KEF adds tire & rubber machinery maker Konstrukta

Burgkunstadt, Germany – Karl Eugen Fischer (KEF) is targeting “organic and inorganic” growth opportunities in the tire manufacturing industry, based on its recent acquisition of cutting machinery manufacturer Konstrukta-Tire Tech (KTT).

KEF acquired Slovakian-based extrusion and cutting machinery specialist Konstrukta-Tire Tech (KTT) last December, according to a company statement supplied 12 April to ERJ.

Citing expected annual growth rates of 4-5%, KEF said tire makers rely on its machinery in the production of rubber-coated tire cord fabric and steel cords for tire belts and carcasses.

Produced at the 400-employee company’s HQ site in Burgkunstadt, the cutting equipment is sold worldwide via a network of partner firms as well as distribution and service companies in the US and China.

New solutions for clients are under continuous development, said KEF, noting among recent innovations is an application which laminates RFID chips embedded in tires.

As well as being a traditional machinery supplier, KEF sees great potential in the servitisation business model, such as those involving remote maintenance services for customers worldwide.

“They can provide immediate service in real-time, and the machine’s data is logged and documented,” noted KEF. “This creates additional synergies between remote support and remote service.”

KEF went onto highlight its position in mobility & transport sector markets, the high growth potential of which provided the main reason for its investment in Konstrukta.

“We will join forces with the company’s management… building a platform that will result in an even broader product range and client base”, said Thilo-Anyas König, a managing director at Deutsche Beteiligungs AG.

“We don’t just make machines, we also develop innovative equipment for tire manufacturers”, said Dr Jörn Seevers, CEO of Karl Eugen Fischer.

“It is in this spirit that we acquired KTT, adding another product line that will support further growth in our portfolio,” added Seevers.

ERJ is requesting further information about the acquisition of Konstrukta-Tire Tech by KEF/ Deutsche Beteiligungs.