Wink Stanzwerkzeuge GmbH & Co. KG, German manufacturer of die-cutting tools, will be taking over FST Form- und Stanztechnik GmbH in Simmerath, Germany, on 1 November 2014.
Wink intends to invest in the Simmerath site in order to create a centre of excellence for cylinders. With this acquisition the company is continuing its strategy for international growth and pushing more heavily into related market segments in addition to the labels market.
‘Following the successful expansion of our flexible dies department, we now want to strengthen the cylinder department and thus continue our strategy for international growth,’ explained managing director, Alan de Natris. ‘In FST, we have found the ideal addition, both in terms of technology and staff. We feel like we have been connected with FST for years already thanks to our various collaborations. We know and respect the staff, their philosophy of customer proximity and the outstanding quality of their products.’
‘We were very keen to arrange a sound succession plan in good time to make sure FST GmbH and its employees remain in good hands. In Wink, we have found the perfect new owner who will be able to safeguard and expand the Simmerath site in the long term,’ said Karl-Heinz Röder on behalf of the FST shareholders.
Specifically, the investments will be in expanding the pool of machinery and staff to create additional capacity for the cylinder portfolio. ‘By combining our expertise, we can take advantage of the decades of experience of both companies,’ said Mr de Natris. ‘And at the same time, we will be creating the foundation for strengthening our future position in other markets in addition to the labels market.’
The company hopes that the capacity expansion and the efficient processes will result in even faster lead times and further optimisation of the quality.
