VMI buys extrusion division of A-Z Formen und Maschinen.

By Liz White, ERJ staff

Epe, The Netherlands-Machinery maker VMI Epe Holland BV has extended its activities by acquiring the extrusion division of A-Z Formen und Maschinen GmbH.

Production of AZ's extruders for tyre production and retreading will continue as a new division, VMI-AZ Extrusion GmbH, from the current production facilities in Runding, Germany. Two sales and service units in Munich, Germany and Akron, Ohio will continue to their operations under the new unit.

The Dutch equipment maker, which has production units in Epe, the US and China, has appointed Florian Fischer as general manager of its new extrusion business.

This transaction enhances VMI's product range with A-Z extruders for the tyre industry-for making new tyres as well as for retreading-and for the technical rubber industry, said the firm in a press statement.

VMI added that its goal is, “to further strengthen its market position as the leading supplier to the rubber and tyre industries by autonomous growth as well as by further acquisitions.”