Linking up Combining strengths

NEWS

Combining strengths

SMA Solar Technology and Danfoss create converter alliance

SMA Solar Technology AG and Danfoss AS plan to enter into a close strategic partnership for a step change in competitiveness. The two leading system technology specialists will take full advantage of economies of scale and joint development initiatives. In addition, Danfoss acquires 20% of SMA’s outstanding shares and plans to sell its complete solar inverter business to SMA.

“The strategic alliance with Danfoss strengthens SMA’s leading position in the global photovoltaic market. We are faced with a highly competitive market environment and increased price pressure. In this context, SMA will benefit from Danfoss’ years of experience in automated drives. By establishing a close cooperation there is significant potential to improve the cost position in both companies,” says SMA CEO Pierre-Pascal Urbon.

With the acquisition of Danfoss’ solar inverter business, SMA will increase the attractiveness of its product portfolio. After the completion of the transaction SMA will launch new products for the fast growing market segments of medium-sized photovoltaic plants in Europe, China and the USA. Visit: www.sma.de

Pierre-Pascal Urbon

Inwido acquires two Danish window companies

Inwido, Europe’s largest supplier of windows and doors, has acquired the two Danish businesses JNA Vinduer & Døre and SPAR Vinduer with a turnover of approximately DKK 155 million. This aquisition is strategically important for Inwido in order to approach the growing consumer market on the Internet. The acquisitions of JNA and SPAR are in line with Inwido’s strategy to seek growth both organically and through acquisitions. They are also motivated by the ambition to be represented in the growing market of windows and doors on the Internet – an area where Inwido today has limited presence.

“We have seen that certain groups of consumers not only want to get the product information online, but also increasingly want the ability to purchase directly online. The acquisitions of JNA and SPAR gives us an option for this target group,” says Håkan Jeppsson, president and CEO of Inwido.

JNA and SPAR will after the acquisition be an independent business unit within Inwido Denmark. Visit: www.inwido.com

Kemira acquires BASF AKD emulsion business

Kemira is set to acquire BASF’s global alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) emulsion business. “Kemira is a global leader in paper and pulp chemistry and the leading supplier of sizing products for the paper industry. This acquisition of the AKD emulsion business is one part in implementing our strategy and will further strengthen our possibilities to serve our Paper customers especially on the continental European market,” said Kenneth Nystén, senior vicepresident, Regional Business Unit Paper EMEA.

With this transaction BASF, the leading supplier of paper chemistry, will further optimise its paper chemicals portfolio in order to focus on customer-oriented products and solutions to improve the efficiency of paper machines and lower the total cost of operation. “In line with our recent announcement we have evaluated all strategic options for the AKD emulsion business and found an excellent partner in Kemira who will ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted supply of customers,” said Andreas Tuerk, senior vice-president, Paper Chemicals Europe. Visit: www.kemira.com

AREVA and Schneider Electric join forces

AREVA has selected Schneider Electric as its preferred supplier of power equipment for its offshore wind projects. This includes in particular the wind farm of 100 5MW turbines in the bay of Saint Brieuc off the coast of Brittany and the current tenders for the offshore wind farms at Le Tréport off the coast of Haute-Normandie and the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier in Pays de la Loire (France).

Developed as part of the offshore wind call for tender program launched by the French government in 2011, these wind farms will not only contribute to France meeting its targets laid down in the EU’s Climate and Energy Package, but also firmly establish a French sector of excellence for a promising technology. Under the terms of the agreement signed by the two groups, Schneider Electric will supply transformers and circuit breakers for AREVA’s wind farms. These components will be manufactured at two of Schneider Electric’s French industrial sites, located near Metz and Grenoble. Visit.www.areva.com

LINKINGUP

Solvay to accelerate its OLED display development Trelleborg buys stake

Solvay has completed the acquisition of US-based Plextronics Inc. to bolster its Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) electronic display technology and launch a new development platform with a strong Asian foothold. With Plextronics, Solvay is expanding its know-how in emerging applications such as OLED TV screens, OLED lighting and in lithium-ion batteries. OLED technology uses stacked layers of organic compounds that emit light when submitted to an electric current. It boosts luminance efficiency and ultimately enables bendable displays as it reduces their thickness and weight.

“The acquisition of Plextronics is an important milestone in growing our OLED capabilities,” said Bill Chen, general manager of Solvay OLED incubator. “Solvay’s own OLED know-how will be reinforced thanks to Plextronics’ complementary technologies and dedicated staff. With the creation of the Solvay OLED Incubator, we aim to evolve into a new business and strengthen our presence in Asia, mainly in South Korea.” Visit: www.solvay.com

Materialise acquires leading Polish prototyping centre

Materialise is proud to announce the acquisition of e-Prototypy, Poland’s leading provider of rapid prototypes and 3D Printing. e-Prototypy has been active in the Polish market since 2008 and has grown to become the market leader in this region. e-Prototypy offers a broad range of 3D printing solutions, with a specialisation in the production of laser sintered components, and has been investing in scanning and reverse engineering services.

Materialise has been a market leader in the Czech market, through its subsidiary in Usti Nad Labem CR, since 2004. “With the acquisition of e-Prototypy, Materialise shows its commitment to further invest in the eastern European market,” says Bart Van Der Schueren, vice-president Industrial Production, Materialise. “Thanks to the acquisition, Polish customers will be gaining access to the vast production capacity of Materialise. Furthermore, current Materialise customers will benefit from access to the scanning and reverse engineering services of e-Prototypy.”

“As part of Materialise, our customers will be given access to even better service with a larger range of 3D Printing technologies and they can benefit from Materialise’s 23 years of experience in this industry,” says Grzegorz Sworobowicz, vice-CEO and co-founder of e-Prototypy. Visit: www.materialise.com

in pipe seal company

Trelleborg has, through its business area Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, signed an agreement to acquire a 51% stake in the North American group Max Seal. Max Seal develops and manufactures polymer-based sealing systems for various types of pipes deployed in water and wastewater systems. The business transaction will create a leading position in North America, while complementing Trelleborg’s existing range and presence in the US. It will also provide access to the rapidly growing markets in Latin America.

The business has its main facility in Tijuana, Mexico, and a sales company in the US. Net sales in 2013 amounted to approximately SEK 80 M. The joint venture is part of Trelleborg’s strategy to strengthen its positions in attractive and profitable market segments.

“This jointly owned company provides us with a broader customer base, an excellent combination of a competitive product mix and improved geographic presence. Trelleborg commands a strong position in pipe seal systems in the European market and we can now offer our customers enhanced global support, which will create new potential for expansion,” says Mikael Fryklund, president of the Trelleborg Industrial Solutions business area. Visit: www.trelleborg.com

Masonite acquires Door-Stop International

One of the world’s leading door manufacturers, Masonite International Corporation, has bought Door-Stop International, the largest UK composite door company.

Masonite is a leading manufacturer of interior and exterior doors for domestic and commercial markets. It employs over 7000 people and sells to 70 countries from over 70 locations worldwide. Masonite’s UK division operates from its 400,000 square-foot factory and is a landmark for drivers on the M1 in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

Since 1925, Masonite’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and technology-driven sales and service solutions have created sustainable competitive advantages that provide customers with innovative quality products and exceptional service at compelling values.

“The UK composite door market is an exciting place to be,” says Robin Baker, general manager for Masonite UK. “Acquiring Door-Stop and its impressive online business model places Masonite into this market and positions us for further growth.” Visit: www.masonite.com