EW January 2011

corporate news

Bekaert expands wire

AlphaWire appoints new regional manager

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.

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 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. 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 Henri-Jean Velge, Bekaert

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

Bekaert – Belgium Fax : +32 56230543 Website : www.bekaert.com

Email : europe@alphawire.com Website : www.alphawire.com

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EuroWire – January 2011