ElringKlinger continues to gear itself up for the future

As part of its ongoing transformation, ElringKlinger AG has created a new "Metal Sealing Systems & Drivetrain Components" business unit, which pools the expertise of two former units - Cylinder-head Gaskets and Specialty Gaskets. As the new unit offers product solutions for all drive types, the Group is also continuing to position itself for the future in a targeted way

The transformation of the mobility sector is progressing apace. Although many of the new vehicles manufactured every year around the world are still being fitted with combustion engines, car makers are launching more and more hybrid and full-electric models onto the market in order to combat climate change and cut CO₂ emissions in the mobility sector for the long term. ElringKlinger AG is playing a decisive role in shaping this trend with its pioneering battery and fuel cell technologies.

As part of this transformation process, the Group has now set up a new "Metal Sealing Systems & Drivetrain Components" business unit. It combines the expertise of two former units - Cylinder-head Gaskets and Specialty Gaskets - and brings their products together under one new roof.

Reiner Drews, COO of ElringKlinger AG, commented: "In taking this organizational step, not only are we pooling our skills, we are also giving the unit a new focus: besides our tried-and-tested gasket solutions for combustion engines, we will also be expanding our product range further. In the future, we will also offer solutions that cover metallic gasket systems and precision stamping and forming components for all drive types. In so doing, we are continuing purposefully along our journey toward getting the Group well placed for the mobility of the future."

The new unit's product range includes conventional gaskets such as cylinder-head and turbocharger gaskets as well as innovative components for alternative drive types. The disk carrier, which has been in series production for a German sports car manufacturer's full-electric vehicle since 2019, exemplifies the diversity of products offered by the new business unit. Unlike a conventional gasket, it transfers and transmits the drive torque from the electric motor to the rear axle. To do its job properly, the disk carrier has to withstand very high mechanical stresses and rotational speeds and work efficiently and precisely. As well as unbeatable accuracy and functional reliability, the disk carrier also brings the added benefit of being much more lightweight thanks to its hybrid design - a mixture of forgings and sheet-metal-formed components. It is with products like these that ElringKlinger is delivering technically sophisticated solutions tailored to specific requirements, including for the mobility of the future.

The new business unit is headed up by Wojtek Kolasinski, who was previously in charge of the Specialty Gaskets unit. Gunnar Deichmann, former Head of the Cylinder-head Gaskets unit, is assuming responsibility for the Battery Technology unit. He is replacing Armin Diez, who will be devoting his full attention to his role as Head of the Fuel Cell Technology unit in the future. The change to the organizational structure took effect on October 1, 2020.