Sulzer Acquires DLC Coatings Activities from Bekaert

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The DLC activities of Bekaert have been acquired by Sulzer Metco, covering thermal-spray and thin-film coating technologies. The acquisition, which includes Bekaert’s diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings and racing activities, will deliver significant technological benefits to Sulzer and Bekaert customers, as both companies have a strong presence in complementary markets and produce complementary technologies.

Bekaert DLC produces thin-film coatings that combine very low frictional resistance and extreme hardness. The coatings are used to reduce wear and friction in a wide range of industrial applications such as machine parts, automotive components, and molds for plastics and metals. Bekaert DLC division will be integrated into Sulzer Metco’s existing thin-film coating activities, which focus on machining, forming, general automotive, racing, semiconductors, and plastic-processing applications. The acquisition represents no change for Bekaert customers, who will enjoy a continuity of service. There will be no redundancies following the takeover. Bekaert customers will receive the same exemplary level of service from the same team, who will continue working at the same locations. Product names will also remain the same; the only change will be the switch in brand name from Bekaert to Sulzer.

“We’d like to reassure Bekaert customers that they’ll still be able to rely on the same team, products, facilities, and service,” according to Mark Boghe, segment manager automotive/racing at Sulzer Metco. “The acquisition is an exciting development that offers business benefits to customers of both companies. By pooling resources, expertise, and experience we can produce top-quality, complementary technologies. In doing so we’re creating a comprehensive, one-stop shop that can meet every customer’s coating needs. Bekaert has years of experience in the racing market, while Sulzer provides alternative coatings for components that can’t be coated with DLC coatings. We can now offer new coatings for existing components, such as CrN on valves. Plus there’s huge potential for new racing applications. For example, PVD coatings for valves and WC:H coatings for gears.”

Sulzer was founded in 1834 in Winterthur, Switzerland, and today is active in machinery and equipment manufacturing and surface engineering at over 120 locations worldwide. Go to [www.sulzer.com]. Bekaert is a global technological leader in its two core competences—advanced metal transformation and advanced materials and coatings—and it is a market leader in drawn wire products and applications. Learn more at [www.bekaert.com].