long-term value for our customers.