TPi January 2020

Products & developments

Schoeller Werk on track for growth Schoeller Werk GmbH & Co KG is aiming to expand its position as a specialist in the manufacture of welded and drawn stainless steel tubes. AK Feinrohr GmbH, based in Neuhaus am Rennweg, Germany, is now part of the Schoeller Group. With the acquisition of AK Feinrohr, Schoeller Werk is capturing significant synergies in the production of stainless steel tubes: AK Feinrohr specialises in the production of cold redrawn precision tubes, and its know- how will complement Schoeller Werk’s existing portfolio. Customers of both companies will benefit from a high degree of flexibility when ordering stainless steel tubes. AK Feinrohr is a manufacturer of welded and cold redrawn precision tubes and sections made of rust-resistant, acid- resistant and heat-resistant steels. The company operates globally and has been trading since 1982. Around 2,000 tonnes of stainless steel are processed every year, representing a turnover of €13.5mn in fiscal year 2018. In spring 2018, Schoeller Werk launched a future concept for expanding and includes TIG- and laser-welded stainless steel pipes, drawn precision pipes in straight bespoke or fixed lengths, and annular pipes. The company develops its own plant technology and tailors its product range to the needs of its customers and the market. Around 90 million metres of stainless steel piping are made at the company’s machine park every year for a wide variety of applications in the automotive, industrial and energy sectors. Customers can obtain everything from a single source, from technical consultation, application- specific product development and pipe manufacture to professional quality testing and custom logistics services. Schoeller Werk GmbH & Co KG www.schoellerwerk.de Pipestoppers help to solve heavy-duty pipe blocking challenges for end users Signing the purchase agreement safeguarding its market position over the long term, focusing on increased efficiency, further development of the product range and the opening of new target sectors. The acquisition of AK Feinrohr was one of the first measures to strengthen the group’s position in its core sector, welded stainless steel tubes. “We are looking forward to our future cooperation with AK Feinrohr,” explained Frank Poschen, managing director of Schoeller Werk GmbH & Co KG. “Based on our strategic considerations, the takeover of this company fits very well into our new future concept. With this operation, we are strengthening our market position, especially in the redrawn tube segment.” Once the deal is completed, AK Feinrohr GmbH will continue to operate as a self-contained company under the name Schoeller Feinrohr GmbH. Markus Zübert will remain as managing director, with support from Mr Poschen. Schoeller Werk was founded in 1827 and is based in Hellenthal in the Eifel region of Germany. Its range of products

manufacture double steel plugs, which increases the capability of the plug.” Specifically designed for heavier duty applications, the steel plugs can be immersed in water for long periods of time, can be used at higher temperatures and can be used in acidic or alkaline environments. The HFT single and double steel plugs are available with sealing rings made from Viton, silicone, neoprene, nitrile or natural rubbers for resistance to different temperatures and chemicals. Pipestoppers www.pipestoppers.net Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT www.huntingdonfusion.com

Pipestoppers ® , a division of Huntingdon Fusion Techniques (HFT), has introduced a steel plug range for heavy-duty pipe blocking and stopping. According to Pipestoppers, the heavy- duty plugs are favoured for applications such as leak testing, pipe stopping and blocking for their sealing effectiveness and durability. They can also be used for low pressure testing and plugging all pipes, pipelines and pipe work between 2 and 48" (50 to 1,200mm) diameter. Luke Keane, technical sales manager for HFT ® , said: “Plugging challenges are a thing of the past with our steel plugs range. They provide a strong, leak-free seal with each plug having a long life span.

The HFT steel plug range

“Where plugs might be required to work close to the top of their pressure range and to hold seals longer than would be the case with single plugs, we also

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL January 2020

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