Our Story
Driven by Innovation, Defined by Quality
For over 15 years, KBK has been a trusted provider of innovative and adaptable solutions in drive and automation engineering. Our product lines—including metal bellows couplings, servo insert couplings, safety couplings, torque limiters, line shafts, and locking devices—are designed for precision and reliability. Today, KBK's high-quality products are distributed in over 45 countries worldwide.
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KBK Antriebstechnik GmbH was founded in 2003 by Robert Karpstein and Bernd Brenner in Trennfurt, Furtwänglerweg #30. With their extensive experience and deep industry knowledge, they built KBK from the ground up, shaping it into the company it is today.
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By 2011, after eight years of continuous growth, it became clear that expansion was necessary. This led to a relocation to Röllfeld, Unterlandstraße 46, along with significant investments in machinery to support increasing demand.
A generational transition followed in 2013 when Robert Karpstein retired, passing leadership to his son, Sven Karpstein, a graduate engineer. While stepping away from daily operations, the senior partner remains involved, offering his expertise in an advisory capacity.
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At KBK, our dedicated team and strong company culture are key drivers of success. With approximately 30 employees, we remain committed to both our people and our community—supporting local initiatives such as holiday programs and kindergartens.
Looking ahead, KBK is focused on further expansion to strengthen our global market presence while staying true to our regional roots.
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Internationally connected, locally grounded—driving innovation into the future.
Sectors We Serve
Metal couplings are essential components in a wide range of industries, ensuring reliable connections, power transmission, and structural integrity in various applications. Below are some of the key sectors where our couplings are used:
Industrial Manufacturing
Metal couplings play a crucial role in connecting rotating shafts in machinery, automation systems, and conveyor belts. They ensure smooth operation and minimize wear and tear in high-performance industrial settings.
Power Generation
Power plants, whether coal, nuclear, hydro, or wind, rely on couplings in turbines, pumps, and generators. They help transmit mechanical power efficiently while handling high loads and thermal expansion.
Automotive & Transportation
From drivetrains to steering systems, couplings are essential in automotive applications. They help transfer torque, absorb shocks, and connect various mechanical components in vehicles, trains, and heavy-duty transport equipment.
Construction & Infrastructure
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Oil & Gas
In pipelines, refineries, and offshore drilling rigs, couplings provide high-pressure and corrosion-resistant connections. They ensure the safe transport of oil, gas, and other fluids in extreme operating conditions.
Marine & Shipbuilding
Ships and offshore structures depend on couplings for propulsion systems, fluid transfer, and hydraulic connections. They withstand harsh marine conditions, including saltwater corrosion and extreme pressure.
Aerospace & Defense
Couplings are used in aircraft engines, landing gear, and aerospace hydraulic systems to ensure precision, strength, and durability. They also play a role in military vehicles and satellite systems.
Agriculture & Heavy Equipment
Tractors, irrigation systems, and harvesting machinery rely on couplings to connect hydraulic and rotating components. They help improve durability and efficiency in demanding agricultural environments.
Food & Beverage Processing
Stainless steel couplings are commonly used in food-grade pumps, mixers, and conveyor systems. Their corrosion-resistant properties ensure safe and sanitary operation in food and beverage production.
Medical & Pharmaceutical
Medical devices and pharmaceutical processing equipment use couplings for precision motion control and fluid transfer. They help maintain contamination-free and high-precision operations in medical manufacturing.
Mining & Material Handling
Conveyor belts, crushers, and drilling machinery in the mining sector depend on couplings to handle heavy loads and harsh conditions. They provide durability and reliability in high-impact environments.