Knott
The company and its history
Innovation from tradition, worldwide. Since we were founded in 1937, KNOTT has developed from a supplier of gearboxes into a leading manufacturer of brake and trailer technology worldwide.
Innovation from tradition, worldwide
"Since the company was founded in 1937 by my father Valentin Knott sen., KNOTT has developed from a supplier of gearboxes into a leading manufacturer of brake and trailer technology worldwide. Because we always attach importance to the highest quality of work. Because we work both by hand and with automation. Above all, though, because we always take our bearings from the requirements of our customers. From the prototype through the smallest series to large series, one thing applies: we do not deliver off the shelf, we develop lasting solutions in our customers' interest."
- Valentin Knott (picture: centre)
This is what has tradition at KNOTT: solving problems in every area, tailored to what the customer wants.
The highest quality
We always attach importance to the highest quality of work, by hand and with automation alike.
Customer-oriented
From the prototype through the smallest series to large series, tailored to what the customer wants.
KNOTT in numbers
The most important facts about our company.
More than 2,000 different brake types
are produced by us for the most varied industries worldwide.
550 employees across Germany
and 2,500 employees worldwide work at KNOTT at sites in Europe, America and Asia.
29 companies in 16 countries
belong to the KNOTT group and secure our international presence.
150 million euros of turnover (KNOTT GmbH)
was the highest turnover achieved since the company came into being.
35 years of average service
is how long our employees stay, and we are proud of that.
Almost 200,000 € for further training
is what we invest every year in the qualification of our employees.
55 CNC, turning and milling machines
are currently part of our modern machinery. These include 14 automated and 5 fully automated production cells with robotic control.
20,000 m² of production space
in Germany. This is where our products are made.
KNOTT History
From the Eggstätt forge to the world's leading manufacturer of brake and trailer technology
1937
ESTABLISHMENT MKE
1937
Valentin Knott was the founder of the company at the time:
"MKE - Maschinenbau Knott Eggstätt"
Valentin Knott (20.04.1910 - 16.09.1978)
1940 - 1950
A DIFFICULT DECADE
1940 - 1950
After the end of the war, a difficult phase under foreign administration followed before Valentin Knott took over the company again himself in 1947. With success and many ideas.
1950 - 1960
INNOVATION AND NEW BEGINNINGS
1950 - 1960
New partnerships and business areas emerged from the further development of the "Fend Flitzer." With the production of axles for agricultural trailers, KNOTT laid an important foundation for today's business with axles and brakes.
1960 - 1970
FROM TUGGER TO INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS
1960 - 1970
The brake business continued steadily. KNOTT was already successfully represented, especially in agricultural technology. Continuous technical development gradually led to brake solutions for more and more vehicle manufacturers and industries.
The cam brake for the ZT transmission finally enabled the step into new areas of application: Since transmissions of this design were also used in forklifts and wheel loaders, industrial trucks and construction machinery were added as important business areas in addition to agriculture.
1977
RELOCATION OF AXLE PRODUCTION
1977
Axle production is being relocated from Eggstätt to a new plant in Regensburg.
1978
NEW BUSINESS OWNER
1978
Following the death of Valentin Knott Sr., Valentin Knott Jr. takes over the management and becomes the new owner of MKE.
1987
NEW NAME, PROVEN EXPERTISE
1987
In 1987, Maschinenbau KNOTT Eggstätt becomes KNOTT GmbH.
1994
NEW FACTORY HALL IN REGENSTAUF
1994
Relocation to a new 32,000 m² factory hall in Regenstauf for the production of trailer components.
1980 - 2000
NEW LOCATIONS
1980 - 2000
1982 KNOTT S.p.A Italy
1983 KNOTT Avonride Ltd. UK, United Kingdom
1987 KNOTT Brake Company Inc. USA
1991 KNOTT spol. s.r.o. Slovakia
1992 KNOTT Sp. zo.o. Poland
1994 KNOTT Autoflex Kft. Hungary
1995 KNOTT Romania
1996 KNOTT CZ. s.r.o. Czech Republic
2000 Trading company for trailer components in Regenstauf
2001 - 2020
NEW LOCATIONS
2001 - 2020
2005 KNOTT Autoflex Yug d.o.o. Serbia
2014 KNOTT Representation in Brazil
2015 KNOTT Representation in Japan
2006
NEW WEBSHOP
2006
Webshop for trailer components goes online.
2017
FORMATION OF JOINT VENTURE
2017
Knott GmbH and its Indian partner company Vortex Engineering Works India Pvt. Ltd. are establishing a joint venture:
KNOTT Vortex Private Limited
2023
ERP - CONVERSION, IMPLEMENTATION OF INFOR-LN
2023
A new ERP system is being introduced as part of a project: INFOR-LN
2025
LOCATION EXPANSION TO NATZING - EGGSTÄTT
2025
In Natzing, a high-performance extension site covering approximately 5,000 m² is being built, which will not only relieve the congested site in Eggstätt but also open up new possibilities.
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Knott history
Discover career opportunities at a company with tradition and a future.
