The Linz-based technology company is expanding its portfolio. Approximately 60 jobs have been saved.
The automation expert KEBA, an international technology firm based in Linz with 26 branches across 16 countries and over 2,000 employees, has become the new owner of the insolvent charging station manufacturer EnerCharge. KEBA announced this acquisition in a press release today.
As previously reported, EnerCharge had to file for bankruptcy at the beginning of July 2024, amassing debts of nearly 16 million euros after experiencing strong growth in recent years. An official statement indicated, “The primary reason for this was that orders at the start of the year could not be secured quickly enough, preventing a sustainable coverage of the cost structure.”
Approximately 90 positions were at risk at the two facilities in Kötschach-Mauthen and Oberlienz. While 30 employees were registered for termination, around 60 individuals remain employed at EnerCharge and now have a new employer.
KEBA’s product portfolio includes control, safety, and drive technology for machinery and robots, self-service systems for financial institutions, parcel and delivery machines, as well as charging stations for electric vehicles and heating controls. Given this context, the acquisition of EnerCharge is a strategic fit for the company.
With the integration of EnerCharge’s products and solutions, KEBA will establish itself as a comprehensive provider in the electric vehicle charging infrastructure market. The combined portfolio, which will be unified under the KEBA brand, will include charging solutions from both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) sectors.
As a specialist in wallboxes, KEBA claims to have sold over 500,000 charging stations since entering the electromobility sector, most of which are designed for long-term use where electric cars are parked, such as at home, in underground parking, or at work. Additionally, KEBA has launched DC fast chargers aimed at minimizing charging times during long journeys, for example, on highways. “KEBA can now address all charging needs for electric cars and electric trucks,” the company stated in an initial release.
Organizationally, EnerCharge GmbH will transition into a subsidiary of KEBA Energy Automation GmbH as the newly established KEBA eMobility DC GmbH. This transition is subject to approval under antitrust and competition laws. The purchase price has not been disclosed.
“Honestly, we couldn’t have imagined a better buyer,” remarked Jens Winkler, the former managing director of EnerCharge GmbH. “We have integrated KEBA wallboxes into our solutions for five years, appreciating both their technology and quality. With support from Linz, we will now accelerate the introduction of our fast charging technology under the KEBA brand in international markets while further advancing its development.”
Liquidator Klaus Haslinglehner expressed satisfaction as well: “I am extremely pleased that, after very challenging and labor-intensive weeks, we managed to set a course for sustainable continuation in the interests of everyone involved—customers, suppliers, and, above all, the EnerCharge employees—while maintaining the locations and jobs, which has been my primary goal from the start.”
EnerCharge, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Kötschach-Mauthen, unexpectedly filed for bankruptcy at the beginning of July 2024, following significant growth in 2023.
The Linz-based technology company is expanding its portfolio. Around 60 jobs saved.
KEBA’s Strategic Acquisition of EnerCharge
The automation specialist KEBA, an international technology company with headquarters in Linz, operates 26 branches across 16 countries and employs more than 2,000 people. Recently, KEBA has announced its acquisition of the insolvent charging station manufacturer EnerCharge.
The Bankruptcy of EnerCharge
EnerCharge, after years of robust growth, was forced to file for bankruptcy in July 2024, carrying debts of nearly 16 million euros. The company’s primary challenge stemmed from an inability to swiftly secure orders at the beginning of the year, significantly impacting its cost structure.
Safeguarding Jobs Amidst Transition
Amid the insolvency, approximately 90 jobs were threatened across the Kötschach-Mauthen and Oberlienz locations. Thankfully, 60 positions have been preserved as EnerCharge transitions under KEBA’s ownership.
KEBA’s Diverse Product Portfolio
KEBA’s offerings extend beyond just automation technologies. They include:
- Control systems
- Safety and drive technology for machinery and robotics
- Self-service systems for financial institutions
- Parcel and delivery machines
- Charging stations for electric vehicles and heating controls
Expansion in the EV Charging Market
By integrating EnerCharge’s solutions, KEBA positions itself as a full-range provider in the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure market. The combined offerings will feature both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) charging solutions under the KEBA brand.
Key Products and Innovations
Wallbox Specialization
KEBA has established itself as a wallbox specialist, having sold over 500,000 charging stations since entering the electromobility sector. These installations predominantly cater to locations where vehicles are parked long-term, such as homes, underground parking, and workplaces.
DC Fast Chargers
Additionally, the company offers DC fast chargers designed to minimize charging time for vehicles during longer journeys, particularly on highways. This positions KEBA as a versatile solution provider capable of addressing various charging needs for electric cars and electric trucks.
Organizational Changes Following the Acquisition
EnerCharge will become a subsidiary of KEBA Energy Automation GmbH under the newly formed KEBA eMobility DC GmbH. This acquisition is contingent upon approval by antitrust and competition law authorities, with the purchase price undisclosed.
Insights from EnerCharge Leadership
Jens Winkler, the former managing director of EnerCharge GmbH, expressed his optimism about the acquisition, stating, “We have been integrating KEBA wallboxes into our solutions for five years and value both technology and quality. With the support from Linz, we will now bring our fast charging technology under the KEBA brand to international markets even faster and consistently develop it further technologically.”
Benefits of the Merger
- Job Preservation: KEBA’s acquisition saves approximately 60 jobs, fostering stability in the workforce.
- Technological Advancement: By integrating EnerCharge’s expertise and products, KEBA can enhance its EV charging solutions.
- Market Expansion: The merger allows KEBA to broaden its market reach internationally, particularly in the EV sector.
- Comprehensive Solutions: The collaboration strengthens KEBA’s ability to provide a wide range of charging infrastructure solutions for different requirements.
Conclusion
The recent acquisition of EnerCharge by KEBA signifies a noteworthy shift in the electric vehicle charging landscape. As KEBA integrates EnerCharge’s offerings into its portfolio, it not only secures jobs but also paves the way for advanced technical solutions in the EV market. As both companies move forward, stakeholders and consumers alike can look forward to innovative charging solutions that cater to the growing needs of electric vehicle users globally.
