Twin Disc finalizes Kobelt acquisition

Twin Disc, Inc., a power transmission technology provider for marine and land-based applications, has successfully completed the $16.5 million acquisition of Kobelt Manufacturing Co. Ltd., a British Columbia, Canada-based company specializing in brake, control and steering systems for industrial and marine end markets.

Twin Disc designs, manufactures and sells marine and heavy-duty, off-highway power transmission equipment. Products include marine transmissions, azimuth drives, surface drives, propellers and boat management systems, as well as powershift transmissions, hydraulic torque converters, power take-offs, industrial clutches and control systems.

Kobelt specializes in brake, control and steering systems for the industrial and marine markets. (Photo: Kobelt Manufacturing)

Kobelt, which has been in operation for more than 60 years, specializes in designing and producing propulsion, steering, thrusters and braking control systems for the marine and industrial sectors. For the year ending December 31, 2024, it delivered approximately $14 million in revenue.

Twin Disc said its global presence will expand Kobelt’s international reach, while Kobelt will contribute complementary products that diversify and enhance Twin Disc’s portfolio in the industrial and marine sectors. Twin Disc went on to cite Kobelt’s aftersales services, in-house foundry and bronze die casting capabilities featuring precision machining, assembly and testing, which will help ensure quality control.

John H. Batten, president and CEO of Twin Disc, expressed the company’s excitement at welcoming Kobelt to its family of brands, describing it as “a well-established company with longstanding relationships in 60 countries and a strong reputation that complements the Twin Disc brand.” He added that the acquisition expands the Twin Disc product offering and will enable “growth opportunities and partnerships through our global sales and service team.”

Dave Bockhold, CEO of Kobelt, acknowledged Twin Disc is “the right fit for Kobelt.”

“The complementary nature of our product lines, manufacturing capabilities and culture positions us as an integrated systems supplier for the marine and industrial sectors,” he said. “Both organizations’ extensive history, knowledge and expertise will add value and expand opportunities to our combined customer base.”