Munich / Markstschorgast / Mikkeli, November 21, 2019 – The Vitrulan Group, based in Marktschorgast, Germany, is acquiring the glass fiber reinforcement business unit of Scandinavian hard fiber materials manufacturer Ahlstrom-Munksjö. The specialist for technical products made of textile glass, part of Munich-based industrial holding ADCURAM since 2016, is thus strengthening both its presence in Northern Europe and its product portfolio. The transaction is still subject to regulatory review and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
The Ahlstrom-Munksjö business, with around 100 employees in Mikkeli, Finland, produces glass and carbon fiber-based reinforcing fabrics that are used primarily in the wind energy sector, but also in shipbuilding and logistics. The company has an annual turnover of around 30 million euros. For Vitrulan Technical Textiles GmbH, based in Sonneberg, Thuringia, one of the three business units of the Vitrulan Group, the acquisition represents a significant step in its internationalization strategy: “Vitrulan Technical Textiles is a strong player in the market for technical textile solutions, especially those based on glass for construction, reinforcement, insulation and sealing. The know-how, product range and regional presence of the new colleagues in Finland will now further boost growth – in new market segments and with new technologies,” comments ADCURAM investment partner Broder Abrahamsen on the acquisition.
ADCURAM acquired a majority stake in the tradition-rich Vitrulan Group with around 400 employees three years ago as part of a succession plan and has since been supporting it in new investments, geographical expansion and the development of new customer groups. Vitrulan Textile Glass GmbH, which produces wall and ceiling coverings from glass yarn in Marktschorgast, operates alongside Vitrulan Technical Textiles. Last year, the newly founded V4heat GmbH was added as a third mainstay – it produces intelligent infrared heating systems based on glass mesh fabrics.