Durkopp

Durkopp is a long-established manufacturer of high-precision needle bearing solutions and components used in safety- and performance-critical applications.
Founded in 1942 in Künsebeck, Germany, the company combines more than 75 years of engineering expertise in development, design, and manufacturing.
In addition to its main site in Künsebeck, the Durkopp Group operates facilities in Olomouc (Czech Republic) as well as Vierzon and Maromme (France).

Following its carve-out from the Japanese JTEKT Corporation, the Durkopp Group now operates as an independent European mid-sized industrial group.
With a clear focus on engineering excellence, quality, and reliability, Durkopp serves leading customers across the automotive, industrial, and aerospace & defense sectors.

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The Challenge

Durkopp inherited a very complex company structure rooted in the company-history of several takeovers and mergers across corporations, countries and different ERP, resulting in a cost-structure with significant need for improvement. Key factors included high product and variant complexity, inefficient structures and processes, and insufficient investments in digitalization and automation. Additionally, declining volumes in the automotive sector and a historically grown cost base created an urgent need for structural adjustment.

Our Impact

Through this transformation, the Durkopp Group is becoming a technologically leading European specialist for needle bearings and precision components. The reorganization results in a significantly improved cost structure, higher manufacturing efficiency, and sustainable profitability. The company is now positioned to respond quickly and flexibly to customer needs – from development to serial production.

Our Approach

AEQUITA is pursuing a consistent transformation strategy to develop Durkopp into a profitable, efficient, and sustainable industrial company. The focus is on reducing product diversity and concentrating on high-margin applications in order to direct resources specifically to high-yield areas. At the same time, processes are being standardized and a group-wide ERP system is being set up to ensure transparency and efficiency across all areas of the company. Another focus is on optimizing the production footprint by clearly defining centers of excellence at the sites in Germany, Czechia, and France. In addition, research and development is being strengthened in a targeted manner, with a special focus on industrialization, testing, and product innovation. In addition, AEQUITA is establishing a lean, medium-sized management culture that promotes clear responsibilities, fast decision-making processes, and efficiency. Finally, the development of a strong sales organization is being driven forward in order to achieve sustainable value creation in close cooperation with customers and research and development.