Innovation driver in
refrigeration technology
For four generations, the Plersch family has been working to further expand the dynamic and innovative company and to continue being a competent advisor, qualified solution provider and reliable partner for its customers worldwide.
Innovation drivers in refrigeration
technology for four generations
We are grateful for our long company history. When Richard Plersch began designing and producing components and systems for refrigeration technology in 1923, no one could have imagined that it would become an internationally operating company with great innovative strength.
Since 2020, Caroline Walleter-Plersch, representing the fourth generation of the family, has taken over sole management of the company.
Since our founding, we have gratefully looked back on rapid and healthy growth, increasing internationalization, and the development of new business areas. The foundations for a successful future have been laid – together with our customers, partners, and employees.
A journey through the company's history
KTI India
2026
Flake ice plants
2023
KTI Egypt is founded.
With KTI Egypt as our sales and service
branch, we support our customers in the
northeastern part of Africa .
2022
KTI Senegal is founded.
The CTI Senegal is founded as a gateway to West Africa .
2021
The KTI CryoMed ULT Container is being launched on the market.
With its cryogenic storage container capable of temperatures as low as -110°C, KTI is breaking new ground. The KTI CryoMed division offers solutions for storing temperature-sensitive substances , using air as the refrigerant.
2021
The next generation
With Caroline Walleter-Plersch, the fourth generation of the family joins the company. She takes over sole management.
2020
KTI South Africa is founded
The KTI South Africa ensures service in southern Africa.
2019
The largest KTI project was successfully completed.
The largest project in the company's history is successfully completed. A total of 40 containers with equipment (or components) are installed, which are needed for the production of temperature-controlled concrete for the construction of a dam in Laos.
2016
KTI enters the fish refrigeration market.
Our ice plants, ice storage facilities, and ice handling systems are used in the fishing industry. The ice is either taken to sea for cooling fish or added on land.
2015
KTI produces the Snowmaster.
Today known as snowPRO , KTI has been producing snowmaking systems for above-freezing temperatures since 2014. Until 2020, KTI exclusively developed, built, and maintained such systems – known as SnowFactory – for the company TechnoAlpin.
2014
KTI enters the field of cooling for underground mining.
The first large-scale mine cooling system is being delivered. The ice from the KTI plants is crucial for safety and makes working underground possible in the first place.
2013
Ice systems for cooling chemical reactions are being installed.
KTI is delivering the first ice plant to the chemical industry , which uses ice to cool exothermic reactions. Our specialists were able to implement the high standards required for such plants in the plant's design.
2012
The first silo cooling system is being built.
With silo cooling systems , KTI is breaking new ground in tempering concrete.
2012
KTI do Brazil is being established to serve South America.
The KTI do Brasil aims to address the ongoing development of modern infrastructure that requires concrete tempering systems. Service and spare parts are key to success, a requirement also met here with a branch office.
2012
KTI Concrete Cooling in South America
In South America, concrete cooling systems are becoming increasingly important as infrastructure develops . The construction of the Angra III nuclear power plant in Brazil was a flagship project.
2011
The company Sauter is being bought by Belimed.
KTI is expanding its portfolio to include concrete heating systems. This makes KTI the world's only supplier of systems for producing temperature-controlled concrete at ambient temperatures ranging from -20°C to +50°C . To achieve this, Belimed is acquiring SAUTER, a company that has been successfully producing concrete heating systems since 1972, and integrating it into KTI.
2010
Delivery of the first PLIP ice rink system
Following Abu Dhabi, the first panel ice rink system was delivered to our long-standing customer Quick Mix in 2008. Using ammonia as a natural refrigerant and consuming 30-40% less energy compared to ice rink systems then standard on the market, sustainability was already a top priority.
2008
Establishment of KTI-Saudi country branch and service
Through the establishment of KTI – Saudi with a local partner, KTI now also has a local service and spare parts warehouse in Saudi Arabia.
2006
Establishment of KTI Qatar Service Branch
KTI Qatar was also founded in 2006 to provide the best customer service with local spare parts warehouses.
2006
Expansion of the production facility in Balzheim.
In addition to expanding the production areas, the administration and engineering departments are also moving to the current company headquarters.
2002
KTI and VIP founded in Dubai!
With the onset of the construction boom in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, VIP Various Ice Products was founded in Dubai. It was responsible for the distribution and production of mechanical components such as ice storage systems and ice handling equipment. Customer service was handled by the subsidiary KTI-Plersch Dubai Branch (formerly KTI – Emirates).
2000
KTI becomes a leading specialist in the field of concrete cooling
KTI is establishing itself as a concrete cooling specialist , also in the field of mass concrete production . For the construction of the Birecik Dam in Turkey, the ice storage systems, ice storage facilities, and chilled water systems were positioned at a dizzying height of 20 meters to meet the specific requirements.
1996
The company's current headquarters will be put into operation in Balzheim (near Ulm).
After the first systems were produced by subcontractors, Rupert Plersch decided to bring production in-house . In 1994, he opened the first production hall , which still exists and is in use today.
1994
First containerized flake ice plant.
With the first ice plant delivered to customer Arabian Mix, which was fully installed in containers, KTI begins producing concrete cooling systems.
1987
The founding of the CTI
In 1986, Rupert Plersch, representing the third generation of the family business, founded the company "KTI – Plersch Kältetechnik GmbH". With his strong entrepreneurial spirit, he has since established KTI-Plersch Kältetechnik GmbH as a leading global partner in refrigeration technology. KTI products stand for first-class, innovative refrigeration systems of the highest quality.
1986
The war years
During the war years, the company Gebrüder Plersch in Illertissen remained unscathed and housed the company TH. WITT Kältemaschinenfabrik GmbH from Aachen until 1945.
1938-1945
The foundation stone
In 1923, Richard Plersch Sr. began designing and producing components and systems for refrigeration technology. He laid the foundation for future generations through his focus on innovation and products of the highest quality.
1994