Article written by Sandra Küchler (Druck and Medien)
The Werkstätten Karthaus (Karthaus Workshops) offers people with disabilities not only job opportunities, but also new prospects and security. In 2017, the company, keen to adopt modern printing technology and transition from screen printing, chose a Mimaki printer.
Activities in Werkstätten Karthaus go beyond printing, also promoting creative work and individual development. Wooden board games, personalised candles, calendars and event-related printed materials are produced here in a calm, supportive and stress-free environment by a workforce primarily made up of individuals with mental disabilities.
From screen printing to digital printing
Site manager Thomas Krümpel, who is both a trained automotive mechanic and occupational therapist, also has, like all employees, technical and handicraft skills, as well as teaching qualifications. The printing department, which is affiliated with a candle manufacturer, employs 36 people. Five or six of them alternately operate the new Mimaki printing machine, a UV-LED flatbed printer – the UJF-6042MkII e.
“We started screen printing over 30 years ago,” says Thomas Krümpel. At the start, three machines were used to print our own products, but screen printing posed challenges for workshop employees in that even a small mistake in the colouration could make the entire production run unusable. “The amount of wasted material was getting increasingly high,” he recalls.
The search for a digital alternative began at the FESPA 2017 trade fair. The following requirements were set: the new system needed to be reliable, user-friendly, suitable for children’s toys, and affordable. The crucial advice came from the specialist retailer Modico Graphic Systems, which not only recommended the right printing system, but also provided comprehensive training.
“Modico Graphics is a very socially minded company,” emphasises Krümpel. “They continue to support us far beyond the initial setup.”
Upgrading the print room
The first step was investing in matrix digital printing systems. Soon after, the entire printing room was upgraded, again with extensive advice by Modico Graphics. Ultimately, the Mimaki UV LED flatbed printer (UJF-6042MkII e) was chosen, which crucially offered a closed system that prevents operators from accidentally reaching into the machine.
“We were able to do test print runs and were immediately impressed,” says Krümpel. Thanks to the Favorites function, once created, saved print jobs can be retrieved and reproduced at the touch of a button. The use of stencils also simplified operation, helping employees achieve successful results quickly.
The printing system operates with four piezoelectric drop-on-demand print heads in an offset arrangement. The print area is 420 x 610 millimetres, with a maximum medium thickness of 153 millimetres. The printing system is controlled by Mimaki’s Rasterlink 7 software, which offers advanced PDF support, variable data printing options and jig barcodes. The scratch-resistant UV ink adheres to plastic, metal, glass, wood and paper, drying instantly during printing.
The system also comes with several innovative core technologies, including the nozzle check unit, which automatically detects clogged nozzles and suggests cleaning them. The nozzle recovery system compensates for failed nozzles to ensure consistent print quality, while the automatic cleaning function automatically keeps the print heads clean and extends their service life. To improve ink usage, the Mimaki Circulation Technology prevents ink deposits and ensures uniform colour quality.
In addition, the system is also highly energy-efficient, with LED technology reducing power consumption and environmental impact. This means that Werkstätten Karthaus can carry out sustainable production, while operating cost-effectively.
Discover the UJF MkII e series, our UV LED flatbed printer:
Products and orders
The printed games, calendars, figures and candles are distributed via Werkstätten Karthaus’ online shop and through various resellers. Additional orders often come through word of mouth, and new product ideas are constantly generated by the team. Thanks to the Mimaki system’s precise printing technology, fine details can be implemented, which hugely expands the creative opportunities on offer.
Regional companies also place orders, valuing both the high quality and the social impact of their collaboration. These include advertising materials and exclusive gifts for customers.
Working with a beneficial perspective
For people with mental disabilities, Werkstätten Karthaus is more than just a workplace; they provide structure, care and community. A fixed daily routine with clear work processes helps foster a feeling of security. Social activities such as shared lunches or breaks are also integral to the experience. The ultimate aim is to help the employees get integrated into the primary labour market, often through internships.
Many of the employees particularly appreciate the quiet working atmosphere and support from the team. The focus isn’t on peak performance, but on nurturing individual skills and personal development.
Every two years, Werkstätten Karthaus invites the public to an open house called “Autumn Magic”. This is an opportunity to demonstrate the Workshops’ achievements and dispel prejudices. The next “Autumn Magic” event will take place on 6 and 7 September 2025.
A place of opportunities
Werkstätten Karthaus is part of the Anna-Katharinenstift, a Catholic institution involved in the rehabilitation of adults with mental, physical or emotional disabilities. The patron saint, Anna Katharina Emmerick, was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2004.
Founded in 1921 by the Catholic Care Association for Girls, Women and Children (now the Sozialdienst katholischer Frauen Gesamtverein, or SkF), the institution originally served at-risk women and girls. It later expanded to include people with disabilities, and since 1989, men have also been welcomed. The affiliated Werkstätten Karthaus in Weddern and the branch workshops in the Dülmen-Dernekamp industrial estate now offers more than 500 people with disabilities a secure job.
The Workshops has fostered many success stories. Some employees have gained confidence by working in the workshops and in the printing works and have taken the next step into regular employment. Others view the safe environment as valuable support, offering them stability in their everyday life.
Thomas Krümpel and his team are proud to offer their employees not only a task, but real hope for the future. “There’s always something going on,” he says. “No two days are the same; it’s such fun.” After a pause, he adds, “There’s nothing quite like experiencing the heartfelt gratitude of others.”
