Trelleborg adds distributors to portfolio

STOCKHOLM—Two Trelleborg A.B. businesses have purchased prominent distributors to expand their operations in the U.S. and Europe.

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions finalized the acquisition of Anderson Seal L.L.C., a distributor of seals, gaskets and custom molded products on Sept. 7, said Linda Muroski, president of Trelleborg's Marketing Americas operation at the firm's U.S. headquarters in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Meanwhile, Trelleborg Wheel Solutions purchased Lowton, England-based International Tyre and Wheel Solutions, a distributor of large solid off-the-road tires, principally for the recycling, waste and demolition markets.

It closed the deal Sept. 1. Financial details were not disclosed on the two transactions.

Stockholm-headquartered Trelleborg A.B.'s two business units have been growing steadily over the last two years, and the two acquired distributors will help create new avenues for greater growth, Trelleborg officials said. The bolt-on acquisitions are part of Trelleborg's strategy to strengthen the company's positions in attractive market segments, the company said.

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions' presence in the U.S., primarily in the Midwest, will be increased with the addition of Anderson Seal, according to Claus Barsoe, president of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions.

“Anderson Seal is a good fit to our culture and business model as they work very closely with their customers and are offering them several sophisticated services, like kitting and complex assembly,” he said

The acquired firm has an office and warehouse in New Berlin, Wis., according to Muroski. She said the company has a work force of between 20 and 25. All will remain with Trelleborg.

Anderson Seal recorded sales of more than $17 million in 2015.

Muroski said the acquired company's “culture and vision complements that of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions as well as supports its Total Value of Ownership approach and advanced delivery program. The company's expertise in complex assembly and best practices in kitting will continue to deliver the kind of value our customers have come to expect.”

Trelleborg's footprint in the Midwest will expand with the addition, she said, and “it gives us more exposure to other segments of the market.”

Anderson Seal specializes in the distribution and service of seals, gaskets and custom molded products for original equipment manufacturers in several industries, including automotive, hydraulic and medical/life sciences.

Trelleborg said the acquisition further expands the company's delivery and service capabilities for seals, gaskets and custom molded goods.

Anderson Seal President Jennifer Han-sen said that moving under the Trelleborg umbrella allows the distributor “to continue to provide exceptional services to our customers in the same manner as we have been doing over the last decade, but now with the advantage and backing of a global leader.”

Trelleborg Wheel Solutions' purchase of International Tyre ties in with its plans to expand the reach of its recently acquired agricultural and industrial tire maker Mitas a.s., especially its pneumatic construction tires.

With the acquisition of ITWS, “we have acquired the leading distributor in Europe of large solid tires, with an attractive distribution network and customer base,” said Maurizio Vischi, president of Trelleborg Wheel Systems. He said it enables Trelleborg to strengthen it as a supplier of solid off-the-road tires in Africa and the Middle East.

ITWS gives Trelleborg a broad distribution base for both pneumatic and solid tires across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the firm said. It will continue to distribute its current portfolio of products, a Trelleborg spokeswoman said. The company has sales in the $4.7 million range in 2015.

“Acquiring a tire manufacturer—Mitas—and a niche service specialist—ITWS—will in this case build on our presence in the construction tire market and increase our capabilities for meeting customer requirements around the world,” she said.

While ITWS primarily distributes tires throughout Europe, the combination of ITWS and Mitas gives Trelleborg a strong platform for growth in construction tire sales in the Middle East and Africa “through leveraging our applications expertise throughout our EMEA network and structure,” the spokeswoman said.

She noted Trelleborg and Mitas had ambitious growth plans in the EMEA area before the acquisition, and they now are working on some priorities.