It is impossible to imagine modern mechanical engineering without the continuous development of technologies, engineering solutions, and the localization of production. This is precisely the path that KARLSKRONA LC AB LLP is following today — a full-cycle Kazakhstani enterprise that, over the years, has come a long way since launching its first production lines.
Today, the company employs approximately 180 people, and its production facility in Shymkent encompasses the full cycle of industrial equipment manufacturing — from engineering design to testing of finished products.
Founded in 2003, the company now specializes in the development, production, supply, and maintenance of industrial pumping equipment. The company also manufactures centrifugal pumps of various designs, pumping stations, automated control systems, electrical products, modular structures, and custom-made products.
The production facility in Shymkent integrates all key stages of manufacturing — from engineering design and casting to machining, assembly, testing, and after-sales service. This approach allows the company to respond quickly to customer requests and ensure a high level of product quality.
Today, KARLSKRONA LC AB equipment is used in the oil and gas, nuclear, and mining and chemical industries.
The company’s clients include subsidiaries of JSC “NAC ‘Kazatomprom’,” JSC “NC ‘KazMunayGas’,” and JSC “Samruk-Energo.” The company also collaborates with international industrial companies and operators of major projects, including CLAAS, ALSTOM, Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V., Tengizchevroil LLP, North Caspian Operating Company N.V., and the state corporation Rosatom.
Growth Through Localization
One of the key factors in KARLSKRONA LC AB’s growth has been its collaboration with Kazakhstan’s national companies. It was precisely this participation in long-term projects that enabled the company not only to expand production but also to master the manufacture of new high-tech products.
The first major investments in the development of the production base were made possible by a three-year contract to supply submersible well pumps to subsidiaries of JSC “NAC ‘Kazatomprom’.” Thanks to this order, the company acquired modern equipment and launched its own production facilities.
The next stage involved off-take contracts with subsidiaries of JSC NC “KazMunayGas” for the production of pumping equipment for oil production, transportation, and processing. In 2024, the company also entered into an off-take agreement with Samruk-Energo JSC for the production of condensate pumps, and, following the results of tender procedures, began manufacturing slurry pumps.
This collaboration made it possible to significantly expand the product line, attract investment in new technologies, increase production capacity, and create new jobs.
In addition, the company began manufacturing products that had not previously been produced in Kazakhstan, which was an important step in the development of the domestic machine-building industry and import substitution.
Today, the local content share in the pumping equipment manufactured by the company reaches 60–80%, and for castings, up to 90%. The company continues to increase its localization level through in-house design support, expansion of foundry production and machining operations, and the use of components from Kazakhstani manufacturers.
International Standards and Export Potential
High customer requirements have served as an incentive for the continuous improvement of production processes. The company manufactures equipment that complies with international ISO and API standards, as well as IAEA requirements. This has enabled the company to expand beyond the domestic market.
Today, the company’s equipment is used at nuclear power facilities, including in the implementation of the Akkuyu NPP project in Turkey and the Kudankulam NPP project in India.
This experience confirms that Kazakhstani industrial equipment can meet the high technical requirements of international customers and be in demand in foreign markets.
In addition, the company is launching the production of new product lines for the international companies ALSTOM (manufacture of automatic couplers) and CLAAS (ballast weights for agricultural machinery), thereby expanding the export potential of Kazakhstan’s machine-building industry.
This demonstrates the flexibility of the production base and the company’s ability to adapt to customer requirements and develop export-oriented business lines.
Investments in Technology and Personnel
The company’s development is impossible without a strong engineering team. Today, approximately 180 employees work at the production facility, and the company is actively investing in equipment modernization, the automation of production processes, and the training of specialists.
The company has created modern working conditions: employees work with high-tech equipment and are provided with personal protective equipment, company transportation, and organized meals. Production processes are constantly being modernized, with the implementation of digital technologies and automated control systems, which helps improve production efficiency and safety.
Special attention is paid to workforce training. In collaboration with technical universities, the company implements dual education programs, on-the-job training, and mentoring initiatives. Young professionals receive on-the-job training directly on the production floor, mastering modern technologies under the guidance of experienced engineers and foremen. For the company, this is not only a way to train future employees but also an opportunity to ensure the continuity of engineering knowledge and production expertise.
The company is also building a talent pool in key engineering specialties — design engineers, process engineers, and specialists in automation, foundry production, and quality control. This approach not only helps address labor shortages but also ensures the company’s sustainable development in the long term.
Machine Building as an Industry of the Future
In recent years, KARLSKRONA LC AB has not only significantly expanded its production capabilities but has also demonstrated that Kazakhstani companies are capable of manufacturing competitive high-tech products that are in demand both domestically and on the international market.
Receiving the “Altyn Sapa” Award from the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan served as recognition of the company’s sustainable production processes, the quality of its products, and its contribution to the development of domestic industry. In addition, KARLSKRONA LC AB was honored at the “Best Product of Kazakhstan” competition and exhibition. An important milestone in the company’s development was obtaining the API Spec Q1 certificate, covering API 610. For KARLSKRONA LC AB, this is not merely a formal confirmation but an indicator that its quality management system complies with the requirements of the international oil and gas industry. This level of certification strengthens trust among major industrial customers and opens up new opportunities for growth. Participation in major industrial projects has confirmed the company’s high level of engineering expertise and its contribution to the development of the domestic machine-building industry.
Today, KARLSKRONA LC AB continues to expand its production capacity, develop new product lines, and strengthen cooperation with national companies and international partners. The company’s experience demonstrates that consistent efforts to localize production, adopt modern technologies, and develop engineering expertise enable the creation of competitive, high-tech products in Kazakhstan that are in demand in both domestic and foreign markets.
The Association of Kazakhstan Machinery Industry consistently supports companies that invest in production development, adopt modern technologies, and increase the level of localization. It is precisely these companies that form the foundation of the country’s strong machine-building sector and contribute to the implementation of Kazakhstan’s strategic projects.
According to Talgat Bazarbekov, Director of the Association’s Executive Directorate, the history of KARLSKRONA LC AB clearly demonstrates the role that cooperation between domestic manufacturers and national companies plays in the development of the machine-building industry.
“Practice shows that long-term cooperation with national companies gives domestic enterprises the opportunity to modernize production, master modern technologies, and expand their product range. This contributes to the development of localization, the creation of new jobs, and the enhancement of the competitiveness of the domestic machine-building industry.
KARLSKRONA LC AB is one of the most striking examples of such development. The company not only successfully meets the needs of Kazakhstan’s industry but also demonstrates that domestic manufacturers are capable of producing world-class products that are in demand at major industrial facilities both in Kazakhstan and abroad,” noted Talgat Bazarbekov.
