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Author: Möbelfertigung

Joint Venture – Saviola acquires stake in Nolte Holzwerkstoff

A joint venture between the Saviola Group (Italy) and Georg Nolte, majority shareholder of Nolte Holzwerkstoff GmbH & Co. KG, known as Rheinspan, was signed in Frankfurt on December 27, 2019. Saviola Holding intends to acquire half of the shares of Nolte Holzwerkstoff. Initial talks began in the first half of 2019, with the aim of bundling the expertise of the companies involved in the production of raw and finished particleboard. In addition, the capabilities of the two suppliers will be combined to develop a new approach that combines design, recycling management and sustainability. The agreement was concluded by both parties with the willingness to work together on the Italian and German sides as quality providers, according to a press release.

And further: in 2019, the Germersheim plant invested in wood recycling in the spirit of sustainability, which should produce results in 2020. Next year, a new melamine press will offer high-quality products of the highest quality and design.

“This is a historic agreement of which I am truly proud because it focuses on the ability of our companies to keep pace with the needs of the market,” commented Alessandro Saviola, Chairman Saviola Group. “Over the past few months I have been able to build a close relationship with the Nolte family and I am very pleased that two family-run businesses have found such close synergies. This cooperation will also have a very positive impact on the European market, as it will be possible to combine Italian creativity with German experience”.

“It is a pleasure for me to actively accompany this joint venture at the age of 79 and to have created something for the fourth and fifth generation of the Nolte family that is unique in Europe,” says Georg Nolte, Nolte Holzwerkstoff GmbH & Co. KG. “With the Saviola family, I have found the partner with whom new goals in the industry can be achieved for Rheinspan. I can only agree with the quote from Mr. Saviola: It will be possible to combine Italian creativity with German experience.”

The Saviola Group is the leading particleboard company in Italy and the world’s most important wood recycler with 13 plants and 1,500 employees, divided into four business units (Saviola – Wood, Sadepan – Chemicals, Composad – Furniture and Saviolife – Lifescience). The Saviola Group is internationally known as the inventor of 100% recycled chipboard.

Nolte Holzwerkstoff has 69 years of experience in industrial chipboard production and is thus the oldest family-owned chipboard manufacturer in the world. The first particleboard from Nolte Holzwerkstoff was manufactured in Rheda-Wiedenbrück in 1951, and the company has been operating in Germersheim in Rhineland-Palatinate since 1972. Under the brand name “Rheinspan”, Nolte Holzwerkstoff develops and produces particleboard for various customer needs. The company currently employs around 200 people in Germersheim.

A joint venture between the Saviola Group (Italy) and Georg Nolte, majority shareholder of Nolte Holzwerkstoff GmbH & Co. KG, known as Rheinspan, was signed in Frankfurt on December 27, 2019. Saviola Holding intends to acquire half of the shares of Nolte Holzwerkstoff. Initial talks began in the first half of 2019, with the aim of bundling the expertise of the companies involved in the production of raw and finished particleboard. In addition, the capabilities of the two suppliers will be combined to develop a new approach that combines design, recycling management and sustainability. The agreement was concluded by both parties with the willingness to work together on the Italian and German sides as quality providers, according to a press release.

And further: in 2019, the Germersheim plant invested in wood recycling in the spirit of sustainability, which should produce results in 2020. Next year, a new melamine press will offer high-quality products of the highest quality and design.

“This is a historic agreement of which I am truly proud because it focuses on the ability of our companies to keep pace with the needs of the market,” commented Alessandro Saviola, Chairman Saviola Group. “Over the past few months I have been able to build a close relationship with the Nolte family and I am very pleased that two family-run businesses have found such close synergies. This cooperation will also have a very positive impact on the European market, as it will be possible to combine Italian creativity with German experience”.

“It is a pleasure for me to actively accompany this joint venture at the age of 79 and to have created something for the fourth and fifth generation of the Nolte family that is unique in Europe,” says Georg Nolte, Nolte Holzwerkstoff GmbH & Co. KG. “With the Saviola family, I have found the partner with whom new goals in the industry can be achieved for Rheinspan. I can only agree with the quote from Mr. Saviola: It will be possible to combine Italian creativity with German experience.”

The Saviola Group is the leading particleboard company in Italy and the world’s most important wood recycler with 13 plants and 1,500 employees, divided into four business units (Saviola – Wood, Sadepan – Chemicals, Composad – Furniture and Saviolife – Lifescience). The Saviola Group is internationally known as the inventor of 100% recycled chipboard.

Nolte Holzwerkstoff has 69 years of experience in industrial chipboard production and is thus the oldest family-owned chipboard manufacturer in the world. The first particleboard from Nolte Holzwerkstoff was manufactured in Rheda-Wiedenbrück in 1951, and the company has been operating in Germersheim in Rhineland-Palatinate since 1972. Under the brand name “Rheinspan”, Nolte Holzwerkstoff develops and produces particleboard for various customer needs. The company currently employs around 200 people in Germersheim.

Register now for the congress on innovative technology and current design of surfaces for wood-based materials

Be there when top speakers present the current topics concerning decorative surfaces of wood-based materials at the first “Surface in Motion – Technology and Design Conference” in Mainz on 13 and 14 May. Choose from two parallel lecture programmes – according to your preference “Technology” or “Design”. With this new event format, the trade magazines “moebelfertigung” and “arcade” address the wood-based materials industry, its suppliers, furniture manufacturers and interior designers.

Speakers on the first day include Dr. Paolo Fantoni from the European Panel Federation (EPF), Martin Marxen from Hueck Rheinische and Peter Lantz from Ikea.

The second day is then completely divided into the two sessions “Technology in Motion” and “Design in Motion”. In the technology area, lectures by, among others, Dr. René Pankoke from Hymmen, Dr. Thomas Riedel from IOT, Ali Özyilmaz from MB Digitalprint or Dr. Matthias Schöpps from Nolte Lacke will focus on the latest developments in the processing and production of surfaces. This year’s clear thematic focus is on digital printing, varnished finishes and polymer surfaces. The Design section will be giving presentations by Roberto Caspani from Cleaf, Claudia Küchen from Schattdecor, the room psychologist Uwe Linke and the furniture designer Brigitte Steffen, for example, to give an insight into what end customers want and what will shape tomorrow’s interiors.

High-calibre speakers and participants already promise a networking event for the surface and wood-based materials industry today that is unparalleled. Be there when the who-is-who of the industry meets.

The cultural centre in Mainz (KUZ) will serve as the venue: the red brick building was built in 1888 by the Reichswehr as a garrison laundry. At that time, a large military hospital was located on the neighbouring site (today Fort Malakoff and Hyatt Hotel). In 2018 the KUZ was reopened in its old splendour and new charm after a break in renovation.

On the evening of May 13th we cordially invite all participants and speakers to a relaxed networking dinner in the restaurant “Heiliggeist”, the oldest public hospital in Germany.

All further information as well as possibilities for registration can be found here: https://www.holzmann-events.de/surface-in-motion/

 

Hans-Christian Hahn, hans-christian.hahn@holzmann.de, 040 – 63 20 18 – 43 will inform you about individual sponsoring possibilities.

New central warehouse becomes largest investment in company history

Due to the strong growth of recent years, increased complexity and the continuous expansion of the product range, the management of Döllken Profiles GmbH, together with the parent company, Surteco Group SE, has decided to tackle the largest investment project in the history of the company. A new 10,000 square metre logistics centre will be built at the production site in Bönen by the end of 2020. The main logistics activities will be bundled in this centre, which will provide greater flexibility and improved performance in terms of the entire scheduling and processing of deliveries. In addition to new premises for dispatch and logistics, approx. 40 office workplaces will be created as well as new social rooms for over 180 employees. The centralisation of the logistic activities will make a considerable amount of transport unnecessary and contribute to environmental protection.

In the course of the new building, Döllken Profiles GmbH will also expand the production area in Bönen by around 4,000 square metres, thus creating additional capacity for the production of skirtings, technical profiles and LED strips. Up to twelve new extrusion lines can be built on the available space. “With a total investment of approx. 11 million euros, Döllken Profiles GmbH will significantly increase its efficiency. Customers from trade, industry and the skilled trades can look forward to even better service, faster delivery and an efficient and future-proof partner”, explains Hartwig Schwab, CEO of Döllken Profiles GmbH.

The first work will start as early as January 2020, with the official start of construction planned for the spring. All in all, the construction work will take less than a year and will be carried out during ongoing operations.

Steven Wyatt is the new president

The International Federation of Robotics has a new president: Steven Wyatt of ABB Switzerland has been elected as its new president. Wyatt succeeds Junji Tsuda of Yaskawa Electric Corporation, who has held the rotating position since December 2017. Milton Guerry of the US company Schunk takes over from Wyatt as IFR Vice President.

The new IFR President Steven Wyatt has more than a decade of international experience in the rapidly changing automation industry. He is currently Global Head of Portfolio and Digital for ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation business. Prior to joining ABB in 2010, the Scottish-born entrepreneur held a number of senior marketing and sales positions in the plastics industry worldwide. Wyatt holds a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Edinburgh. Prior to his election as the new president of the IFR, he supported his predecessor Junji Tsuda as vice president, a position he held for two years.

Steven Wyatt thanked outgoing IFR President Junji Tsuda for sharing his outstanding industry knowledge with key international stakeholders and the world press. “As the voice of the robotics industry, Junji Tsuda has been exemplary in communicating the positions of our members on key industry issues. As the new president, I look forward to continuing his successful work. Together with the new Vice President, Milton Guerry, I will continue to work on Junji Tsuda’s mission to create a clear awareness and understanding of the rapidly changing world of flexible automation.

The new IFR Vice President, Milton Guerry, began his career in the automotive industry, where he worked in various engineering and technical roles. Today, he is President of Schunk USA and leads the team. Guerry is a member of the Board of Directors of the Robotic Industries Association (RIA). He joined Schunk in 2000 and served in various management positions before assuming his current position as President in 2007.

AUMA

Jörn Holtmeier has taken over the management

On 1 January 2020, Jörn Holtmeier (41) took up his position as Managing Director of AUMA – Association of the German Trade Fair Industry. His last position was Deputy Office Manager of the Daimler Group Representative Office for Federal Affairs in Berlin with a focus on transport and environmental policy.

Jörn Holtmeier is very much looking forward to his new task: “The trade fair industry is a very exciting, international sector, it has an impact on almost all areas of the German economy and on many areas of politics. Here I can particularly contribute my experience in political lobbying. I am looking forward to working with a highly motivated team to advance the current issues of the trade fair industry”.

His predecessor, Dr. Peter Neven (66), retired from the association on 31.12.2019 due to age. Neven had been working for AUMA since 1988, from 1990 as Managing Director and Head of the Domestic Fairs Division, from 2006 as sole Managing Director. At the end of 2017 he was appointed General Manager.

In particular, he was involved in the reunification of the German trade fair industry at the beginning of his term of office and was committed to the further development of support programmes for German exhibitors at domestic and foreign trade fairs. He has also greatly expanded AUMA’s expertise in the areas of research and education.

As the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry, AUMA has 73 members, including 38 associations of the exhibiting and visiting industries as well as service companies and 35 trade fair organisers.

Polycarbonate sheet business sold to Serafin

Covestro has successfully completed the sale of its European polycarbonate sheet business to the Munich-based Serafin Group with effect from January 2, 2020. The sale includes central management and sales functions in Europe and production sites in Belgium and Italy. The business unit generated total sales of EUR 130 million in 2018. Serafin will continue operations with 250 employees at all locations. For the foreseeable future, Covestro will continue to act as an important supplier of raw materials.

With the divestment of the European polycarbonate sheet business, Covestro is continuing its ongoing portfolio optimization. The divestiture follows the transactions already completed in North America and India and the conversion of the Guangzhou site in China to produce only specialty films. Covestro has thus sold its polycarbonate sheet business in its entirety.

In the future, the former polycarbonate sheet business of Covestro will operate under the new company name Exolon Group (https://www.exolongroup.com/). Under the umbrella of the Serafin Group, the Exolon Group will be positioned as an independent, medium-sized company. By implementing a targeted strategy focused on customer needs and the core business, the company is expected to optimally exploit the growth potential in the market. As an independent company, the Exolon Group will continue to focus on the production and distribution of high-quality solid and multi-skin panels, which are used in the construction and lighting industry, as well as in the areas of mechanical engineering and mobility, among others.

Covestro and Serafin have agreed not to disclose the financial details of the transaction.

Dr. Andreas Hettich joins the Advisory Board

Dr. Andreas Hettich (50), a fourth-generation shareholder, will be moving from the operational management of Hettich Holding GmbH & Co. oHG to the Advisory Board of the Hettich Group on 1 January 2020.

After almost 20 years in the operative business, 13 of which as Chairman of the Management Board, Dr. Hettich will in future concentrate on the strategic management of the Group and act as a link between shareholders and management. As majority shareholder, he will continue to represent the Hettich Group to customers and the public.

Hettich Holding is managed equally by Jana Schönfeld (41) and Sascha Groß (46), both successful members of the previous management.

Dr. Andreas Hettich comments: “In recent years, we have consistently geared the Hettich Group to profitable growth and created the organisational conditions for this. The entire Hettich team is working intensively worldwide to develop the organisation further towards greater individual responsibility through new ways of working together. I am pleased to know that the Group is in good hands and will actively accompany this path out of the advisory board. Together, we are well prepared for the challenges of the future”.

Will happen as early as February

As a performance show of the Polish furniture industry, this year “Meble Polska” will take place earlier than usual, from February 25 to 28. Those responsible had decided to bring it forward, as the traditional March date had become part of the trade fair marathon in the Far East, which involved many buyers there.

The change means that the next edition already promises to be quite successful in terms of visitor numbers. “We have already received assurances that thanks to the change in the date, important buyers will come to Poznan who previously had no opportunity to participate in our fair”, explains Jósef Szyszka, Director of “Meble Polska”.

Trade visitors from around 70 countries are expected at the new date. Meble Polska” will again traditionally be flanked by the “Home Decor” trade fair, where current interior design trends will be presented. The interior design fair focuses on decoration, lighting, textiles and equipment for kitchens and bathrooms. Also taking place at the same time is the “Arena Design” special exhibition, which this year is being launched under the motto “Slowness”.

A total of around 500 companies and brands will be on site, presenting their portfolio in eleven exhibition halls. All leading manufacturers from Poland interested in expanding their exports have already announced their intention to attend. In addition, more and more exhibitors from neighbouring Eastern European countries are also on site.

The range of products on offer is large. From self-service and young living, upholstered furniture, mattresses and solid wood products to developments for the high-end sector, there are numerous new products to discover.

Interested parties can already register online for a visit to the fair. By registering online, they will receive a free ticket. At the entrance of the fair the processing fee for the ticket is 10 zloty. A total of around 20,000 visitors are expected.

Buyers who have a large budget can take advantage of a special service. In addition to free admission and entry to the exhibition grounds and catering, this service includes assistance with travel arrangements and an undisturbed zone for negotiations.

500,000 Euro for the main plant in Türkismühle

A kitchen is not a T-shirt. Rather, it should be like a tailor-made suit that is tailored like a second skin to the respective living conditions. Individualisation at all levels – that’s what Schmidt Küchen und Wohnwelten has set itself the goal. Like a designer of haute couture, the traditional German-French company designs, creates and constructs interior furnishing solutions that are accurate to the millimetre. The high proportion of special sizes also calls for optimisation in the highly complex manufacturing process. The German-French Schmidt Groupe has now carried out such a process with an investment of half a million euros at its headquarters in the Saarland turquoise mill.

On the one hand, Europe’s fifth-largest kitchen manufacturer enlarged, modernised and made more accessible the approximately 2,500 square metre parking area for the truck trailers and containers opposite the administration building at the end of November. On the other hand, a carton cutting machine was put into operation for the investment costs of around 250,000 euros. The task of this high-tech system with the somewhat unwieldy name “Homag Automation Paqteq C-250” is to cut the cardboard boxes needed for packing furniture, fronts, drawers or pedestals quickly and easily. And the machine does this with millimetre precision and in the right order.

Each carton is now produced in batch size one – it is a tailor-made suit made of cardboard. “The new machine cuts, perforates and creases perfectly adapted packages with the best product protection. We now produce exactly the cardboard boxes we need: in optimum shape, with high volume utilization, with low waste and at minimum unit costs,” explains project manager Thomas Scheid.

This investment is a further strengthening of the Türkismühle site. Last year, a new conveyor system was already installed for half a million euros, which increases the process chain and material flow within the plant. A great benefit of the new acquisition now: The packaging process is radically simplified. For special sizes, the standard cardboard boxes previously had to be laboriously and laboriously modeled by hand with a cutter knife.

“Due to the accurate cutting, there is no need for any adjustments. It is also no longer necessary to pick the stock goods, because the resource-saving machine cuts in exactly the same order as the parts have to be packed,” says production manager Christian Sendler. Another advantage: the quality of the packaging has improved significantly. On the one hand, the appearance is visibly enhanced, which is certainly more appropriate for the high-quality contents. On the other hand, the protection of the furniture during transport to the end customer has increased – which in turn minimizes transport damage.

The need for packaging and filling materials has also been reduced. And the storage and logistics costs have also been drastically reduced. “We even freed up a complete warehouse at the plant, which we can now use for other purposes,” explains Thomas Scheid. Most recently, more than 120 different packaging references were stored there, which it now no longer needs. This variety was necessary because there is an increasing demand for made-to-measure kitchen and living room furniture.

In total, 700 finished kitchens leave the Schmidt Groupe’s state-of-the-art furniture factories every day. They are produced in top quality. The same standards are expected in the packaging and logistics chain. Just as buying off-the-peg kitchens has long since become a thing of the past, so too are prefabricated standard packaging. The Schmidt Groupe, which is managed by Anne Leitzgen in the third generation, manufactures mainly in France – one plant is located in Lièpvre, three in Sélestat and one in Bergheim, which, however, is used exclusively for order picking. In addition, there is the German parent company in Türkismühle, which operates in a production network. Schmidt has a total production area of around 223,000 square metres. Each year, 1,766 employees produce over one million furniture elements for kitchens and living areas.