TRELLEBORG, Sweden—Trelleborg A.B., through its Trelleborg Industrial Solutions business, has reached an agreement with Wellcall Holdings Bhd. to form a joint venture in Malaysia to manufacture and sell industrial composite hoses in composite materials.
The joint venture—to be 51 percent owned by Trelleborg—will establish a production site in Malaysia. The first hose deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2020. Details on the production and financial terms of the JV were not disclosed.
Typical applications for hoses made with composite materials, Trelleborg said, include hoses for road and rail tanker trucks, hoses for aviation fuel and hoses for aggressive chemicals. Trelleborg currently manufactures composite hoses in Europe.
The Swedish company said the venture is part of the firm's strategy to strengthen its positions in attractive market segments.
"Trelleborg will contribute technological know-how in composite hoses and Wellcall, with its operations based in Malaysia, will contribute local knowledge concerning both the market and in operational terms," said Jean-Paul Mindermann, president of the Trelleborg Industrial Solutions business area. "Trelleborg holds a strong position in this niche segment but the joint venture will allow us to grow our production capacity, reach new markets faster and strengthen our offering,"
Wellcall Group said on its website that it is the largest industrial rubber hose manufacturer in Malaysia. It posted 2017 sales of about $38 million.