As the exclusive service and sales partner of LUBE, KAA-Europa GmbH covers the entire range of services offered by the Japanese lubrication system manufacturer on the European markets. The planning, installation and commissioning of grease or oil-operated centralized lubrication systems is just as much a part of our service as the reliable supply of all system components - from LUBE lubricating greases and pumps to accessories and spare parts.

Basic data

Certifications

Our team

Milestones

2009:
Foundation of KAA-Europa GmbH

On July 27 of this year, KAA-Europa GmbH is founded as part of the “LUBE Global Network” in Wipperfürth, North Rhine-Westphalia. The managing partner is the Japanese entrepreneur Ms. Kazumi Steffens, who lives in Wipperfürth - the group of shareholders is completed by LUBE founder Tatsugoro Horikoshi and his son, Eijiro Horikoshi, who is also managing partner of the LUBE Corporation in Tokyo.

2011:
First trade fair presentation in Europe

The international mechanical engineering trade fair EMO in Hanover is the venue for the first LUBE trade fair stand on European soil.In addition to the presentation of the latest LUBE lubrication technology, the focus is on personal and professional exchange with customers and partners. To this day, we are regularly represented as exhibitors at leading industrial and mechanical engineering trade fairs - such as the AMB in Stuttgart and the Fakuma in Friedrichshafen.

2018:
Change in shareholder structure

In March 2018, Managing Director Ms. Kazumi Steffens takes over the company shares previously held by Tatsugoro and Eijiro Horikoshi and thus becomes the sole shareholder of KAA-Europa GmbH.

2020:
Opening of the new outdoor storage facility

In response to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, we are opening a new external warehouse at our Rönsahl site, which will allow us to significantly increase our stock levels. In this way, we ensure a reliable supply of lubricants and lubrication system components for our customers, even in times of global supply disruptions.

2021:
New service and sales management

Following the retirement of Mr. Jochen Bergwaldt, Mr. Horst Zettelmeier, another proven technology specialist, has taken over the service and sales management of KAA-Europa GmbH. Before moving to Wipperfürth, Mr. Zettelmeier worked in the mechanical engineering sector for more than 20 years, most recently as project manager and deputy service manager for WEISS Spindeltechnik in Maroldsweisach, Upper Franconia.

2023:
Farewell and new beginning

On August 5, 2023, our founder and managing partner, Ms. Kazumi Steffens, passed away in her Japanese hometown of Osaka. In April of that year, Ms. Steffens had already transferred the management of the company to Mr. Jochen Nölle, the long-time financial director of KAA-Europa GmbH. Since spring 2024, the sole shareholder of the company has been the Daiseion-Ji Foundation in Wipperfürth, which was founded by Ms. Steffens.