Another German equipment manufacturer is closing its doors: the KMS Gesenkschmiede plant in Solingen is up for sale
KMS Gesenkschmiede, a recognized specialist in the field of high-precision forged parts, has initiated the sale of its forging and machining facility in Solingen, appointing KRUDO to lead the transaction.
The decision is part of a broader restructuring effort as the German and European blacksmithing industry faces ongoing economic and structural pressures. Over the years, KMS Gesenkschmiede has supplied fully automated, high-precision forged parts with complex geometries to a wide range of industrial customers, including major car manufacturers such as Audi and Volkswagen.
Located in Solingen, which has historically been considered the center of the German blacksmithing industry, the factory represents an advanced industrial platform. It combines several automated forging lines with extensive machining and tool manufacturing capabilities, including equipment installed as recently as 2023. Over the years, the plant has been able to produce first-class quality components that meet the most stringent technical standards, reflecting the long tradition of German engineering excellence.
According to CRUDO, the sale has already attracted a lot of interest from manufacturers outside Europe, in particular from India, Turkey and other Asian countries, who are seeking to purchase complete production equipment. Commenting on the deal, Sivakumar Krishnaprasad, Head of KRUDO's representative office in India, highlighted the exceptional technical level of the company, noting that it was designed to produce the most complex hot-stamping parts using state-of-the-art equipment combined with German engineering know-how. At the same time, all machines and equipment remain available for sale either as a complete set or in partial batches, which provides flexibility for potential buyers.
The sales process is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2026, allowing for the dismantling and relocation of the equipment by the end of the year. KRUDO's responsibilities include finding buyers and assisting in the complex relocation of German-made equipment to a new destination.
Apart from the deal itself, the closure of another blacksmith shop in Germany highlights the growing challenges facing Europe's manufacturing base. While technology assets remain highly attractive on a global scale, their potential relocation outside the European Union raises pressing questions about industrial competitiveness, supply chain sustainability, and the long-term preservation of strategic