Since 1976, KTB Import-Export Handelsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG has stood for something that has become rare in an increasingly fast-paced world: reliability.
What began with the entrepreneurial vision of Bringfried Kitzinger and his co-founders in Hamburg was more than just the founding of a company. It was the decision to rethink industrial procurement - in partnership, globally and with a clear commitment to quality and responsibility.
Over five decades, a Hanseatic family business has developed into an internationally active MRO specialist with locations in Europe, North/Latin America and Asia. But despite all the expansion, one thing has remained the same: the inner attitude.
Today, KTB is managed by Lars Kitzinger in the second generation - with the same set of values that has characterized the company since the beginning:
Trust that has grown over decades.
Transparency that strengthens partnerships.
Responsibility that goes beyond our own success.
And long-term thinking that creates stability in complex supply chains.
From Hamburg to the world - a development with vision
The history of KTB is not a story of rapid leaps, but of sustainable growth.
Founded in Hamburg in 1976, the company laid the foundation for a specialization that is more relevant today than ever: professional MRO parts procurement in globally interlinked supply chains.
With increasing internationalization, branches were established on several continents. A global partner network was established - not as a loose structure, but as a resilient system of trust and expertise.
At the same time, KTB continued to develop technologically:
Digital procurement processes, optimized logistics structures, consolidated supply chains - always with the aim of reducing complexity for customers and increasing efficiency.
Today, KTB serves over 500 customers worldwide and brings together more than 150 employees from 26 nations. Diversity is not a buzzword here, but an everyday reality - across seven time zones.
What makes KTB special
KTB does not see itself as a traditional supplier, but as a strategic partner.
Global procurement from a single source means more than just purchasing. It means analysis, structuring and optimization of complex value chains.
Goods are checked, consolidated and quality-assured in our own central warehouse before they make their way to the customer. Financing and logistics expertise are seamlessly integrated. Language and cultural barriers are bridged by an international, multilingual team.
The result: stable processes, reduced costs, minimized risks - and supply chains that can withstand challenging times.
The next 50 years begin now
Half a century of experience is not an end point - but a foundation.
The future of KTB will be characterized by technological development and strategic innovation:
AI-supported process automation will further accelerate internal processes and minimize error rates.
ERP integration and data-based supply chain optimization will increase transparency and controllability.
Sustainable procurement strategies will combine ecological responsibility and economic efficiency.
The international presence is being further expanded - not to get bigger, but to be closer to the customer.
The goal remains clear:
MRO processes even more efficient, transparent and resilient - for an industry that is constantly changing.
Anniversary 2025 - A shared milestone
In the summer, representatives from all over the world come together to attend the KTB Seminar 2026, receive further education and training, give presentations and jointly define the Group's strategic direction and milestones.
Finally, we will celebrate the „50 years of KTB“ anniversary together with the KTB employees, their families and invited guests with music, dancing and delicious food.
We look forward to the future and see challenging tasks as an incentive to exceed expectations 😊.