KE KELIT

What KE KELIT does

KE KELIT GmbH is an Austrian, family-owned industrial manufacturer of plastic and metal pipe systems, founded in 1945 and headquartered in Linz an der Donau (Ignaz-Mayer-Straße 17, A-4020 Linz; Firmenbuch 79534m). The company designs, manufactures and distributes innovative plastic and metal pipe systems, factory-pre-insulated pipes and casing pipe systems under more than 15 proprietary brands, including KELOX (multilayer PE-RT/Al/PE-RT and PEX drinking-water/heating pipe with PROTEC push-fit fittings), STEELOX (the world's first ÖVGW-registered flexible stainless-steel/PE-RT hybrid drinking-water pipe), STEELFIX (stainless-steel and carbon-steel press systems), COPPERFIX (copper press fittings), KELEN PP-RCT, KETRIX and KELIT PEX pipe systems, PHONEX ST and PHONEX AS-PLUS sound-insulating drainage, CLIMATEFIX/BTA near-surface thermal component activation, KETRON intelligent flushing sanitary fittings, the energy-autonomous KELIT COPTIMIZER radiator enhancer, ALOX three-layer composite pipe, CASAFLEX/NIROWELL-CASAFLEX district-heating systems, and LEXEL pipe insulation. Core technology spans multilayer co-extrusion, tool-less push-fit joining with audible/visual safety feedback, induction welding, computational-fluid-dynamics-optimised fitting geometry (KELOX PROTEC ZETA/KELIT ellipse), and self-powered electromechanical radiator enhancement; the in-house R&D portfolio comprises more than 170 patents and utility models.

KE KELIT operates a hybrid B2B distribution model combining direct enterprise sales from the Linz headquarters (sales line +43 5 0779-0, technical hotline +43 5 0779-9000) with a dealer/partner network spanning 60+ countries via country-specific localised websites (Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary and English-language editions for other regions). Manufacturing is split between the Linz facility and a Malaysian production site supporting worldwide distribution; pricing is unit-based per SKU without publicly disclosed price points, channelled through dealers and direct sales. The customer base consists of installers, sanitary/heating/HVAC trade partners, planners, real-estate developers and end users of building services — with named references including the Sternbrauerei residential project in Salzburg and channel partner BA-Bachler in Gröbming.

Revenue mechanics are anchored in hardware sales of pipes, fittings, accessories and smart/electronic devices (KELIT COPTIMIZER, KETRON), augmented by project services and planning support (online catalogue, calculation aids, application engineering). Customer segmentation is trade-oriented and broadly diversified across geography, with limited single-customer concentration risk; go-to-market relies on installer specification pull-through, digital content (multilingual website, media library, podcast, TV spots, social plugins, factory visits) and trade partner relationships. The company is privately held by the Egger entrepreneurial family, currently employs 101-250 people, and in May 2026 secured development finance from UniCredit Bank Austria and the European Investment Fund.

Name

KE KELIT

Legal name

KE KELIT GmbH

Website

https://kekelit.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1945

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

KE KELIT GmbH is an Austrian, family-owned manufacturer (founded 1945, Linz) of plastic and metal pipe systems, fittings, smart sanitary devices and pre-insulated pipes — distributed across 60+ countries and serving installers, HVAC/sanitary trade and real-estate developers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Plastic and metal pipe systems for plumbing, heating, cooling and drainage

NAICS

Metal Can Manufacturing (332431), Plastics Pipe, Pipe Fitting, and Unlaminated Profile Shape Manufacturing (32612)

SIC

Gaskets, Packg & Sealg Devices & Rubber & Plastics Hose (3050), Metal Shipping Barrels, Drums, Kegs & Pails (3412)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Filtration, Treatment & Softening Plumbing Products (IMADALAK)

Keywords

• Plastic pipe systems
• Multilayer composite pipes
• Sanitary heating fittings
• Floor heating systems
• Drainage pipe systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Linz

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Sale of pipe systems and fittings (hardware): Primary revenue from manufacturing and selling plastic and metal pipe systems, fittings, accessories and prefabricated pre-insulated pipes and casing pipe systems under multiple proprietary brands (KELOX, KELEN, KETRIX, STEELFIX, STEELOX, PHONEX, KETRON, CLIMATEFIX, COPPERFIX, KELIT PEX, KELIT P, KELIT PE FLEX, LEXEL, CASAFLEX).
2. Smart / electronic fittings (KELIT COPTIMIZER, KETRON): Sale of electronic add-on devices such as the self-powered radiator optimizer (COPTIMIZER) and intelligent sanitary fittings/drinking fountains with automatic flushing (KETRON) for drinking-water hygiene.
3. Project services and planning support: Application engineering and technical consulting services for installers and planners, including calculation aids, online catalogue, download centre and direct hotline (+43 5 0779-9000) supporting product specification.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

KE KELIT manufactures and distributes plastic and metal pipe systems for drinking water, heating, cooling, drainage and surface activation in buildings, sold through its own KELOX, STEELFIX, STEELOX, PHONEX, KELEN, KETRIX, KELIT PEX, KETRON, CLIMATEFIX, KELIT COPTIMIZER, COPPERFIX, KELOX FB, KELOX SL, LEXEL and CASAFLEX brands. The portfolio covers multilayer composite and plastic pipes, press-fit and push-fit fittings, sound-insulating drainage, intelligent sanitary flushing modules, energy-autonomous radiator accessories, and pipe insulation, supported by an online catalogue, calculation aids and a dealer/partner network across 60+ countries.

Product overview

KE KELIT is a single platform of branded plastic and metal pipe systems sold as multiple product lines under one company rather than as a unified software product. The portfolio spans multilayer composite drinking water and heating pipe systems (KELOX, KELOX-ULTRAX, KELOX-ULTRAX-W, KELOX FB for floor heating, KELOX SL skirting boards, STEELOX hybrid stainless-steel/PE-RT pipe), all-plastic systems in polypropylene and PEX (KELEN PP-RCT, KELIT P, KELIT PE FLEX, KELIT PEX, KELIT PEX RS, KETRIX), press-fit and push-fit fittings (STEELFIX C-STAHL, STEELFIX Stainless Steel, COPPERFIX, KELOX PROTEC push-fittings including the PROTEC CLIX and PROTEC ZETA innovations), sound-insulating drainage systems (PHONEX ST and PHONEX AS-PLUS), near-surface thermal component activation (CLIMATEFIX, including the FIBREPIN plastic nail), smart drinking-water sanitary fittings (KETRON with intelligent automatic flushing), the energy-autonomous KELIT COPTIMIZER radiator attachment, the district-heating NIROWELL-CASAFLEX system, and LEXEL insulation. These product lines are tightly interlinked — e.g., STEELOX combines KELOX and STEELFIX, KELOX fittings (KMP/KMU/KMW) are compatible across the KELOX pipe family, and CLIMATEFIX/BTA components integrate with KELOX FB manifolds. The company supports these products with a digital service layer (online catalog, calculation aids, download center, media library) and an ÖVGW-registered quality stance on STEELOX.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CASAFLEX:
• CLIMATEFIX
• COPPERFIX
• KELIT COPTIMIZER
• KELEN PP-RCT
• KELIT P
• KELIT PE FLEX
• KELIT PEX
• KELIT PEX RS
• KELOX
• KELOX FB
• KELOX SL
• KETRIX
• KETRON
• LEXEL
• PHONEX
• STEELFIX C-STAHL
• STEELFIX EDELSTAHL
• STEELOX

Products and services

• KELOX multilayer pipe system Core multilayer pipe system for drinking water, heating and cooling distribution in buildings, including multilayer composite pipes (PE-RT/Al/PE-RT), metal and plastic fittings, manifolds, insulated variants and smart room thermostats; designed for installers, planners and project developers.
• KELOX PROTEC CLIX push-fit connector Patented tool-less push-fit connector for KELOX multilayer pipes with three-sense safety feedback (audible click, tactile feel, 360° visual confirmation of insertion depth) and an integrated leak-detection whistle; intended for sanitary/heating installers.
• KELOX PROTEC ZETA flow-optimised fittings Patent-pending flow-optimised fittings with elliptical geometry for KELOX composite piping systems that minimise pressure loss, improve pump efficiency and reduce required pipe dimensions; aimed at energy-efficient heating and drinking-water installations.
• STEELOX flexible stainless-steel drinking-water pipe Hybrid stainless-steel/PE-RT drinking-water pipe combining a hygienic stainless-steel inner layer with a flexible PE-RT outer sheath; ÖVGW-registered for permanent temperatures up to 80°C, peak temperatures up to 100°C and pressures up to 10 bar; targeted at standards-compliant drinking-water installations.
• KELIT COPTIMIZER radiator enhancer Patented energy-autonomous plug-and-play attachment for existing radiators that uses temperature differentials to drive its fans without external electricity, boosting heat output and allowing lower flow temperatures for heat-pump operation; available in multiple sizes with associated energy units, fan units, grids and valve/side connection sets.
• PHONEX sound-insulating drainage system Sound-insulating polypropylene drainage pipe system comprising PHONEX ST three-layer co-extruded pipes and PHONEX AS-PLUS improved-acoustic variants, plus elbows, branches, reducers, fire collars, soundproof clamps and lip seals; designed to meet DIN 4109 noise and DIN 4102 fire requirements in building drainage.
• KETRON smart sanitary fittings Hygienic drinking-water fittings range including washbasin taps, urinal kits, shower columns, drinking fountains and flushing devices with intelligent automatic flushing that exchanges stagnation water on configurable criteria; integrated with IR sensor electronics, piezoelectric pushbuttons and solenoid valves; aimed at drinking-water hygiene in commercial and public buildings.
• CLIMATEFIX near-surface component activation system Near-surface thermal component activation (BTA / Bauteilaktivierung) system including TABS clamping rails, manifold cabinets, dew-point monitors, temperature controllers, plastic and stainless-steel fastening nails, and prefabricated ceiling modules for thermal activation of building components; integrates with KELOX FB manifolds.
• CLIMATEFIX FIBREPIN glass-fibre reinforced plastic nail Patented glass-fibre-reinforced plastic nail used to fasten pipe retention rails to formwork in near-surface thermal component activation systems; replaces metal nails, is corrosion-free and can be knocked off with a hammer during demolition without sparks or grinder use.
• STEELFIX stainless steel pipe and fittings system Stainless-steel pipe and press-fit/push-fit fittings line for drinking water, heating and industrial applications; part of the STEELFIX product family.
• STEELFIX C-STAHL carbon steel pipe and fittings system Carbon-steel pipe and press-fit/push-fit fittings system (CF/CP series) for closed heating and cooling circuits, including couplings, elbows, tees, adapters, unions, ball valves, caps, flanges, O-ring seals and skirting-board connection sets.
• KELEN PP-RCT pipe system Polypropylene pipe system (PP-RCT / KELEN ALU-composite) in PN16/PN20 pressure ratings for hot/cold water and heating, with associated plastic and metal fittings, valves, welding sockets and LX-SENSO variants.
• KELIT PEX cross-linked polyethylene pipe system Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe system for heating, hot-water and cold-water distribution, including PEX fittings, sanitary fittings, sleeves and accessories.
• KETRIX polypropylene pipe system Polypropylene (PP) pipe system available in TRI01 Alu, TRI02 PN10, TRI08 PN16 and TRI39 cross-piece variants with associated plastic and metal fittings and accessories.
• COPPERFIX copper press-fit fittings Copper press-fit fittings range (COF series) for copper press systems, including couplings, elbows, tees, adapters, unions, caps, flanges and EPDM/Viton O-ring seals.
• KELOX FB floor heating system Floor heating system based on KELOX multilayer pipe, including manifolds, grip rails, staples, fixing hooks, screed additives, dry-system elements, dry-head elements, aluminium cover plates, room thermostats and Smart Gateway components.
• KELOX SL skirting board heating system Skirting-board heating system (Sockelleiste) in 22mm and 28mm sizes with associated connectors, corners, end pieces, holders, nail pegs, U and L profile risers/clasps and seal lips.
• ALOX three-layer composite pipe Three-layer composite pipe positioned as 'the copper of the future' for suspended heating and cooling ceilings, combining copper-comparable thermal performance with the flexibility of a three-layer composite construction for efficient heating/cooling medium transport.
• CASAFLEX / NIROWELL district-heating pipe system Factory-pre-insulated flexible pipe system (NIROWELL-CASAFLEX) for district-heating and pre-insulated pipe applications.
• KELIT P sleeves and accessories pipe system KELIT P sleeves and accessories pipe system, part of the KE KELIT pipe product range.
• KELIT PE FLEX polyethylene pipe system PE FLEX polyethylene pipe product range, part of the KE KELIT plastic pipe portfolio.
• KELIT PEX RS pipe system PEX RS variant of the KELIT PEX pipe system for heating, hot-water and cold-water distribution.
• LEXEL pipe insulation LEXEL pipe insulation and accessories product range for thermal insulation of pipework and fittings.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80+ years of company history (founded as an installation business, now a globally active medium-sized family enterprise).
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Reichl und Partner Digital GmbH & Co KGflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerReichl und Partner Digital GmbH & Co KG (Promenade 25, 4020 Linz) is responsible for the online concept, design and realisation of the KE KELIT website (kekelit.com). It is a digital agency partner handling the corporate web presence.
• Google (Google Inc.) - Analytics & MapscoreTechnology or IntegrationKE KELIT uses Google Analytics for anonymous visitor tracking and Google Maps on its website to display interactive maps and help users find the company location. Google is treated as a data processor with EU-US Privacy Shield compliance.
• Facebook Ireland LtdminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFacebook plugin integration on the KE KELIT website enables users to interact with the social network and share page content.
• YouTube LLCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerYouTube plugin integration on the KE KELIT website enables users to interact with the platform and share page content; KE KELIT also publishes product videos via its media library.
• Google+ (Google Inc.)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGoogle+ plugin integration on the KE KELIT website for sharing page content.
• Strategic partners in manufacturing and developmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKE KELIT describes being 'closely connected with strong strategic partners in the areas of manufacturing and development' beyond its own Austrian and Malaysian manufacturing sites.
• BA-Bachler (Herbert Bachler), GröbmingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured in the Installateur TV Podcast; BA-Bachler is a sanitary, heating and solar-thermal specialist with European general representations for heating, pipe installation and sanitary equipment.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• aquatherm GmbH: German family-owned manufacturer of PP-R and PP-RCT plastic pipe systems (Climatherm, Fusiotherm, aquatherm blue) for drinking water, heating/cooling and industrial applications. Directly comparable to KE KELIT's KELEN PP-RCT and KETRIX PP product lines and a key competitor in PP-based drinking-water and surface heating systems.
• REHAU Group: German family-owned polymer solutions group with a Building Solutions division covering PEX multilayer pipe systems (RAUTHERM, RAUTITAN), underfloor heating/cooling, and press/push-fit fittings. Directly comparable to KE KELIT's KELOX, KELIT PEX and KELOX FB ranges, and competes for the same European installer and OEM channel.
• Henco Industries NV: Belgian manufacturer of multilayer composite (PE-Xc/Al/PE-Xc) pipe systems, press and push-fit fittings, and manifolds for underfloor heating and sanitary installations. Comparable to KE KELIT's KELOX multilayer pipe and KELOX PROTEC push-fit families, with similar target customers (European installers, wholesalers).
• Wavin Group: Dutch (now Orbia) plastic pipe-systems manufacturer covering drinking water, heating/cooling, and stormwater/drainage across Europe, APAC and Latin America. Directly comparable to KE KELIT's multilayer pipe (KELOX), drainage (PHONEX) and surface heating (KELOX FB) offerings and competes in similar DACH and Eastern European installer channels.
• Viega GmbH & Co. KG: German family-owned manufacturer of press-fit and push-fit pipe-connection systems (Profipress, Sanpress, Megapress) in copper, stainless steel and carbon steel. Closely comparable to KE KELIT's STEELFIX C-Stahl/Edelstahl and COPPERFIX press-fit families, with similar installer-led go-to-market in DACH.
• Geberit AG: Swiss-listed leader in sanitary and bathroom technology, including the Mapress stainless-steel and copper press-fit systems, PE-HD and PP sound-insulated drainage systems (Silent-db20), and pre-wall installation. Overlaps directly with KE KELIT's STEELFIX/STEELOX press systems and PHONEX sound-insulated drainage lines, and brings a much larger global commercial footprint.
• Pipelife International GmbH: Austrian-based plastic pipe-systems producer (part of Wienerberger) covering drinking water, gas, drainage and cable protection across Europe. Comparable to KE KELIT's plastic pipe (KELEN PP-RCT, KETRIX, KELIT PE FLEX) and PHONEX drainage ranges, and a fellow Austrian-headquartered Mittelstand competitor with overlapping DACH distribution.
• Uponor Corporation: Finnish-headquartered manufacturer of PEX and multilayer pipe systems for drinking water, underfloor heating and cooling, with a strong European installer channel. Closely comparable to KE KELIT's KELOX / KELOX FB floor-heating and KELIT PEX product lines and a major competitive benchmark in the DACH and Nordics markets.

Broad incumbents

• GF Piping Systems (Georg Fischer AG): Swiss-listed industrial-flow and building-services piping specialist offering plastic, metal and multilayer pipe systems (Cool-Fit, Instaflex, iFIT) across utility, industrial and building-services end-markets. Overlaps with KE KELIT's STEELOX and KELOX ranges in drinking-water/heating but operates at much larger scale and across industrial segments beyond KE KELIT's building-services focus.

Emerging players

• John Guest Group: UK-based specialist in push-fit and speed-fit plastic pipe and fitting systems for plumbing, heating and potable water. Comparable niche to KE KELIT's KELOX PROTEC and PROTEC CLIX push-fit technology but with a stronger UK/Anglo-market footprint and a more narrow product range focused on push-fit rather than full system supply.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KE KELIT