Burckhardt Compression (Burckhardt) and KB Delta have signed an agreement in which Burckhardt becomes a worldwide distributor for KB Delta. Headquartered in Torrance, California, KB Delta designs and manufactures interchangeable original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket products such as metallic compressor valve plates and rings, ranging from 1 to 15 in. (25.4 to 381 mm), and high-performance thermoplastic compressor valve parts in PEEK (polyetheretherketone), carbon PEEK, mid temperature, and nylon, including X-Type materials. In addition to thermoplastic and metallic plates, KB Delta stocks essential compressor valve peripherals such as locknuts, center bolts/studs, guide pins, lift washers, springs, spring plates, guide rings, O-rings, gaskets, seats, guards, and complete valve assemblies.
“This distribution agreement ensures that Burckhardt Compression’s customers have access to high-quality products with short delivery times due to KB Delta’s extensive inventory and state-of-the-art production,” said Rainer Duebi, president of the services division at Burckhardt. “It is essential to have a reliable and fast parts supply for the refurbishment of compressors at our service centers around the globe or for direct sale to our global customers.”
The two companies are no strangers to one another. KB Delta has been a longtime supplier of compressor parts to Burckhardt.
“The relationship between KB Delta and Burckhardt has flourished over the last 10 years. We’ve built trust and confidence between us. This was the foundation that led us to embark on this partnership,” said George Giourof, chief operating officer at KB Delta. “This agreement will be an asset to both current and potential customers of both companies on a global level by providing more efficient product delivery, service, and technical support.”
“We are happy that we could formalize an agreement with a long-standing, trusted partner which gives our customers access to quality products with short delivery times due to KB Delta’s comprehensive inventory,” said Duebi.
The Benefits
KB Delta has been in expansion mode since the 2020 launch of the company’s global initiative, a move that put partners in place on six continents and counting (see “KB Delta Launches Global Initiative,” November 2020 Gas Compression Magazine, p. 38). A result of the new partnership, KB Delta immediately gains access to new global markets thanks to Burckhardt’s worldwide sales network.
“This shores up the areas that we weren’t as strong in internationally, and we are able to rely on Burckhardt’s expertise and reputation in the market to continue to grow our presence and our reputation worldwide,” said Giourof. “KB Delta will have an improved understanding of European compressors and valve manufacturers, and greater exposure in global regions where there is a need for compressor parts, services, and technical assistance.”
For Burckhardt, access to KB Delta’s extensive inventory of reciprocating compressor parts reduces the time required for Burckhardt’s overhaul and repair work.
“Burckhardt Compression is making continuous efforts to serve its customers faster and better on-site,” said Duebi. “Through various local acquisitions in the last years, co-operations, and agreements, Burckhardt Compression became a one-stop service organization with an unrivalled closeness to our customers. The agreement with KB Delta ensures that we can serve our customers with shorter delivery times and high-quality compressor parts.”
The acquisitions to which Duebi refers includes the 2020 purchase of Japan Steel Works’ compressor business (see “Burckhardt Buys Compressor Business From Japan Steel Works,” April 2020 Gas Compression Magazine, p. 28) and the 2021 purchase of the remaining shares China’s Shenyang Yuanda Compressor (see “Burckhardt Completes Purchase Of Shenyang Yuanda Compressor,” January 2021, www.josea126.sg-host.com). Each of those transactions strengthened the company’s presence in Asia and expanded its service portfolio in that region.
The agreement with KB Delta immediately strengthens Burckhardt’s local presence throughout North America thanks to KB Delta’s partner and service network throughout the United States and Canada.
“For the past 40 years, KB Delta has been the leading manufacturer of compressor valve parts in the aftermarket industry. With our knowledge and expertise of US compressor manufacturers, we can now share our knowledge with Burckhardt on a global basis,” said Giourof. “Combining Burckhardt’s global reputation and KB Delta’s well-established footprint in the United States and Canada will give Burckhardt the opportunity to penetrate the US market with their renowned and elite compressors. In addition to its field service business, Arkos Field Services, Burckhardt will now be able to grow market share by utilizing KB Delta’s service network as well. All of our partner companies will have the freedom to work with Burckhardt, and Burckhardt will have the freedom to deal with them. Burckhardt’s localized presence in the United States and Canada has just grown ten-fold.”
Looking Ahead
While the benefits listed cannot be understated, perhaps the biggest gain for each company is access to the other’s expertise — Burckhardt now has access to KB Delta’s component design and manufacturing expertise and KB Delta unlocks access to Burkhardt’s expertise in reciprocating compressor technologies and services.
“KB Delta currently enjoys an established respect and credibility in the United States, Canada, and some global regions,” said Duebi. “Combine this with Burckhardt’s already established reputation and high standards, we believe this will give both Burckhardt and KB Delta a competitive edge in the marketplace.”
“With the collaborative efforts between KB Delta and Burckhardt, we believe this will be a game changer for the industry as a whole,” added Giourof.
This article appears in the March issue of Gas Compression Magazine. Subscribe for free and never miss an issue. Print, digital, or both, you choose your preferred delivery method.
