Super-sealed solutions ALT Technologies

supEr-sEalED solutions

ALT Technologies is a global leader in the development and manufacture of special adhesives and sealants for a broad range of industries. Following its recent takeover by GIMV Smart Industries, it has ambitious plans for further growth in Asia and the Americas, as Philip Yorke reports.

ALT is the heir to a long tradition of innovation and manufacturing expertise that began in 1935 when R. Stanton Avery manufactured the world’s first self-adhesive labels in Los Angeles. In 1990, trading as Avery Dennison, it started the development of automotive safety products in the USA, which was followed in 1997 by the construction of manufacturing facilities for automotive safety components in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Subsequently, an investment of €1.5 million enabled the company to acquire new process technology and to be accredited to ISO TS 16949, which in turn paved the way for further capital investment for its global expansion.

By 2004, consistent growth had provided the impetus for the company’s construction of new production facilities in Romania and a new sales office in China. By 2012 ALT Technologies had opened its dedicated, state-of-the-art facilities in Shanghai, China as well as a new sales office in Detroit, USA. In October 2018 ALT Technologies also opened a new, high-tech production facility in Mexico.

The company’s stated mission is to develop and deliver valueadded solutions to the automotive-durable goods and other industries that are designed to surpass and exceed their customers’ needs and expectations. With its global presence and total quality management approach it guarantees to meet customer quality and service requirements worldwide.

In keeping with its dedication to providing innovative and eco-friendly solutions, ALT Technologies has recently entered into a strategic alliance with Biolink, a leading specialist in customised, self-adhesive tapes. These products combine high-tech innovative formulas with eco-friendly solutions. Since 1997, Biolink has been designing, developing and producing a wide range of specialist self-adhesive products using its unique UV-cured technology and customer-focused approach. Biolink’s products and R&D capabilities perfectly compliment those of ALT Technologies and will help to increase yet further its competitive edge.

Ambitious plans

The global investment company GIMV has recently taken over the Dutch ALT Technologies Company from Standard Investment, which has held a majority stake in it since 2011. GMV has acquired a 67 per cent stake, while the balance is held by the company’s management team under the leadership of CEO Jean-Luc Verstraeten. ALT Technologies has since confirmed its ambitious plans for growth in Asia and the Americas.

The automotive airbag market is expected to see strong growth over the coming years, which is being driven by the implementation of more safety regulations in the world’s emerging markets, and especially by the tightening of safety regulations for new vehicles.

In addition, consumers in the more mature markets are also becoming increasingly aware of the importance of vehicle safety standards. This has resulted in a higher number of airbags being installed per vehicle. Jean-Luc Verstraeten, CEO of ALT Technologies said, “This transaction is the first step in our company’s next growth phase. Both myself and the entire management team are looking forward to working with GIMV Smart Industries team.”

“We are delighted that we can use our expertise in the automotive industry, built up over many years with earlier investments in VCST, Punch Powertrain, Mackevision and Arplas, to help ALT Technologies’ international growth,” added Sander van Vreumingen, Partner in the GIMV Industries Platform.

Increasing global reach

To enhance its position as a truly global player, ALT Technologies has opened its all-new Latin Americas production facility in Chihuahua City, Mexico. This modern, high-tech plant will manufacture all the key ALT Technologies automotive products for their global customers’ needs in the Americas locations. This strategic, additional manufacturing location and increased global capacity will allow the company’s other production facilities in Romania, The Netherlands and China to focus on its European and Asian markets, enabling further growth potential to flourish in each region.

A dedicated Mexican team has been recruited and the new purpose-built facility has been constructed to meet the most stringent international standards. The entire production team has spent many months being integrated into the company and trained at European locations to support future growth and the demands of its Tier 1 automotive customers.

Rewarding innovation

ALT industries has won many awards for its innovative achievements and the high quality of its products and services. In 2018 it received the Excellence Quality Supplier award from the ZF TRW Dongfang Airbag inflator plant in Shaanxi Province, China. This prestigious award was given for the company’s long-term, outstanding quality performance.

Earlier, ALT Technologies, Industrial Parts (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. also received a coveted technical innovation award from the Jin Heng Group of China, for its outstanding contribution to the Chinese company’s latest design concept improvements. n

Biolink and Saint-Gobain have established an ideal connection

Biolink offers a wide range of specialist self-adhesive products, using our unique uV-cured technology and customer-focused philosophy. For manufacturers around the world that need reliable and innovative solutions to their fixing, mounting and bonding applications, Biolink provides high-performance, solvent-free, environmentally-friendly PSA solutions, designed and delivered with expertise and creativity.

Based on these conditions, Saint-Gobain acquired Biolink in 2017. In cooperation with other strong brands from Saint-Gobain, we are now able to offer unique tape solutions and a broad portfolio of products meeting the demands of the automotive and other industries.