Saurer Expands Nonwovens Capability,Acquires Kortec And Fehrer
In a move to expand its nonwovens portfolio, Germany-based Saurer GmbH & Co. KG has acquired Kortec GmbH, Germany, and Dr. Ernst Fehrer AG, Austria.The two acquired companies will merge with Neumag, Saurer’s nonwovens machinery business unit, whose product range includes meltblown technology, Ason spunbond technology, M&J Fibretech airlaid technology, and Autefa automation solutions and crosslapping technology.Roberto E. Rahn, Kortec’s general manager and former primary owner, will continue to oversee the company’s festooning technology and related businesses. Other members of Kortec’s technical team also will join Neumag.Fehrer, manufacturer of carding lines with aerodynamic web forming technology and DREF friction spinning machines, has 180 employees and is expected to generate 30 million euros in revenues in 2005.Saurer said the acquisitions will allow the company to move into new market segments such as automotive, carpets and geotextiles.
July/August 2005