Sale of KS Large Bore Pistons Group finalized

The KS Large Bore Pistons Group, known worldwide for the Kolbenschmidt and KS brands, is now a member of the Swedish Koncentra Group.

The KS Large Bore Pistons Group, known worldwide for the Kolbenschmidt and KS brands, is now a member of the Swedish Koncentra Group.

Rheinmetall announced the sale in October 2022 and said the agreement was finalized retroactive to Jan. 1 following scrutiny and approval from the relevant authorities. The KS Large Bore Pistons Group is emphasizing continuity despite the change of ownership.

“It was important for Koncentra to take over the entire workforce and management team,” said CEO Ralf Remmler. “This ensures continuity in customer service as well as in the product portfolio and range of services.”

The same applies to the Kolbenschmidt and KS brands.

“We will continue to provide solutions ranging from the development and design through to the production of pistons with diameters of 130 mm and larger, and for the production of large compressor components,” Remmler said. “This applies to conventional fuels as well as to alternative fuels, e.g. hydrogen, ammonia and methanol. The ethos behind this is “to power ships, locomotives and stationary power plants more sustainably in order to make our world more sustainable.”

The new owner, Koncentra Group AB, is a holding company of various manufacturing companies based in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“Koncentra provides us with access to a larger network in the international market for large engines, especially in the marine and stationary power generation sectors,” said CFO Matthias Baumann, Koncentra. “In addition, Koncentra is helping the KS Large Bore Pistons Group to expand our manufacturing capacity, so that we can support customers to solve the impending challenges associated with green fuels more efficiently and quickly.”

With this in mind, the workforce, which is currently made up of 350 employees at the Neckarsulm, Germany, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA and Kunshan, China plants, is to be increased. The company is actively looking to add qualified employees. The Marinette plant is currently being expanded to accommodate the integration of a steel piston line and investments are being made in new equipment.