EuroWire March 2018

Corporate News

Expansion through acquisition

WILLIAM Hughes, a UK-based supplier of custom-made springs, wire forms and assemblies, is expanding its European operations with the acquisition of Nosag Polska Sp zoo. Based in Tychy, southern Poland, Nosag Polska is a manufacturer of seat mats, wire frames and bent wire parts, predominantly for the automotive industry. Nosag has been established in Poland since 2005, and with over 150 employees is a supplier to all the major car interior and car seat manufacturers. “This acquisition is great news for our many customers in the European automotive market,” said Max Hughes, managing director, William Hughes Ltd. “There is much synergy between Nosag and William Hughes in terms of both our products and markets. By combining our significant manufacturing, technical and logistical resources we are confident there will be many benefits for our rapidly expanding automotive customer base.” “Everyone at Nosag is very excited about becoming part of the William Hughes Group,” said Richard Thevenon, general manager at Nosag Polska. “William Hughes has extensive experience within our marketplace and provides access to increased manufacturing resources and capabilities. For our part, our strategic location close to the many automotive manufacturing facilities in Slovakia, Poland and Czech Republic will improve group communications and logistics, helping to better meet the needs of our customers.” The Nosag Polska facility in Poland complements the existing William Hughes European factory in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. New chairman for IWMA Martin Van Der Zwan has taken over as chairman of the International Wire and Machinery Association (IWMA). Having sat on the executive committee at the IWMA since 2014 and with 40 years’ industry experience, Mr Van Der Zwan is said to be thrilled to take on this position of increased responsibility for the next three years. He has taken over from Amanda Shehab and hopes to continue her work in promoting new technology, education and growth in the industry. Founded in 1970, the International Wire & Machinery Association is the world’s largest and most influential corporate association for

▲ ▲ Pictured, from left, are: Jean-Pierre Ker Rault (Defta Group), Andre Nisse (Defta Group), and Max Hughes (William Hughes Group)

Established in 2004, William Hughes Bulgaria now has over 180 employees and occupies over 6,000m 2 of space. The success of the Bulgaria operation has been built on the easy access it has provided to European customers that would otherwise have been difficult to reach from the UK. “We recognise the skills and expertise that exist at Nosag Polska and we fully intend to develop and expand these well established resources,” continued Mr Hughes.

milestone in William Hughes growth plans as we continue to develop our status as a high volume, high quality components supplier to the European automotive market.” The William Hughes Group now has an annual turnover in excess of £21 million and is well established as a global supplier of wire based products and assemblies. Its customers include many well-known brands in the automotive, aerospace, medical, construction and hydraulics industries. William Hughes Ltd – UK Website : www.wmhughes.co.uk

“This acquisition is an important

the wire, cable and wire product industries. Its events and conferences offer an international forum for technological advancement and best practice. “We actively encourage industry stars of the future through the IWMA’s Educational Trust Fund,” said Mr Van Der Zwan. “This amazing opportunity offers newcomers an opening to gain new skills which otherwise might not be available. All members benefit from the IWMA and the international platform for exchange of technology it delivers.” International Wire & Machinery Association – UK Website : www.iwma.org

▲ ▲ New IWMA chairman Martin Van Der Zwan

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March 2018