From a classic German Mittelstand SME to an internationally oriented holding This, in short, describes the structural changes in the JK Group of companies in recent years The company was founded in 1927 by Josef Kratz Sr It was a small, family-owned cabinet making and cartwrighting business The original corporation was Josef Kratz GmbH the current holding of the JK Group of companies was founded in 1969 During the course of its 30 year history, it developed from a sauna manufacturing company into one of the world's leading companies in the sunbed industry Walter Kratz is the owner of the JK Group of companies The JK Group of companies is currently concentrating its activities on the development, production and sales of