AWCI’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Alfons-Jean Knauf, retired CEO of Richter System GmbH & Co., Germany, during AWCI’s Industry Leaders Conference last month in Boston. The award recognizes an individual for exemplary volunteer service to the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry. AWCI members and chapter staff who volunteer their time and resources in support of the association play a vital role in the success of its programs, services and events.
Knauf has served as the international representative on the AWCI board of directors since 2000, as well as the Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry board of directors from 2000 to 2008. He served as Foundation president from 2006 to 2008. He also has been a longtime supporter of AWCI CARES. He was the sole supporter of the jewelry raffle from when it started in 2005 through 2017. To this day, Alfons and his company continue to sponsor this AWCI CARES fundraiser, which provides financial assistance to AWCI members in need.
Knauf has always been an ambassador to AWCI as a resource for knowledge and industry issues on an international level, and has contributed time and resources to better our industry. More importantly, he has been a friend to our great members. For instance, when members traveled to Germany some years back, Knauf welcomed them into his home.
The Knauf family founded The Knauf Group in 1932 after securing the right to mine gypsum deposits in the Schengen community in Germany. A year later, Knauf built its first gypsum factory in Perl, Germany. From its beginnings in gypsum processing along the Saar and Main rivers, Knauf has expanded and diversified to become a corporation of worldwide activities.
