Parker Hannifin wasn't the only one restructuring on the non-tire rubber products side.
The firm combined its industrial and hydraulic hose businesses into one division, effective July 1—the beginning of its fiscal year.
Parker said the move served to simplify products, services and customer experience; support and grow OEM and distribution channels; leverage resources to quickly design, develop and introduce new products; merge technical experience across hose platforms; and refine and capitalize upon manufacturing efficiencies.
In a separate move, Parker disclosed plans to close a 28,000-sq.-ft. plant in Kent, Ohio, that is part of its Fluid System Connectors Division. The move will impact 52 workers with production being transferred to a plant in Lakeview, Mich.
Transformation continues
Semperit A.G.'s company-wide restructuring and transformation project was expanded to include all business segments within the company in February.
The firm said at the time that its Sempertrans and Semperform operations will go through the same process that was initially focused on its Sempermed business, which produces goods for the medical sector, including latex gloves.
Sempertrans produces conveyor belts used in everything from mining to heavy industry. Semperform makes construction and industry profiles, handrails, ropeways and rubber foils among a variety of rubber products.
The restructuring will focus on four measures—creation of more efficient operational production and procurement processes; improvement of pricing and price-setting processes; reviewing and determining if changes within the business portfolios are needed and if adaptations within the production sites are necessary; and stabilization and sustainable improvement of operational earnings.
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