KSPG AG (formerly Kolbenschmidt Pierburg) is the Automotive sector of the parent group Rheinmetall. The company emerged in 1997 through the merger of KS Kolbenschmidt GmbH, Neckarsulm, and Pierburg GmbH, Neuss. Hence, at its various traditional locations the company is commonly known as Kolbenschmidt or Pierburg. Over 30 production plants in Europe, the Americas, Japan, India and China employ a total workforce of around 11,500.