Share Issue/Capital Change • Mar 9, 2011
Share Issue/Capital Change
Open in ViewerOpens in native device viewer
World leader for aluminium anodising - http://investors.unitedanodisers.com ISIN: BE0160342011 - Reuters: COI.PA - Bloomberg: UAS:FP Press release – investments in Germany
Brussels, March 9th 2011 – 7:30 am - United Anodisers, the world's leading anodiser of aluminium, intends to make new investments at its existing production site in Bernburg, Germany. An investment in a new sixth continuous anodising line will enable the Group to increase significantly its production capacity to meet strong global demand and, in particular, to be able to meet growth forecasts from emerging markets.
Current demand for continuous anodising for architectural applications is running at very high levels and the Group is already having difficulty to meet demand. However, this new production capacity is principally targeted at providing extra capacity for new markets outside Europe, where substantial further growth is foreseen.
The Bernburg site currently consists of one continuous anodising line, completed in 2005 at a total cost of €20.9 million. Representing a maximum investment of €18.0 million, the new facilities will comprise:
Subject to approval by the Saxony Anhalt region, the investments should attract investment subsidies from State (around 38% of total cost), as well as subsidised loans and long term loan guarantees.
The new production facilities are expected to enter into full production in the fourth quarter of 2012.
At the same time, the Company is creating a new business unit to be known under the "Coil International" brand name to consolidate and further develop the continuous anodising business outside Europe. This follows on from the appointment of new agents and distributors in recent months in Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE/Qatar and Canada in addition to the existing network in USA, China, South Korea and Australia. The Company intends to make further appointments in Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Brazil and other larger South American economies during 2011.
These regions represent new and major sources of development for the Group's products. Continuously anodised aluminium presents many advantages over more traditional materials: competitive price, perfect surface finish, lightweight, exceptional durability with low maintenance and repeated recyclability through simple re-melting. This makes it an increasingly relevant product in both architectural and industrial markets. It is, therefore, a very natural choice for the new, modern economies under rapid development. Further, anodised aluminium in coil or sheet form is light and easy to transport worldwide.
Commenting on these proposed developments, Tim Hutton, Chief Executive Officer said: "In the last few months, there have been significant changes to both the Board of Directors and shareholder base of the Company. As a result, there has been a strategic review of the business and the new opportunities for growth. As world leader in our industry in both size and quality, there is a strong commitment to develop the full potential of our business in a rapidly changing world."
United Anodisers, the Belgian Group listed on NYSE Euronext Paris Compartment C since June 26th, 1996, is the world's largest architectural and industrial anodiser, specialising in the surface treatment of aluminium extrusions, castings and flat-rolled products.
Anodising is an electrochemical process - electrolysis - that develops a natural and protective exterior layer on aluminium that can be coloured, providing exceptional corrosion protection and/or increased functionality for the metal.
Anodising preserves all the natural and ecological properties of aluminium - it retains its high strength-toweight ratio, non-magnetic properties and exceptional corrosion resistance without any impact on the total and repeated recyclability of the metal.
Anodised aluminium is used across a wide range of architectural, designer, industrial and automotive applications.
UNITED ANODISERS - Tim Hutton - Chief Executive Officer – [email protected] - Tel: +32 (0)11 88 01 88 CALYPTUS – Cyril Combe – [email protected] -Tel: +33 (0)1 53 65 37 94
Building tools?
Free accounts include 100 API calls/year for testing.
Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.