Axel C Heitmann, Chairman, Lanxess.
LEVERKUSEN/BRILON, GERMANY: Lanxess is strengthening its product portfolio of lightweight materials for the automotive industry by acquiring German company Bond- Laminates GmbH. Financial details were not disclosed. The transaction has closed with immediate effect.
Founded in 1997, Bond-Laminates specializes in developing and producing custom-made plastic composite sheets that are reinforced with materials such as glass fibre. This composite technology is sold under the brand TEPEX. Lanxess has already been working with Bond-Laminates since 2006 on several successful projects with the automotive industry.
In comparison to metal parts, the plastic composite sheets are easier to process, have excellent mechanical properties and weigh up to 40 per cent less. This means the automotive industry can cut production costs, increase freedom of design and improve safety. In addition, the fuel consumption and emissions of a car can be lowered. “We see tremendous potential for this composite technology as it spreads from the premium automotive segment to the wider market,” said Axel C Heitmann, Chairman, Lanxess.
Over the last decade, automotive manufacturers have gradually shifted their focus from just using metals to using metals combined with plastics. Lanxess’ Durethan plastic compounds can already be found in car parts in combination with steel or aluminum. The plastic content in any car can amount to 20 per cent - and this figure is showing an upward trend.
Bond-Laminates’ production site, simulation technology and laboratory facilities, employs roughly 80 people. It has achieved sales of €16 million in 2011. Bond-Laminates and its management team will be part of the Lanxess’ High Performance Materials (HPM) business unit, headed by Michael Zobel.
The sports and electronics industries represent the other key customer markets alongside automotive. Lanxess will expand the automotive business and will further develop products for the sports and electronics industries.
“We are delighted to join a global company with excellent ties to the automotive industry. In addition, Lanxess’ strong position along the high-tech plastics value-chain ensures we have an excellent platform to grow in the future,” said Jochen Bauder, Managing Director, Bond-Laminates.
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