The partnership will help USA and Europe innovate together
German technical mesh solutions provider GKD has partnered with UK-based knitted wire mesh manufacturer KnitMesh have entered a strategic partnership to share their knowledge on hydrogen and mobility markets.
The company's strengths will be put together to create a competitive advantage in the market, having an expanded product portfolio and an improved value chain, with the focus being on European and American markets.
Hydrogen-based applications will be the biggest beneficiary of this partnership, especially in alkaline electrolysis. A complete solution can now be offered using technical meshes from GKD for electrodes and knitted wire mesh from KnitMesh Technology for elastic elements. The partnership now also allows for bipolar plates and full electrolyser cell assemblies to be part of their range.
Dirk Leibel, key market manager of energy and mobility at GKD Group, said: “Both companies can contribute their respective strengths to the cooperation: GKD as an expert in wire mesh and technological weaving solutions, KnitMesh as a leading supplier of knitted wire mesh. We have different areas of expertise in the processing of wire – we bring them together. As a complete solution provider, we make it easier for our customers and can serve their requirements even better.”
The mobility sector can also take advantage of the partnership, as both companies already provide a range of solutions to this market. Vehicle components using all forms of mesh elements, which are optimised with knitted wire mesh and vice versa, can benefit from the increased range of suppliers and manufacturers, with the partnership expanding its product portfolio to incorporate partners solutions.
Peter Evans, managing director at KnitMesh Technologies, said: “Through our strategic partnership with GKD, we are thrilled to combine the capabilities of KnitMesh Technologies as the leading knitted wire mesh manufacturer with GKD's position as the leading woven wire mesh manufacturer. This collaboration will deliver a comprehensive line of knitted and woven wire mesh products, including multi component assemblies, setting a new standard for our industry. Our teams share a commitment to excellence, and we are confident that our customers will benefit greatly from our combined expertise and capabilities.”
Close co-operation in customer service and market development is also part of the plan for the partnership, with sales staff in both companies being prepared for the expanded product portfolio through a training programme. World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, May 20th to 22nd 2025, will be the first public appearance of the partnership.
