Acquisition of ProTec LFT business allows Bekum to diversify

Berlin-based extrusion blow molding machine builder Bekum Maschinenfabriken GmbH has acquired the pultrusion business unit of the financially struggling systems provider ProtTec Polymer Processing GmbH to move into the fiber-reinforced plastics market.

Bekum officials said in a news release they are setting a course for further growth with the deal, which includes ProTec Polymer Processing Shanghai — a part of the business unit that sells systems to the Chinese market for producing longer fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (LFT) pellets and compounds.

Pultrusion, or strand drawing, produces LFTs in granulate form for manufacturing lightweight components. Bekum officials said in a news release that the acquisition offers it more opportunities in the auto and electric vehicle markets.

The transaction was completed April 1 but not announced until May 12. No terms were disclosed.

The business unit is operating as Bekum Services GmbH with the assembly of new pultrusion lines integrated at the Bekum site in Traismauer, Austria.

"The company was able to retain both the previous technical managing director of ProTec as well as experienced and leading employees from the areas of design, sales and service from ProTec., which was in insolvency," the release said.

The Shanghai site will continue to offer sales and service in China and Asian countries.

Bekum also has a site in Williamston, Mich.

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