
27 Jun 2005
Quadrant acquires Poly Hi Solidur
Poly Hi Solidur, based in Fort Wayne, Ind., US, operates production facilities in the USA, Germany, France, the UK, Japan and South Africa, and has dedicated R&D, sales and business development resources among its workforce of over 1000 employees worldwide. In 2004, the company posted total sales of US$ 169 million, approximately two-thirds of which were generated in the US.
UHMW-PE products display very high non-stick characteristics similar to Teflon® and high resistance to corrosion from chemicals and to abrasive environments such as sand and slurries. In machined and fabricated part form, their uses include applications in material handling, agricultural, power transmission and food processing machinery, as well as in medical devices, shipping and recreational equipment. Poly Hi Solidur’s branded UHMW-PE products include the well-known TIVAR® and QuickSilver® trademarks.
Glen Steady and Michael Koch, the two Co-CEOs of Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (QEPP), commented on the benefits of the combined companies. “Poly-Hi / Solidur’s impressive materials’ lineup and leading position in polyolefins fill a long-standing gap in Quadrant’s global product line,” according to Mr. Steady, who is based at QEPP’s North American headquarters. “The two companies’ products offer complementary performance levels for different applications in the major industries we both serve. The combination affords a single, far more complete product portfolio and range of valueadded application solutions for the unique performance needs of equipment design and maintenance engineers.”
Mr. Koch, who is located at Quadrant EPP’s European headquarters, also added, “As is the case with Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products, market recognition and strong preference for Poly-Hi Solidur’s major brands, including TIVAR® and QuickSilver® is second to none in their field. This further strengthens our ability to offer the market a full line of shapes materials that are well-recognized for proven performance and quality in machined and fabricated components.”
“This acquisition is another significant growth step for Quadrant in the context of our strategic focus on high-performance plastics”, commented Arno Schenk, member of the Board and Co-CEO of the Quadrant Group. “Poly High Solidur is an excellent fit for us in terms of its products, complementary geographical presence, management and personnel, corporate culture and clear market leadership philosophy. Previously we held only a very limited position in UHMW-PE, but have always considered it a strategically important complementary product line. This acquisition does not just fill a gap in our product family, it does so with the global leader.”
Mark Yde, Poly Hi Solidur President, outlined other opportunities for synergy. “There is significant overlap in market segment focus and we share many of the same distribution partners. We have long seen the potential benefits of a merger of this type to these partners in areas such as transactions, logistics and joint development work in the field. In addition, marketing, sales and development resources can now be applied more effectively across a broader product line in the development of new business growth.”
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Notes for editors
Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products
Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products is part of listed Swiss-based Quadrant group, a global leader in highperformance polymer material solutions in the form of semi-finished and finished products. Their specialty engineering thermoplastics and composites are superior in performance over metals and other materials, and are used in a growing number of applications developed with leaders in a wide range of industries. With more than 1300 employees at 27 specialized locations worldwide, Quadrant generates net sales of approx. 500 million Swiss francs.
Quadrant
Quadrant (www.quadrantplastics.com), a public company listed on the Swiss stock exchange SWX, is a global leader in high-performance polymer material solutions in the form of semi-finished and finished products. These specialty engineering thermoplastics and composites are superior in performance over metals and other materials, and are used in a growing number of applications developed with leaders in a wide range of industries. With more than 1300 employees at 27 specialized locations worldwide, Quadrant generated net sales of 470 million Swiss francs in 2004. After the Poly Hi Solidur acquisition, Quadrant will have more than 2300 employees at over 40 locations, generating sales of 650 to 700 million Swiss francs. Thanks to its clear strategic orientation and focus Quadrant is well positioned and prepared to create added value on a consistent and sustainable basis for its customers and shareholders and to further expand its market leadership.
Poly Hi Solidur
Founded in 1970, Poly Hi Solidur (www.polyhisolidur.com) is the world's largest processor of semi-finished UHMW-PE, sold under the TIVAR®, and QuickSilver® brand names. TIVAR® is an engineered thermoplastic with a number of important physical properties including outstanding abrasion resistance, high impact strength and a low coefficient of friction. In addition, the polymer has excellent chemical resistance, sound dampening and electrical insulating properties, and it doesn't absorb moisture. This non-porous quality inhibits the growth of fungus or bacteria. Poly Hi Solidur also offers a broad range of chemical- and corrosion-resistant polymers sold under the Proteus®, and Sanalite® brands. For more than 30 years, Poly Hi Solidur has been recognized for consistent, reliable products, highly qualified staff and innovative ideas, earning a reputation throughout the world for providing long-term, cost-effective solutions for applications in nearly every major industry. Whether it's the aerospace industry, food packaging/processing plants, seaports or recreation, Poly Hi Solidur products and materials are hard at work maintaining the integrity of original equipment, reducing part replacements and associated costs, minimizing downtime, reducing noise, making good systems better and helping improve the bottom line for thousands of companies.
Menasha
Menasha Corporation (www.menasha.com), owner of Poly Hi Solidur, is based in Neenah, Wis., U.S. Established in 1849, Menasha Corporation is one of America’s oldest privately held manufacturing companies, and specializes in corrugated packaging and high quality Point-of-Purchase displays, plastic returnable packaging and returnable material handling services, in-store consumer promotion, and pharmaceutical labeling and packaging. The $1 billion company has more than 3500 employees working from facilities located across the U.S.