The innovators of the Kaizhong Group
We develop application-specific heat exchangers, control flaps and gas generators for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems.
Our history
1950
Hermann Schaber founds the “Schaber Metallwaren Fabrik” (Schaber metal goods factory) in Filderstadt-Plattenhardt. The small family-run stamping shop mainly produces household goods, but also the first individual parts for motor vehicles from Stuttgart manufacturers.
The 1960s
In-house toolmaking and plastics production are established, individual parts become assemblies, and the proportion of automotive products grows.
The 1970s
Heinz Veigel takes over the company and steers the course towards the automotive sector. The renamed “smk – Systeme Metall Kunststoff GmbH und Co. KG” with its own development and design becomes a system supplier.
The 1980s
The development towards becoming a certified automotive supplier is completed, as major customers such as Bosch and BorgWarner ensure further growth.
The 1990s
Boom of the turbocharger – smk becomes a specialist for pneumatic actuators, supplies over 300 variants and develops its own control electronics.
Construction of a second production plant in Berga/Saxony-Anhalt.
The 2000s
Exhaust gas control and aftertreatment: smk develops numerous functional stainless steel assemblies that are still produced today in ever more advanced forms
The 2010s
Ready for growth – new construction of the main plant with its administration in Filderstadt-Bonlanden.
2015
Large-scale production of electric exhaust flaps for BMW, Porsche, Audi and Ford gets underway.
2018
Senior Director Heinz Veigel retires – smk becomes part of the Kaizhong Group.
2019
Production of brushless electric motor connectors is expanded.
2020
Transfer of expertise from automotive to energy technology – development of innovative gas generators and heat exchangers for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) units.
“Top Innovator 2020” award.
2021
Market transformation in electromobility – entry into cell frame production for battery systems.
Our commitment
Our social commitment
As a socially committed company, family welfare matters a great deal to us – especially the welfare of children. That’s why we have been providing regular support to a charitable institution with donations to help families in need since 2017.
Our commitment to the environment
The highest standards that we set for our product quality apply equally to our production processes and energy use. It is a matter of course for us to operate sustainably and to treat the environment responsibly. This applies both to our consumption of raw materials and supplies and to our waste and emissions.
We take steps to limit our energy and resource consumption as early as the product and process planning stage. We have drilled a well to cool the water we need with existing underground water, which reduces electricity consumption.
On our path towards a sustainable energy supply, we already cover 72% of our demand from renewable sources.
Our environmental and energy management is certified according to DIN EN ISO 14001 and 50001.
Quality management norms
Best quality wins a distinction – quality comes first in everything we do with DIN ISO 9001 certification
Quality management in the automotive industry
The most important international standard for quality management in the automotive industry with certification according to IATF 16949.
