A Rich History in the Automotive Aftermarket
NK, with its origins in Denmark, has been providing reliable automotive aftermarket parts since 1950. The brand made its debut in Germany in 1988 and has since expanded its presence across various markets, riding on the wave of its continuous growth. Today, NK products are widely available throughout the European continent.
Where it all began
The journey began in 1950 when K. E. Kirkegaard founded K. E. Kirkegaard Koblings og Bremseindustri (translated K. E. Kirkegaard Clutch and Brake Industry) in Aalborg, Denmark. The company specialized in selling and renovating clutch and brake parts for the automotive aftermarket. As the business and brand flourished, so did the demand for NK parts. Being among the pioneers offering renovated clutches, NK gained significant traction in the market.
NK in Europe
The rise in demand, coupled with favourable European structural changes, prompted the decision to expand the NK brand to Germany. In 1988-89, the company underwent a name change to Nordjysk Kobling A/S, shortened as NK. Alongside, NK Autoteile Deutschland GmbH was established, building on the activities of the Wartburg car factory in the former GDR. This company laid the groundwork for the now SBS Deutschland GmbH.
By 1998, NK had set up a production facility for the remanufacturing of brake calipers in Støvring. In 2000, the company merged into OBTEC, which subsequently changed its name to Scandinavian Brake Systems A/S. NK Autoteile Deutschland GmbH evolved into SBS Deutschland GmbH and Nordjysk Kobling A/S into SBS Automotive A/S.
In 2007 SBS proceeded further into Europe by acquiring the French warehouse and operations in Chamount, which then and today supplies the French market with NK products.
SBS Automotive A/S was in 2023 acquired by Borg Automotive, another company with its roots in Denmark and the automotive market.
Today, NK stands as a well-known and respected trademark owned by SBS Automotive A/S, reflecting its enduring legacy in the automotive industry. The product range includes wear and tear parts for the automotive independent aftermarket such as brakes, steering, clutch, suspension and much more.