Twin Disc Subsidiary Katsa Invests in New Assembly Plant to Meet Rising Global Demand
TAMPERE, FINLAND, OCT. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Twin Disc, Inc. (NASDAQ: TWIN) subsidiary Katsa today announced that it is expanding its capacity with a 54,000-square-foot gearbox assembly facility and warehouse in Pirkkala, Finland in response to a double-digit percentage year-over-year increase in demand.
The new plant, expected to be fully operational by May 2027, brings together gearbox assembly, testing and painting under one roof. The unified design will streamline operations by reducing material handling steps and maximizing production flow. In addition, a dedicated warehouse will support efficient inbound and outbound logistics for components from suppliers and from Katsa's nearby Tampere manufacturing plant and provide on-site storage.
"This investment gives us the space and production capability to meet our customers' current needs and positions Katsa for future growth," said Tomi Koskinen, Managing Director, European Manufacturing Operations, Twin Disc. "By 2028, we expect to double our gearbox assembly capacity, and plans are already underway for a phase two expansion."
Katsa's growth is driven by demand from multiple industries, including defense, industrial power generation and heavy equipment. While Katsa does not supply gearboxes directly to data centers, it provides components to major engine manufacturers who design and install backup power systems for these facilities.
The company is currently adding 40 employees at its manufacturing operations and its two existing assembly locations in Tampere and will transition 25 experienced workers to the new facility in Pirkkala. By June 2027, Katsa expects to have a total workforce of approximately 250 employees.
The site will feature a new 20-ton overhead crane, doubling the lifting capacity of Katsa's current assembly operation, and will enable the company to assemble and test larger industrial gearboxes. The facility will also include a renewable energy heating and cooling system. Ten geothermal wells, each about 1,150 feet deep, will provide approximately 98% of the building's heating and cooling needs.
Construction recently reached a major milestone with the completion of the building's roof. To celebrate, Katsa hosted a traditional Finnish harjakaiset (topping off) ceremony last week.
About Twin Disc
Twin Disc, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells marine and heavy-duty off-highway power transmission equipment. Products offered include: marine transmissions, azimuth drives, surface drives, propellers, and boat management systems, as well as power-shift transmissions, hydraulic torque converters, power take-offs, industrial clutches, control systems, and braking systems. Katsa is a Finland-based designer and manufacturer of gearboxes and power transmission components for industrial and defense applications.
Media contact
Jeffrey Knutson, Knutson.jeffrey@twindisc.com; Investors: IMS Investor Relations, twindisc@imsinvestorrelations.comThis release was issued by Twin Disc and is republished here with a link to the original. Brand representatives can request an edit or removal.
