News | 7


Siempelkamp and Sunds Fibertech agree on KüstersPress and ContiPress service business sale


Siempelkamp and Sunds Fibertech have signed an agreement for the sale of the KüstersPress and ContiPress service business.


With this transaction, agreed on December 12, Sunds Fibertech will become the OEM supplier for this technology area. The transfer date was set at January 3, 2024.


The KüstersPress and


ContiPress technology is used for the production of MDF and particleboard. Between 1987 and 2006 more than 60


presses were delivered using this technology and today more than 50 presses are still in operation across the world. These presses require


technology support, spare parts, service and modernisation. Sunds Fibertech will expand its German technology centre in Willich, close to Siempelkamp’s headquarters in Krefeld, to grow sales, offer technical support, build up a workshop and a logistics centre.


The centre will be fully


focused on KüstersPress and ContiPress technology. “By combining the business


volumes of KüstersPress and ContiPress in Sunds Fibertech we will secure a strong long-term support for these presses,” said Stefan Wissing, chief executive officer of the Siempelkamp Logistics and Service Business Unit. “We are convinced that Sunds Fibertech’s focus will ensure the best support and solution for the customers.” “With this acquisition we will strengthen our position


Swiss Krono Group acquires Swiss laminate manufacturer Argolite AG


in an increasingly competitive market and also represents a clear commitment to the home market and the location in Switzerland.


The legal independence of


Argolite, the Willisau plant and the jobs there will be retained. Rolf Wermelinger, previously Argolite head of marketing and sales, has already taken over as general manager of Argolite, with the previous owner and managing director of Argolite, Markus Höchli, on hand to advise him.


Above: The Willisau plant of Argolite


Swiss laminate manufacturer Argolite AG has been acquired by the Swiss Krono Group. Martin Brettenthaler, CEO/ president of the executive committee of the Swiss Krono Group said the move allowed Swiss Krono to significantly expand its position in the Swiss interiors and project business and strengthen its HPL expertise.


Argolite has been based in Willisau (Switzerland) since 1937, producing laminate panels since 1953 and is the only Swiss manufacturer of HPL in accordance with the EN438 quality standard. The company has around 80 employees. The takeover offers synergies and growth opportunities for Swiss Krono


Roger Braun, general manager of Swiss Krono Menznau said the Group wanted to maintain its independence from Argolite and help the latter to expand and develop.


“In the Swiss Krono Group,


I have found the right partner for the future of Argolite,” said Markus Höchli, owner of Argolite. “As Argolite will be independently operated in the future, it is ensured that the values, philosophy and spirit of Argolite will live on.”


as a strategic partner to our customers and we will be able to offer a much wider service portfolio,” added Lars Eklund, CEO of Sunds Fibertech. “Our team in Germany will be a good combination of several experts who have been part of the Küsters journey from the very beginning and the next generation of press experts. The new technology centre will count about 2,000m2 including offices, a customised workshop and the logistics centre.”


Trasmec progresses with new factory in


Romania Italy-based conveyor systems manufacturer Trasmec Group is progressing with the construction of its Romanian production plant. This facility will cover


9,000m2 , making it the largest


production site of Trasmec. It will feature a new automated building and a painting line with a sandblasting system. The company also has production locations in India and China, besides the Trasmec headquarters operation in Italy. Trasmec has a high level of focus on being close to customers, providing support in the shortest time possible The wood industry is


Trasmec’s largest customer sector, taking up almost 90% of the total production. Trasmec started in this field in the 1970s. In the last 40 years it has developed high experience to convey any type and size of wood: biomass, chip, MDF fibre, OSB strand, particleboard flake and pellets.


www.wbpionline.com | December 2023/January 2024 | WBPI


News


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49