Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Automotive
    • Tire
    • Non-Tire
    • Suppliers
    • ITEC
    • Silicone
    • Online Exclusive
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Opinion
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • Blogs
    • Sustainability
    • Products
    • Wacky World of Rubber
  • War in Ukraine
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • 2022 Hose & Belt Manufacturers Conference
    • 2022 International Silicone Conference
    • 2022 International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
    • 2022 Women Breaking the Mold
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Expansion
January 29, 2020 04:08 PM

Semperit intends to locate production in North America

Mike McNulty
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Martina Draper, Semperit
    Martin Fuellenbach

    VIENNA, Austria—Semperit A.G. Holding intends to expand its manufacturing arm into North America, though exactly where or when that will take place has not been determined.

    A spokeswoman for the rubber product maker would not disclose further information on the expansion.

    However, the company did say it is looking to reduce its heavy dependence on the European market—and to do that successfully, an expansion into North America is necessary, CEO Martin Fuellenbach said. The firm already has a strong presence and a solid base of customers in North America, and intends to build on that.

    "We are expanding in one of the world's largest economic zones by investing in local production," he said. "This is the first step of our focus activities, which will be accompanied by increased customer support in the region."

    Fuellenbach said the company is striving for closer proximity to its customers to serve markets faster and more effectively. The expansion will be a pilot program for local manufacturing and regional market development.

    Semperit also is making other significant moves to improve and make the company stronger.

    Related Article
    Semperit seeking to sell off medical unit

    Topping the list is the creation of a new strategy in the firm's industrial sector. The first step is being implemented and the industrial division will be reorganized into four segments rather than three, with profiles and rubber sheeting separated from the Semperform segment and operated as a new segment called Semperseal, Semperit said.

    Semperform will continue to focus on handrails, sheave and bull wheel liners for rope ways, ski foils and engineered solutions, the spokeswoman said.

    Both changes are part of an ongoing restructuring and transformation project that Semperit said has progressed successfully and delivered a continuous increase in profitability over the last two years.

    Other segments that comprise the company's industrial sector include Sempertrans, which manufactures conveyor belts, and Semperflex, a producer of hydraulic and industrial hoses. Semperit also operates a large medical business, called Sempermed, a maker of surgical and examination gloves.

    The company's executive board is reviewing options for the medical operation, a move intended to upgrade and improve the business, Semperit said.

    "The situation in the medical sector continues to intensify," the spokeswoman said. "Semperit's relatively competitive position has recently deteriorated significantly. Against this background, strategic options for the medical sector are currently under review."

    She declined to offer further details.

    With the aim of identifying and developing new growth regions and industries, the firm also is creating a new organizational unit, called the Customer Excellence Center, to upgrade the firm's focus on underdeveloped industries; the digitization of its product portfolio; and the analysis of possible applications for the firm's product range.

    In another significant move, the company named Kristian Brok chief operating officer to complete the firm's executive board.

    According to Peter Edelmann, chairman of Semperit's supervisory board, Brok is "a true specialist and industry insider."

    For the last 10 years, Brok has worked for competitor Trelleborg A.B., most recently serving as a member of the executive board of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, where he was responsible for the Global Operations Elastomers business unit. Polymer-based sealing solutions for critical applications has been the focus of his career, Semperit said.

    Brok has 20 years of management experience in high specification manufacturing and, at Semperit, will use his knowledge extensively, concentrating on the development of the firm's lean program as well as management of its supply chain and mixing business, the company said.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    Wacky World of Rubber: The true story behind the rubber match
    2
    Continental to build $40 million hose plant in Mexico
    3
    Goodyear targeting full petroleum oil replacement by 2040
    4
    Rubber process oil suppliers face push of demand, pull of continued logistical issues
    5
    Michelin growth strategy looks at tires and beyond
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Plastics News China
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2022. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Automotive
      • Tire
      • Non-Tire
      • Suppliers
      • ITEC
      • Silicone
      • Online Exclusive
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Executive Action
      • Government/Legal
      • Opinion
      • Rubber Division IEC
      • Blogs
        • Products
        • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Sustainability
    • War in Ukraine
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • 2022 Hose & Belt Manufacturers Conference
        • 2022 International Silicone Conference
        • 2022 International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
        • 2022 Women Breaking the Mold
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION