EW January 2011

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EuroWire – January 2011 14
corporate news
Bekaert has signed an agreement for
the acquisition of 75% of the shares of
the spring wire and overhead conductor
business of Xinyu Iron & Steel Co Ltd in
Xinyu, Jiangxi Province, China.
Henri-Jean Velge, Bekaert Group
executive vice president wire and
stainless technologies, said: “The
integration of these activities will
strengthen our position in the Chinese
market and adds complementary
technologies and applications to
Bekaert’s existing product portfolio.”
Mark Goyens, president of Bekaert Asia,
added: “This acquisition and partnership
will open up new opportunities
for Bekaert. After years of intensive
expansion of our Steelcord platform in
the country, this agreement ensures the
immediate extension of Bekaert China’s
wire business.”
The acquired activities include two
spring wire production plants in
Xinyu. The product portfolio includes
spring wires for the automotive,
motorcycle and engineering sectors and
complements Bekaert’s existing product
range, manufactured in its wire plant in
Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province.
The transaction involves the transfer of
630 employees. A new manufacturing
site will be built in Xinyu where the
acquired activities will be concentrated
to increase manufacturing capacity and
technological capabilities.
The overhead conductor business
will continue to serve the utilities
sector, which shows strong growth
potential driven by the high number of
investments in energy transmission and
data communication networks in China.
Manufacturing is concentrated in one
production plant in Xinyu, employing
240 people.
Bekaert – Belgium
Fax: +32 56230543
Website:
Bekaert expands wire
business in China
AlphaWire International has announced the
appointment of its new regional manager
for the French and Benelux regions,
Emmanuel Deboval. The announcement
comes as the company is experiencing
increased activity surrounding the highly
successful launching of its LSZH (low smoke
zero halogen) and Ecowire products.
Since his arrival, Emmanuel has already
attended product training sessions in the
USA and UK to familiarise himself with
Alpha’s product portfolio.
Harry Quinn, Alpha Wire’s director for EMEA,
said: “I am delighted to welcome Emmanuel
to the team and feel that he is an excellent
candidate for the role.
“His previous work in sales, and
qualifications in electronics will be
invaluable and will help cement our
position as an authority in the wire, cable
and tubing arena.”
AlphaWire International – UK
Fax: +44 1932 772433
Email:
Website:
AlphaWire appoints
new regional manager