Strengthens business with solutions for the printing industry

Continental has fully acquired the printing technology business of Trelleborg, based in Lodi Vecchio, Italy. With this strategic step, the technology company is complementing its portfolio for surface solutions in the field of printing technology and is also strengthening its business with industrial customers. “Everyone wins from the merger,” emphasizes Sven Hlywiak, who is responsible for global industrial business outside the automotive sector in Continental’s Surface Solutions business unit. After all, the companies’ product portfolios complement each other and are each characterized by high brand awareness. “Both units in themselves already stand for innovation and quality,” says Hlywiak. “Together, this becomes concentrated competence. Customers benefit from the impressive performance strength and the even broader global presence.”

Dario Porta, Managing Director of Trelleborg Printing Solutions, is looking forward to the cooperation: “I am happy that from today on we are part of a large and strong group of companies. We will bring our experience and know-how to Surface Solutions’ existing team of printing experts and learn from each other. Together we will continue to grow our business.”

As a result of the acquisition, Continental is gaining around 600 employees at eight locations in Italy (two), France, Slovenia, the USA, Brazil, Japan and China. They mainly produce printing blankets for offset and digital printing. With around 800 employees at three locations – in Germany (two) and China – Continental develops and manufactures, among other things, precision printing blankets under the Conti-Air and Phoenix Xtra Blankets brands for sheetfed and web offset printing, flexographic printing plates for direct engraving (Conti Laserline), and elastomer-coated materials for a wide range of applications in other industries.

Hlywiak is convinced that the merger will have a positive impact on all sites and the employees of the two partners. “Two global players join forces. Not only do the products complement each other, the employees of both companies are also united by an open and appreciative corporate culture. This will pay off in even better products and services – at competitive conditions, for the benefit of our customers.”