TRELLEBORG, Sweden—A series of divestments and acquisitions has helped to change Trelleborg A.G.'s profile, according to CEO Peter Nilsson.
The $1.2 billion acquisition of Czech CGS Holding in 2016 helped the firm strengthen its leadership position in a number of areas such as the agricultural, industrial, and specialty tire markets, as well as in engineered polymer solutions arena, Nilsson said.
"Trelleborg's profile has changed somewhat and, based on these conditions, we are building a platform for the future that is new in some parts," Nilsson said.
Among Trelleborg's most notable acquisitions was the takeover of Automated Dynamics, which was finalized in December. The acquired company specializes in manufacturing advanced components in composite materials for particularly demanding applications.
"These composites represent a closely related and strategically interesting technology for Trelleborg, with major potential in several industries," Nilsson said.
In terms of areas of growth within the next few years, Nilsson pointed to the agriculture segment and the aerospace industry.
"A more niche area is health care and medical, where Trelleborg is in a relatively early stage. But the field ought to have a promising future, especially in light of an aging population," he said.
Another area of interest to Trelleborg is electrification, Nilsson said, noting that contrary to popular belief, the process is not limited to cars but includes machines and tools.
"When this takes place, new demands are imposed on machinery construction, and then newly developed sealing and antivibration solutions are required—which favors those of us who really know these applications," he said.
Geographically, Nilsson pointed to growth opportunities in "the very large domestic market in China," as well as in other countries in southeast and southern Asia.