In its capacity as an engine component manufacturer, KSPG AG has been concerned for many decades with plain bearings for a huge variety of applications. An international first-tier automotive supplier and member of the Rheinmetall Group, KSPG expanded its market position in India with the acquisition of the plain bearing operations of Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd. (KOEL), Pune, a couple of years ago. In addition to the acquired activities, KSPG has been manufacturing emission-control components and pumps for the Indian automotive industry at its facility in Pune.
Commenting on the Indian market Mr. Folke Heyer, Senior Manager, Communications, said to MOTORINDIA, “Due to our integration with Kirloskar, we have developed deep interests also for the Indian bearings market. We are trying to combine the existing capacities in India with our Development Centre in Germany to bring in quality products. All our bearings are marketed under the brand name ‘KS Gleitlager’ in the country.”
The German manufacturer has developed deep interests for component business in the segments like aftermarket, agriculture and genset businesses in India and plans to intensify its role in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segments in the country. “We see India as a growing economy. With emission regulations coming up in the future, we plan to bring the products which suit the European market to this country also. With right products, we see some good opportunities to grow in the country” said Mr. Sascha Putz, President, BU Bearings, KS Gleitlager GmbH.
The introduction of new technologies in production and surface treatment, innovative development work and a clear customer orientation has made KSPG one of the world’s leading suppliers of metal plain bearings and metal polymer bearings.