GMH Gruppe acquires Kind & Co., Edelstahlwerk, GmbH & Co. KG

The company’s integration strengthens GMH’s market position in the tool steel industry

GMH Gruppe has acquired 100% of the shares in Kind & Co., Edelstahlwerk, GmbH & Co. KG (Kind&Co). The company specialises in the production and refinement of high-alloy steels and offers a wide range of tool steels and special alloys. Kind&Co, based in Wiehl, generated sales of around 125 million euros in 2023. Its integration will strengthen GMH Gruppe’s position in the tool steel industry, particularly in the segment of hot-work tool steels, in which Kind&Co holds an outstanding international position. The purchase agreement was signed on 16 August 2024 and the transaction was completed on 30 September 2024.

Strategic growth and integration

The integration of Kind&Co will enable GMH Gruppe to tap into new market segments, expand its product range and significantly increase its service level for customers. Kind&Co’s hot-work tool steels are used in particular in die casting, extrusion and drop forging, which will diversify GMH Gruppe’s sales market portfolio.
“We are looking forward to the integration of Kind&Co into GMH Gruppe,” Dr Alexander Becker, CEO of GMH Gruppe, said. “This partnership fits our strategic goals and increases the added value for our customers. Kind&Co’s products optimally complement our existing range and expand our ability to serve the market in a targeted manner”.

Strengthening GMH’s position in the high-end segment of the tool steel industry

Kind&Co’s expertise in research and development will also support GMH Gruppe’s ongoing innovation efforts.
“Since its foundation in 1888, Kind&Co has been family-owned, with the fourth generation in control since 2000. I am therefore particularly pleased that we have found a new owner in GMH Gruppe, which is also 100% privately owned”, explains Susanne Wildner, Managing Director and, until the acquisition by GMH, shareholder of Kind&Co. “GMH Gruppe and Kind&Co share the same values and owner-managed, entrepreneurial thinking and behaviour. I therefore know that both our family business and our employees are in good hands with a company that will lead Kind&Co into a positive future”.

Advantages for customers and employees

For Kind&Co employees, this change of ownership offers the opportunity to join a larger group with expanded resources and global reach. Customers will continue to receive high-quality products that are now supported by the broader competences of GMH Gruppe.

About GMH Gruppe

GMH Gruppe is a full-range supplier of steel as a primary material, melted from scrap, through to ready-to-assemble components. It is one of the largest privately owned metal processing companies in Europe. The group includes more than 15 medium-sized production companies in the steel, forging and casting industries, which are represented in over 50 countries. With around 6,000 employees, GMH Gruppe generates an annual turnover of around two billion euros.

GMH Gruppe is a pioneer in sustainable steel production and has been accepted into the “Association of Climate Protection Companies”. Based on the recycling of scrap metal, the company produces green steel and thus makes an important contribution to the circular economy. The use of electric arc furnaces at four sites reduces CO2 emissions by a factor of five compared to conventional blast furnaces. This also reduces the CO2 footprint of the customers supplied by GMH. These include companies worldwide from the automotive industry, mechanical and plant engineering, railway technology, power generation, transport logistics, aerospace, agriculture and construction machinery sectors. GMH Gruppe has set itself the goal of being completely climate-neutral by 2039. Further information can be found at www.gmh-gruppe.de.