KUTHE SAS

What KUTHE SAS does

KUTHE SAS is a French designer, manufacturer, and installer of custom industrial air conditioning and climate control systems, founded in 1963 in Metz by Henri Kuthe and majority-acquired by EIMI Group in December 2018. The company specializes in extreme-environment HVAC — operating ambient temperatures up to +90°C, explosive atmospheres (ATEX 2G/3G, gas groups IIA/IIB/IIC), nuclear-qualified facilities (EDF 900 MWe reactors and EPR projects), military shelters, and offshore/marine installations — through two proprietary product families: the standardized EUROECO range for severe industrial environments and the fully modular BT 'sur mesure' range configured to client specifications on performance, dimensions, refrigerant, materials, and surface treatment. KUTHE operates an in-house nuclear-grade test chamber (6m x 4.8m x 2.8m, +90°C, 230V-690V, 40-70Hz) and a Category I refrigerant handling certification (held since 1998), supplemented by UTO nuclear qualification, ISO 9001/14001/45001, RGE, and ATEX directive compliance.

The business runs on a dual go-to-market: enterprise field sales to industrial clients (steel mills, nuclear operators, defense, petrochemical, offshore) via business engineers with feasibility studies and custom quotes, plus installation and maintenance services for residential and tertiary customers through certified DAIKIN heat pump installers. Revenue derives from hardware sales of custom and standard units, project-based professional services (installation, ventilation, collective kitchen equipment), and recurring maintenance contracts ranging from basic control visits to comprehensive all-risk coverage with 7/7 after-sales service. Reported revenue was €10.08M in 2023 (€8.4M-€12.0M range over 2019-2023) with a workforce of approximately 63 across administrative, design office, business engineering, after-sales service, workshop/assembly, and quality functions; the parent EIMI Group cites KUTHE's contribution at approximately €15M including export share. Named customers include ArcelorMittal, EDF, EDF Energy/NNB Hinkley Point, the French Ministry of Defense (DIRISI), BMW Concession Forbach, Porsche Centre Lorraine, FC Metz Stadium, Baudin Chateauneuf (Eiffel Tower elevators), and Tiger Word Zoo Amnévil, with active exports to 20+ countries across Europe, North America, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania.

Name

KUTHE SAS

Legal name

KUTHE SAS

Website

https://kuthe.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1963

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

KUTHE SAS, founded 1963 in Metz, France and majority-owned by EIMI Group since 2018, designs, manufactures, and installs custom industrial HVAC systems for extreme environments (nuclear, steel, military, ATEX, offshore) and serves residential and tertiary customers via certified DAIKIN heat pump installations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial HVAC and Climate Control

NAICS

Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (333415)

SIC

Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585)

akta.pro primary industry

Chillers & Cooling Plant Equipment (IMAHAKAE)

Keywords

• Industrial air conditioning
• Custom HVAC systems
• Nuclear climate control
• ATEX explosion-proof HVAC
• Heat pumps installation

Headquarters

HQ city

Metz

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Industrial HVAC Equipment Sales: Design, manufacture, and sale of custom air conditioning units for industrial applications including steel mills, nuclear facilities, military, ATEX zones, and offshore. Products include EUROECO standard range and BT custom range with various configurations.
2. Installation Services: Complete installation of climate control systems including reversible air conditioning, heat pumps, precision cooling, ventilation, and HVAC optimization for commercial and industrial facilities.
3. Maintenance Contracts: Preventive maintenance contracts ranging from simple control visits to comprehensive all-risk coverage including all services and supplies. Includes 7/7 after-sales service availability.
4. Collective Kitchen Equipment: Installation and maintenance of professional catering equipment for collective restaurants, hospitals, schools, and military facilities including cooking, extraction, ventilation, refrigeration, and heat recovery systems.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

KUTHE SAS designs, manufactures, and installs custom industrial air conditioning and climate control systems for extreme environments including steel mills, nuclear facilities, military installations, ATEX-classified explosive atmospheres, and offshore platforms. The company also provides installation and maintenance of reversible air conditioning, heat pumps, ventilation, precision cooling, and large-scale collective kitchen equipment for commercial, institutional, and residential customers. Its portfolio covers the EUROECO standard range, the BT custom (sur mesure) range, and comprehensive 7/7 after-sales service with maintenance contracts.

Product overview

KUTHE SAS is a designer, manufacturer, and installer of custom industrial air conditioning and climate control systems, founded in 1963 and now a subsidiary of the EIMI Group. The portfolio consists of two main pillars: (1) INDUSTRIAL — custom/sur-mesure and standardized (EUROECO and BT ranges) air conditioners for severe environments, covering steel, petrochemical, nuclear (EDF-qualified, EPR2 projects), military, ATEX explosive atmospheres, and offshore marine applications, supported by an in-house test chamber; and (2) INSTALLATION & SERVICES — covering reversible air conditioning and heat pumps for residential and tertiary (commercial/institutional) markets, precision climate control, HVAC optimization with Siemens web-server regulation, ventilation systems, large-scale collective catering (grande cuisine) equipment, and 7/7 after-sales and maintenance services with preventive maintenance contracts. The company holds RGE certification, ISO 9001/14001/45001, UTO nuclear qualification, and ATEX directive compliance. Annual revenue is approximately €10–12 million with 63 employees.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Gamme EUROECO (Standard Industrial Air Conditioning Range) Standard range of industrial air conditioners designed for severe environments (steel mills, high temperatures up to 90°C, vibrations, dusty or salty air), available in monobloc and split-system versions for cabins, beams, and crane-operator shelters on overhead cranes and gantry cranes.
• Gamme BT (Custom Industrial Air Conditioning Range) Custom 'sur mesure' (made-to-order) industrial air conditioners with modular configuration of performance, dimensions, refrigerant, configuration (vertical, horizontal, split, single or multi-post), bodywork material (painted steel, stainless steel, aluminum), surface treatment, and electrical equipment. Characterized as the 'haute couture, cousu main' (custom-tailored) offering.
• Climatiseur Nucléaire (Nuclear Air Conditioning Systems) Custom-designed air conditioners for nuclear facilities, including SDM (Salle Des Machines) beam and cabin air conditioners for EDF 900 MWe reactors (Gravelines, Blayais, Dampierre, Bugey) and qualified equipment for EPR Hinkley Point projects. Tested in-house in a chamber up to +90°C, 50/60Hz, and 3~230V to 3~500V.
• Climatiseur Militaire (Military Air Conditioning Systems) Custom air conditioning systems for military applications including shelters, command cabins, radar enclosures, and mobile field hospitals. Built to withstand extreme conditions including parachute-drop vibration, off-road vehicle vibration, extreme temperatures (-32°C to +55°C), and NBC protection requirements. Includes split systems, monobloc systems, and mobile deployable structures.
• Climatiseur ATEX (Explosion-Proof Air Conditioning) Custom-built and series explosion-proof air conditioners complying with ATEX directives for explosive atmospheres, available in categories 2G and 3G, gas groups IIA, IIB, IIC, and temperature classes T1 to T4. Configurations include split systems, monobloc units, and all-stainless steel models for petrochemical analyzer shelters. Uses R-515B (Solstice N15) refrigerant for extreme ambient temperatures above +60°C. Series range commercialized in partnership with ARTIDOR.
• Climatiseur Offshore (Offshore Air Conditioning) Custom-designed refrigeration and air conditioning equipment for offshore environments including FPSO, FLNG, barges, and platforms. Adapted to specific constraints such as space limitations and weight requirements, covering air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration for offshore applications.
• Climatisation réversible Tertiaire (Commercial Reversible Air Conditioning) Reversible air conditioning systems for commercial and institutional buildings, including VRV/VRF systems (Daikin), ducted invisible units, cassette-type indoor units, and chilled water production for process cooling. Applications span automotive showrooms (BMW, Porsche, Peugeot), hospitals (IRM cooling), offices, and restaurants. RGE certified installation.
• Climatisation de précision (Precision Air Conditioning) High-precision air conditioning for environments requiring strict temperature and humidity control, such as draping rooms (±0.5°C, ±2.5% RH) and thermostatic measurement chambers. Turnkey solutions including the chamber plus temperature maintenance system, with 15 JUMO sensors, FD X15-140 compliant measurements. Equipment includes MTA TAE EVO 081 production units and Caladair CTA.
• Ventilation Systems Ventilation systems including double-flow air handling units (CTA) with heat recovery wheels, fresh air systems, and dehumidification units. Notable installations include a 50,000 m³/h double-flow unit with 340 kW energy recovery wheel for a 2,000-seat zoo amphitheater, fresh air CTA for ArcelorMittal, and desiccant dehumidifiers for negative cold chambers.
• Pompe à chaleur (Heat Pump Systems) Heat pump systems covering air-to-air (AIR/AIR), air-to-water (AIR/EAU), and water-to-water (EAU/EAU) technologies. Includes ground-source and air-source heat pumps, solar thermal panels, and combination with existing boilers for backup heating. DAIKIN 'Expert Confort Habitat' certified installer offering free technical studies, thermal balance analysis, detailed quotes, and maintenance contracts.
• Climatisation réversible Grand Public (Residential Reversible Air Conditioning) Residential reversible (heating/cooling) air conditioning systems for individual homes, from single rooms (attics, conservatories, living rooms) to whole-dwelling solutions. RGE certified installation with free thermal study, detailed analysis of cooling and heating capacities room by room, and maintenance contracts. Products include Daikin Emura 2 design units.
• Grande Cuisine Collective (Collective Kitchen Equipment) Professional collective catering and industrial kitchen equipment including cooking (hobs, ovens, filtered ceilings), extraction and ventilation, stainless steel equipment, refrigeration, heat recovery, laundry/washing, self-service lines, temperature recording and traceability systems. Serves municipalities, schools, hospitals, retirement homes, restaurants, hotels, armies, and caterers. UFCF member. Projects include FC Metz Stadium prestige kitchens and traiteur cold rooms.
• Service Après-Vente et Maintenance (After-Sales Service and Maintenance) 7 days a week, 365 days/year after-sales service with 10 technicians equipped with tools and spare parts stored in 8 service vehicles for rapid repairs. Technicians are certified for mandatory leak checks and refrigerant fluid handling per French Decree 2007-737. Offers maintenance contracts ranging from simple control visits to full-risk 'tous risques' contracts covering all services and supplies.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30-40% energy consumption reduction when switching from R-227ea to R-515B refrigerant
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HoneywellcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Honeywell produces Solstice N15 (R-515B) refrigerant used as replacement for R-227ea in KUTHE industrial air conditioners, achieving 30-40% energy savings and enabling compliance with F-Gas regulations.
• ClimalifecoreTechnology or Integration · 1 December 2019Climalife proactively proposed R-515B refrigerant solution to address F-Gas regulation compliance after R-227ea prohibition. Provided samples enabling KUTHE to conduct first testing phase for transition to Solstice N15 refrigerant.
• ARTIDORcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with ARTIDOR for commercialization of standard ATEX-certified air conditioners, complementing KUTHE's custom ATEX products with series-produced explosion-proof units.
• UFCFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKUTHE is a member of UFCF (Union Française de la Cuisine Professionnelle), a professional collective catering association providing networking and industry expertise.
• DAIKINcoreTechnology or IntegrationKUTHE is certified Expert Confort Habitat installer for DAIKIN brand heat pumps and reversible air conditioning systems, and member of GTER commission (Génie Thermique Energie Renouvelable).
• ACC (Automotive Cells Company)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerACC (joint venture between Saft, PSA, and Opel) awarded EIMI Group utility contracts for France's first battery gigafactory, including HVAC systems where KUTHE's nuclear-grade expertise may be leveraged.
• CHARLES ROTHERMELminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner company in Eiffel Tower elevator rehabilitation project where KUTHE provided custom air conditioning for elevator cabins. CHARLES ROTHERMEL coordinated supplier collaboration.
• BAUDIN CHATEAUNEUFminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMain contractor for Eiffel Tower rehabilitation project who awarded KUTHE the custom cabin air conditioning contract for new elevator installations.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• Carrier Global: Global HVAC and refrigeration incumbent, parent of CIAT. Comparable as a broad incumbent with industrial HVAC capability, but KUTHE's nuclear UTO qualification and extreme-temperature (90°C) custom engineering remain a niche specialty.
• Johnson Controls: Building and HVAC solutions incumbent with industrial chiller and YORK-branded product lines. Comparable in scope of HVAC equipment and installed-base service, though primarily focused on commercial buildings rather than KUTHE's steel-mill/nuclear/military verticals.
• Trane Technologies: Global HVAC incumbent with a Thermo King-branded industrial and transport refrigeration business. Comparable as a broad incumbent offering commercial/industrial HVAC at scale, though KUTHE's nuclear/ATEX/military specialization is outside Trane's standard catalog.
• Lennox International: Global HVAC manufacturer with commercial refrigeration and industrial process cooling exposure. Comparable as a broad HVAC incumbent, though Lennox's industrial reach is concentrated in refrigeration and process cooling rather than nuclear/ATEX custom engineering.

Direct peers

• Systemair: European manufacturer of industrial ventilation, air handling, and HVAC equipment with a strong presence in France. Comparable as a direct peer serving industrial and commercial HVAC customers, though Systemair's strength is in ventilation and air handling rather than nuclear-grade custom cooling.
• Aggreko: UK-based supplier of temporary and permanent industrial cooling and power solutions. Comparable as a direct peer in industrial cooling for harsh and mission-critical environments, including petrochemical, events, and utility-scale deployments.
• Güntner: German manufacturer of industrial heat exchangers, condensers, and cooling equipment for refrigeration and HVAC applications. Comparable as a direct peer in industrial cooling components for harsh environments, though Güntner focuses on heat exchange rather than integrated climate units.
• Munters: Swedish specialist in industrial air treatment and climate control, including humidity control and mission-critical cooling. Comparable as a direct peer in custom industrial climate engineering for harsh environments (paper mills, data centers, defense), though Munters is significantly larger and more diversified globally.
• CIAT: French HVAC manufacturer (now part of Carrier) headquartered in France with a long heritage in industrial and commercial climate solutions. Comparable as a direct French peer in industrial HVAC design and manufacturing, though CIAT's portfolio is broader and less concentrated on extreme-environment custom work.

Emerging players

• ICS Cool Energy: UK-based specialist in industrial process cooling, HVAC, and chiller rental/sales. Comparable as an emerging specialist in industrial cooling solutions for process and manufacturing environments, with similar emphasis on service and custom engineering though at smaller scale than KUTHE.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kuthe-sas

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 KUTHE SAS