K. Walter

What K. Walter does

K. Walter (legal entity Maschinenfabrik Kaspar Walter GmbH & Co. KG) is a German precision-engineering company founded in 1906 and headquartered in Krailling near Munich, operating as the automation, electroplating, and process-development competence center within the Heliograph Holding group (formed in 2009 alongside HELL Gravure Systems, Daetwyler Graphics, Schepers, Ohio Gravure Technologies, and Bauer Logistik). The company designs and manufactures electroplating (galvanizing) systems, proprietary process chemicals, precision measuring instruments, and the CYON data-management software for rotogravure cylinder manufacturing, serving packaging, decor, publication, and embossing printing industries worldwide.

The product portfolio centers on configurable automated electroplating lines (AutoCon platform with Chrome 80, Copper 60, Engraving Chrome 60, Copper Engraving Chrome 60, and Copper Engraving Laser Chrome 60 configurations), application-specific systems (SlimLine for packaging, EconoLine for cost-sensitive operations, Pilot for decor and publication printing), and the CuMax GII acid-copper plating system. Supporting the systems are a proprietary chemical consumables family (HelioChrome, HelioCopper, HelioClean, HelioDeChrome, HelioPreCopper, HelioSelect, HelioCuMax, HelioLaser), five precision measuring instruments (Q-trac automated defect inspection, DuroMet hardness, DiaMet diameter, HelioMet engravability, MicroMet chrome-thickness), and the CYON modular software platform. The HelioGreen Process umbrella brand — ChromeXtend (REACH authorization through 2032), HelioChrome NEO (trivalent-chrome PFAS-free alternative), and HelioPearl (polymer imaging monolayer) — addresses the industry transition away from hexavalent chromium.

K. Walter generates revenue through capital-equipment sales, consumables (proprietary chemicals and spare/wear parts), licensed software (CYON), and professional services including electrolyte analysis, machine inspection, calibration, and remote or on-site technical support. Distribution combines direct sales with a global network of regional sales partners covering ~90 countries across Europe, MEA, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. Pricing is quote-based across machines, consumables, and services with no publicly disclosed price list. The company employs approximately 70 people at its ~10,000 sqm Krailling facility and operates under private ownership via Heliograph Holding.

Name

K. Walter

Legal name

Maschinenfabrik Kaspar Walter GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://kwalter.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1906

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

K. Walter designs and manufactures electroplating systems, proprietary process chemicals, precision measuring instruments, and CYON software for rotogravure cylinder manufacturing, serving packaging, decor, publication, and embossing printing industries globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Electroplating Equipment

NAICS

Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890), Gaskets, Packg & Sealg Devices & Rubber & Plastics Hose (3050)

akta.pro primary industry

Process Automation Instrumentation & Control (DCS, Valves, Actuators, Analyzers) (IMAHAHAM)

Keywords

• Electroplating systems
• Rotogravure cylinders
• Chrome plating equipment
• Process chemicals
• Cylinder measuring instruments

Headquarters

HQ city

Krailling

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Electroplating Systems: Design and manufacture of modern electroplating systems including SlimLine, EconoLine, Pilot and related automation systems for rotogravure cylinder manufacturing.
2. Chemicals and Consumables: Proprietary electrolyte solutions, additives, and process chemicals including HelioChrome products, HelioCopper products, HelioClean products, HelioDeChrome products for various plating and cleaning processes.
3. Software Solutions: CYON data-based software platform available on license basis. Modular solution with individual modules that can be combined based on customer requirements. CYON Chemistry Individual standalone variant also available.
4. Spare and Wear Parts: Carbon brushes, bulkhead sealings, cylinder sealings, clamping cones, contact grease, anode baskets, electrolyte pumps, and maintenance kits.
5. Measuring Equipment: Precision measuring instruments including Q-trac quality inspection system, DuroMet hardness tester, DiaMet diameter measuring device, HelioMet engravability tester, and MicroMet chrome layer thickness meter.
6. Services: Process engineering support, analysis services for electrolytes, machine inspections, technical customer service, repair, inspection and calibration of measuring devices.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

K. Walter designs, constructs and produces electroplating (galvanizing) systems for rotogravure (gravure) cylinder manufacturing, complemented by high-efficiency process technologies, customized system integration (AutoCon), a portfolio of proprietary plating chemicals (HelioChrome, HelioCopper, HelioClean, HelioDeChrome, HelioPreCopper, HelioSelect), precision measuring instruments (Q-trac, DuroMet, DiaMet, HelioMet, MicroMet), and the CYON software platform for digitalizing cylinder production. The company sells hardware, consumables, software, spare parts, and technical services to gravure cylinder manufacturers in the packaging, decor, publication, and embossing printing industries worldwide.

Product overview

K. Walter is a precision engineering company specializing in electroplating (galvanizing) systems, process technology, and measurement equipment for rotogravure cylinder manufacturing. The product portfolio centers on automated electroplating lines (AutoCon, SlimLine, EconoLine, Pilot) for applying copper and chrome coatings to cylinders, complemented by the CYON data management platform and Q-trac quality inspection system. The HelioGreen Process umbrella brand encompasses ChromeXtend® (regulatory authorization), HelioChrome® NEO (trivalent chrome alternative), and HelioPearl® (polymer imaging layer) for sustainable manufacturing. Supporting consumables include electroplating chemicals (HelioCopper®, HelioChrome®, HelioDeChrome®, HelioLaser®, HelioPreCopper®, HelioClean®) and analysis sets. Comprehensive services include laboratory analysis, machine inspection, calibration, and technical support. The company operates as the automation, electroplating, and process development competence center within the Heliograph Holding group.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HelioGreen Process: Umbrella brand for three initiatives: ChromeXtend (chromium authorization), HelioChrome NEO (chrome(III) electroplating alternative), and HelioPearl (polymer-based imaging layer)
• ChromeXtend
• HelioChrome NEO
• HelioPearl
• HelioChrome
• HelioCopper
• HelioDeChrome
• CYON
• HelioClean
• HelioSelect
• HelioCuMax
• HelioPreCopper
• HelioLaser
• HelioMet
• DuroMet
• DiaMet
• MicroMet

Products and services

• SlimLine Modern electroplating unit for packaging printing rotogravure cylinder production, applying copper and chrome plating baths (Chrombad, Kupferbad, Entfettungsbad, Nickelbad, Entchromungsbad, Alkalisches Kupferbad).
• EconoLine Electroplating unit for rotogravure cylinder production targeting cost-conscious operations.
• Pilot Electroplating system designed for decor and illustration printing rotogravure cylinder applications.
• AutoCon Automated electroplating line system for rotogravure cylinder manufacturing, configurable for copper, chrome, engraving and laser processing in variants including Chrome 80, Copper 60, Engraving Chrome 60, Copper Engraving Chrome 60, and Copper Engraving Laser Chrome 60.
• CuMax GII Acid copper plating system with insoluble anode technology for high-quality rotogravure cylinder copper plating.
• HelioChrome NEO Trivalent chromium (Chrome III) based electroplating process providing a non-toxic, sustainable, and PFAS-free alternative to conventional Chrome(VI) hard chrome plating, fully compatible with existing rotogravure form manufacturing processes.
• CYON Data-based software platform that digitalizes cylinder production and provides real-time process overview for optimizing gravure form manufacturing, available as a modular licensed solution (Performance, Transport, Alert, Chemistry, Maintenance, Quality, Dashboard) with CYON Chemistry Individual as a standalone variant.
• Q-trac Intelligent quality inspection system for rotogravure cylinders providing fully automated surface defect detection on non-engraved copper cylinders with automated measurement of diameter, roughness, cylinder temperature, and engravability data, plus self-calibrating capability.
• DuroMet Measuring instrument for determining copper and chrome hardness of rotogravure cylinders using the Vickers principle with high precision, temperature-independent measurement, and Bluetooth/WLAN interface.
• DiaMet Measuring instrument for circumference and diameter measurement of rotogravure cylinders with 100-320mm or 220-500mm ranges, featuring touchscreen operation and memory function using a tangential scan method.
• HelioMet Measuring instrument for non-destructive determination of engravability of rotogravure cylinders using the eddy current method, providing rapid identification of material properties.
• MicroMet Non-destructive measuring instrument for determining chrome layer thickness on rotogravure cylinders, optimized for both Chromium(III) and Chromium(VI) processes with extremely fast, reproducible, highly precise results.
• HelioClean Copper Electrolytic degreasing concentrate for steel cylinders, copper, and chrome process electroplating operations.
• HelioSelect Silver Silver concentrate that creates a separating layer for the Ballard-skin process in rotogravure cylinder manufacturing.
• HelioCopper Rapid High-speed copper plating additive for conventional plating tanks, used in rotogravure cylinder manufacturing.
• HelioCopper Classic Conventional copper plating additive for standard rotogravure cylinder copper processes.
• HelioChrome Classic Salt Chrome acid in salt form with low dust characteristics for conventional hard chrome plating of rotogravure cylinders.
• HelioChrome Rapid Rapid hard chrome plating system with makeup concentrate containing CrO3, sulfate and catalyst for faster processing of rotogravure cylinders.
• HelioDeChrome Dechroming concentrate for anodic/cathodic dechroming of rotogravure cylinders.
• HelioLaser Finisher Post-treatment solution for copper surface after direct laser engraving with Cellaxy or Digilas systems.
• HelioPreCopper Alkaline strike copper plating concentrate for pre-copper plating operations.
• Analysis Service Complete analysis service for electrolyte samples from pre-copper plating, copper, chromium, nickel, degreasing, dechroming, and acid zinc baths, plus comprehensive metallurgical testing on separated copper, chromium, and zinc layers.
• Machine Inspections & Support Technical customer service including equipment inspection, troubleshooting, and commissioning of new equipment, with support available by phone, remote maintenance, or on-site.
• Repair, Inspection and Calibration Repair service for defective measuring devices along with regular inspection and calibration services; loan units available during service periods.

Quantifiable outcome

• Chrome authorization secured until December 31, 2032 for European rotogravure and embossing industry
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• European CommissioncoreOthers · 1 January 2024K. Walter submitted the ChromeXtend authorization application to the European Commission for continued use of chromium trioxide in the rotogravure and embossing industry. Approved May 8, 2024 with authorization number REACH C (2024) 2880, valid until December 31, 2032.
• Heliograph Holding GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009In 2009, Peter Daetwyler (MDC Max Daetwyler Gruppe) and Max Rid (HELL Gravure Systems, K. Walter, Bauer Logistik) merged Development, Manufacturing, Sales, After Sales and Service to found Heliograph Holding GmbH. This holding includes Daetwyler Graphics, HELL Gravure Systems, K.Walter, Bauer Logistik, Schepers, Ohio Gravure Technologies (Daetwyler R&D Dayton), and their worldwide subsidiaries. K. Walter serves as the competence center for automation, electroplating, and process development within the group.
• HELL Gravure Systems GmbH & Co.KGmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2002Close cooperation began in 2002 with renowned HELL Gravure Systems in Kiel. Both companies are now part of Heliograph Holding, serving customers together in the rotogravure industry.
• Johannes Bauer Logistik-Systeme GmbH & Co.KGmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000Partnership started in 2000 for transport and storage systems. Johannes Bauer Logistik is a specialist in transport and warehouse systems, complementing K. Walter's rotogravure manufacturing equipment. Both companies are now part of Heliograph Holding.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Saueressig (Matthews International): Direct competitor in rotogravure cylinder manufacturing and engraving, supplying similar cylinder makers globally; competes head-to-head with K. Walter's plating and automation systems.
• Schepers GmbH & Co. KG: Sister company within Heliograph Holding providing laser engraving and surface-processing technology for gravure and embossing cylinders; closely complementary to K. Walter's plating workflows.
• HELL Gravure Systems: Sister company within Heliograph Holding and a leading manufacturer of gravure engraving systems; shares the same rotogravure customer base as K. Walter and is jointly sold with K. Walter plating equipment.
• Ohio Gravure Technologies: Sister company within Heliograph Holding specializing in direct laser engraving for rotogravure cylinders; competes and collaborates with K. Walter on laser-based cylinder manufacturing workflows.
• Daetwyler Graphics: Another Heliograph Holding sister company providing complementary gravure consumables, doctor blades, and engraving products to the same rotogravure cylinder-makers K. Walter serves.

Broad incumbents

• Bobst Group: Swiss-based global supplier of printing and converting equipment for packaging, including gravure presses; an adjacent incumbent serving the same flexible-packaging converters that buy rotogravure cylinders from K. Walter's customers.
• SurTec (Freudenberg): Specialty surface treatment and plating chemistry supplier serving industrial finishing markets; overlaps with K. Walter's chemistry portfolio in broader plating applications beyond gravure.
• MacDermid Enthone Electronics Solutions (Element Solutions): Major specialty chemicals supplier for plating and surface finishing across multiple industries; competes with K. Walter's HelioChrome and HelioCopper chemistry lines in industrial plating applications.
• Umicore (Electroplating activities): Diversified materials and specialty chemistry group with an electroplating business; competes with K. Walter in hard chrome and decorative/functional plating chemistries at broader industrial scale.
• Atotech (MKS Instruments): Global leader in specialty plating chemistry and equipment across electronics, automotive, and industrial markets; competes with K. Walter's chemistry portfolio at a much larger scale and across adjacent plating end-markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/k-walter-plating-and-processes

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 K. Walter