wiredinUSA August 2012

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Bekaert and Southern Steel in South-East Asia partnership

Dr Tan Tat Wai, group managing director of Southern Steel Berhad, added: “This joint venture will enable us to leverage our mutual capabilities and technological expertise, for the benefit of the new organization and of its customers.” Southern Steel’s wire operations encompass two production plants in Malaysia; one in Shah Alam and one in Ipoh. The product portfolio includes a wide range of galvanized and specialty steel wires and ropes, and complements Bekaert’s existing product range of steel wires manufactured in its wire plant in Karawang, Indonesia.

Bekaert and Malaysian group Southern Steel Berhad (SSB) have signed an agreement to establish a joint venture, 55% owned by Bekaert and 45% by SSB, to be finalized by 30 th July. SSB will inject its interests in Southern Wire Industries Malaysia Sdn Bhd (SWI) and Southern Speciality Wire Sdn Bhd (SSW) into the joint venture, while Bekaert will bring in the galvanized wire activity platform, which is part of PT Bekaert Indonesia. Henri-Jean Velge, Bekaert Group executive vice president wire, said: “Developing a partnership with Southern Steel will create a production and sales platform for our joint wire and ropes activities in South-East Asia that responds to our ambitions for growth in the region.”

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wiredInUSA - August 2012

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