The KSB plant in Pegnitz

In the 1920s, KSB took a particular interest in the valve and machine factory AMAG (Armaturen- und Maschinenfabrik AG) founded by Johann Hilpert in 1854. What initially began as a business cooperation eventually culminated in a takeover of the competitor AMAG which had factories in Nuremberg and Pegnitz.

KSB had cultivated a business relationship with AMAG since 1921. It also wanted to acquire shares in AMAG, as the two companies were of a similar size and their product ranges complemented each other. In 1924, KSB bought its first shares.

At the beginning of 1930, KSB held 54 percent of the shares in AMAG. For a number of years, the two companies continued to operate externally as competitors. In 1959, AMAG finally merged with KSB once and for all.

Today, the Pegnitz plant is one of the largest and most modern in the KSB Group, employing around 1600 staff. It is the pilot location for KSB’s digital transformation and metal 3D printing.

A state-of-the-art foundry and materials laboratory are part of its competence centre for materials technology. In addition to manufacturing pumps and power station valves, the plant’s employees also produce mechanical seals.