New-look Trelleborg to discontinue ‘businesses under development’ segment

Trelleborg, Sweden - Trelleborg’s “businesses under development” reporting segment is to be discontinued as its operations have been largely divested or are likely to be divested during 2021, the Swedish polymer group announced 26 March.

Trelleborg created the reporting segment in a major restructuring programme in December 2019, grouping together operations with weak profitability. At the time, the group said it would make a final decision on the businesses within 12-24 months.

“We are nearing the end of that [restructuring] journey and therefore are reporting what the future Trelleborg will look like,” said Peter Nilsson, president and CEO. 

According to Trelleborg, since the start of the review, a number of operations within the reporting segment have been divested with total annual sales of SEK660 million (€64 million).

Going forward, the group’s Norwegian oil & gas, printing blankets and Czech technical rubber products operations, will be reported as 'assets held for sale' in future financial statements. 

Trelleborg said it was “highly probable” that these operations, with sales of SEK2,000 million, will be divested during 2021. 

Three other operations will be integrated into the Trelleborg Industrial Solutions (TIS) business area, including a 'microspheres product area' which makes “high quality composite materials for a wide range of uses.” 

In addition, an operation focusing on polyurethane solutions for niche industrial applications as well as a bearings and sealing solutions unit for offshore applications will be added to TIS. 

These operations, Trelleborg said, have improved their profitability and “fit well” within the group’s strategy focusing on “leading positions in selected segments and niches.” 

The three operations had total annual sales of SEK580 million in 2020.

Overall, “the organisational changes will enable us to fully focus on continuing to develop and further strengthen our already high-performing and well-positioned business areas,” Nilsson said. 

The new organisation will be reflected in Trelleborg’s first quarter report for 2021.