Flexible managed services for Kolbenschmidt Pistons Germany

Kolbenschmidt Pistons Germany GmbH – A fresh start with flexible managed services

For over a century, Kolbenschmidt Pistons has set the standard for high-performance piston systems in combustion engines. Precision and efficiency define its products—and now its IT. When the company transitioned to new ownership, it faced a bold challenge—build an entirely new IT environment from scratch, and do it fast. That’s where Bechtle came in, designing and operating a complete IT landscape tailored to Kolbenschmidt Pistons Germany’s needs at its Neckarsulm site. From networking and SAP to the service desk, Bechtle delivered everything from a single source—customised managed services that empower independence, boost efficiency and ensure future-ready IT.

Project details.

Services

Managed Services

Industry

Manufacturing

Manufacturer

Cisco, Dell EMC, NetApp, PaloAlto

Company size

250 – 1,500 employees

Challenge.

A new chapter, and a completely new IT landscape. When Kolbenschmidt Pistons Germany GmbH stepped out of its former corporate structure to become an independent company, everything that once ran through central data centres had to be replaced: networks, servers, firewalls, SAP systems, databases and backup solutions. There was no room for temporary fixes. Every component had to be reimagined, extracted and operated by a new partner—from compute and storage to service desk, databases and SAP. And all without interrupting production. Kolbenschmidt Pistons needed a partner who could move fast and deliver a flexible, secure and future-ready solution precisely aligned with the processes at its Neckarsulm site.

What truly defines the Bechtle spirit? Three words: solution-focused, decisive and fast. In critical moments, the team didn’t just react—they delivered and that made all the difference. The collaboration wasn’t just professional; it was built on trust and strong personal commitment. Project management was structured, clear and purposeful—and that’s what set this partnership apart. Together, we turned a complex IT project into a genuine success story built on equality.

Jürgen Wege, Head of Information Technology, Kolbenschmidt Pistons Germany GmbH

Solution.

Bechtle delivered a modern, high-performance IT environment designed for stability, scalability and digital sovereignty. At its core, Bechtle’s software-defined data centre combined with Bechtle Cloud Services—a standardised, scalable platform that meets the highest standards for transparency, security and control. To handle latency-sensitive workloads on site, this cloud solution was complemented by an on-premise version of Bechtle Cloud Services. The entire network infrastructure at Neckarsulm was also comprehensively modernised, following proven best practices and a structured rollout process with a dedicated hypercare phase. In parallel, all applications, databases and SAP systems were migrated seamlessly, ensuring employees experienced a smooth transition and uninterrupted operations from day one. Beyond infrastructure and operations, Bechtle also manages the service desk and on-site support. Standardised platforms, clear points of contact and well-defined processes guarantee fast resolutions and high user satisfaction. The result is a cutting-edge IT landscape that’s secure, scalable and ready for the future, built to support everything that lies ahead.

Business benefits.

One partner, one Bechtle point of contact for networks, SAP, databases and devices.
Future-ready platform that scales easily and supports innovations like Smart Workplace and Business Intelligence.
Robust security with firewalls, backups, antivirus and vulnerability scans protecting critical infrastructure.
Smooth transition thanks to structured processes and tailored support.
Standardised implementation built on vendor best practices and Bechtle’s expertise.
Scalable growth with IT services that can be rolled out to international sites.
Tailored services aligned with processes at the Neckarsulm location.
Rapid rollout from first server to full client support.
Fast issue resolution through on-site Bechtle technicians and flexible handling.