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Combining strengths

HENSOLDT takes over EuroAvionics

The newly founded German sensor house HENSOLDT has taken over the Pforzheim-based company EuroAvionics GmbH, a supplier of avionics systems for helicopters and UAVs. Now that all the legal requirements have been met, the signed share purchase agreement has taken effect.

“The takeover of EuroAvionics is the perfect example of a strategic acquisition since both parties generate added value from our collaboration,” said Celia Pelaz, head of Strategic Business Development. “We can now develop a comprehensive Avionics product line at HENSOLDT by combining the strengths of EuroAvionics in the civilian market and our own portfolio, which has primarily been geared towards the military up until now.” In this way, HENSOLDT will improve its access to civilian helicopter manufacturers and fleet operators. At the same time, synergies are expected from a more efficient use of research and development funds to meet new customer requirements.

EuroAvionics Group generates revenues of approx. €20 million with around 100 employees. Its portfolio includes flight management systems as well as avionics computers and autopilot systems, particularly for UAVs. Apart from the headquarters in Pforzheim, the company has subsidiaries in the UK, the US and Switzerland. Visit: www.hensoldt.net Kistler Group has taken over Vester Elektronik GmbH – a company that specialises in sensor technology and test automation.

Since its founding 50 years ago, the familyowned company Vester Elektronik GmbH has specialised in high-quality optoelectronic sensors for controls and process monitoring in the field of punching and forming technology. The company is known for its innovative and wellengineered systems for the quality assurance and surveillance of punching and forming processes, as well as for the high level of continuity and quality from a single source.

Through the takeover Vester Elektronik GmbH gains access to a global corporate structure and new resources aimed at increasing its business and developing new markets. Customers in turn will benefit from the Kistler Group’s global service and sales network.

By taking over Vester, Kistler is not only acquiring decades of knowledge in the field of test automation and sensor technology: it also facilitates the establishment of a centre of excellence for optical measurement in Germany. “This new technology is the perfect addition to Kistler’s traditional measurement technology. It gives us access to new applications that enable us to meet the demands of new and existing customers even more effectively,” says Rolf Sonderegger, CEO of the Kistler Group. Visit: www.kistler.com

The Tire division of technology company Continental and Kordsa, a leading international supplier of textile reinforcing materials for the tire industry, are working together on a new, sustainable adhesion system standard for bonding textile reinforcing materials to rubber based compounds. In the context of their collaboration in the development sector, the two companies have agreed to develop a technology in which the substances resorcinol and formaldehyde are replaced by more eco-friendly chemicals.

“Taking responsible action in the interests of our employees and of society as a whole forms a key component of our corporate strategy. So we are constantly seeking for new ideas to make our tire manufacturing processes as environmental friendly as possible. In Kordsa, we have found a competent development partner for adhesion systems, who can contribute their extensive knowledge in the field of resorcinol- and formaldehyde-free bonding technologies,” said Dr Boris Mergell, who heads up worldwide research and development of passenger car tires at Continental.

“We are therefore planning the progressive introduction of this technology in the production of our tires across all segments in what is a further substantial step toward greater sustainability.” Visit: www.kordsa.com

Kistler Group takes over Vester Elektronik

continental and kordsa join forces

DEUTZ and Liebherr sign cooperation agreement

DeuTZ AG and liebherr machines Bulle SA have concluded a cooperation agreement, granting DeuTZ AG with immediate effect the global distribution and service rights for liebherr diesel engines in various applications between 200 and 620 kW. Series production start-up is planned for 2019, in time for the introduction of the new eu Stage V emissions standard. These four engines, all in the 9 to 18 litre cubic capacity range, will be designed to meet the eu Stage V, the uS Tier 4, the China IV and the eu Stage IIIA emissions standards and will thus satisfy the requirements imposed by future statutory emission regulations.

The TCD 9.0 four-cylinder engine delivers 300 kW of power and generates 1700 Nm of torque. The TCD 12.0 and 13.5 are six-cylinder engines producing, respectively, 400 kW of power and 2500 Nm of torque, and 450 kW of power and 2800 Nm of torque. The biggest engine, the TCD 18.0, delivers 620 kW of power and generates 3600 Nm of torque. These powerful engines are ideally suited to heavy-duty off-highway applications. Visit: www.deutz.com

LINKINgUP

Groupe Renault signs a new joint venture in Iran merger of

Groupe Renault has signed a joint venture agreement with the Industrial Development & Renovation Organization of Iran (IDRO) and PARTO NEGIN NASEH Co, an importer of Renault products in Iran.

The proposed joint venture company, of which Renault will be the majority shareholder – though with a first period of joint control with IDRO and PARTO NEGIN NASEH Co – will include an engineering and purchasing centre to support the development of local suppliers as well as a plant with an initial production capacity of 150,000 vehicles a year, supplementing Groupe Renault’s existing capacity of 200,000 vehicles a year in the country. The first vehicles to be produced at the plant will be the new Symbol and new Duster.

In addition to the vehicle plant announced in September 2016, an engine plant is also planned with a capacity of 150,000 units a year. The manufacturing facilities will be in Saveh, located 120km from Tehran. They will be owned and operated by the joint venture company.

The agreements also provide for the development of an exclusive Renault distribution network, in addition to the existing network of NEGIN Khodro. Visit: www.renault.com

Siemens to acquire TASS International

Siemens will acquire TASS International, a global provider of simulation software, as well as engineering and test services aimed primarily at the automotive industry; and focused on autonomous driving, integrated safety, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and tyre modeling. Based in Helmond, Netherlands, TASS International has developed a rich family of solutions that will further strengthen Siemens’ product lifecycle management (PLM) software portfolio, and add to its position as the leading supplier of systemsdriven product development offerings for the global automotive industry.

“The automotive industry is a core focus for Siemens and our acquisition of TASS International is another example of our commitment to offering a complete Digital Enterprise solutions portfolio, enabling automotive companies to realise their digital transformation and fully benefit from all opportunities of digitalisation,” said Dr Jan Mrosik, CEO of Siemens’ Digital Factory Division. “TASS International is a proven leader in both integrated safety and autonomous driving – two fields of engineering that are increasingly important for the industry. By combining its strengths with Siemens’ PLM offerings, we are able to respond even better to today’s challenges in the automotive industry.” Visit: www.siemens.com

meusburger and psg china

Anew chapter in the cooperation between Meusburger and PSG in China began on 1 September 2017, as of which date Meusburger Mould and Die (Wuxi) Co. Ltd are now legally a single entity.

Located on Lake Taihu and on the shore of the Yangtze river, Wuxi is often also called ‘little Shanghai’. Wuxi has also expanded economically: the city in the Jiangsu province is one of the eastern Chinese economic centres and is regularly included in the Top 10 best Chinese business cities.

Meusburger and PSG have jointly obtained new office spaces in Wuxi and are now on site with more than 40 employees. Together with the new office spaces, a warehouse of 250m2 was set up in accordance with Meusburger’s guiding principle of permanent availability. Already, a large percentage of all parcels come directly from the new warehouse and can be dispatched all over China within two working days.

Enormous synergies can be utilised through the merger of Meusburger and PSG. Customes can benefit from an expanded portfolio, central service performance and the shared know-how of the customer consultant. Visit: www.meusburger.com

Sirmax enters the Indian market with joint venture

The agreement for the joint venture Autotech-Sirmax India between Padua-based Sirmax SpA and Autotech Polymers India Private limited was signed on 18 July 2017.

Sirmax SpA is the fifth largest european producer of polypropylene compound and engineering plastic compound (techno polymers) for the automotive, appliance, electronics, power tools and household sectors. Autotech Polymers India Private limited is one of the most historical Indian families (Nirmal B. Thakkar of mumbai), active since 1945. The agreement is focused on continuing Sirmax’s strategy of global growth in Asia.

According to the terms of the agreement, Sirmax will purchase 50% of Autotech-Sirmax India, while Autotech will hold the remaining 50% through its own management, a strategic role in the production of polypropylene and engineering thermoplastic compounds, now also with the license for and use of Sirmax’s technology and brand. The forecast of the JV for 2021 is an increase in production capacity in India from 15,000 to 40,000 tonnes. Visit: www.sirmax.it