In a further move to expand into eastern Europe, Austria´s Hirsch Servo (A-9555 Glanegg; www.hirsch-gruppe.com) has taken over the EPS transport packaging production activities of Poland´s PFI Spolka (Wroclaw) with an option to buy the business at the end of 2004. Production capacity at PFI, which will be renamed Hirsch Porozell Sp.z.o.o, is to be expanded from 1,500 t/y to 2,500 t/y, lifting Hirsch´s total capacity for moulded engineering components to 10,000 t/y. The group said the thrust into Poland reflects the move of important customers such as Samsung, Philips and Electrolux into the “fast-growing” Polish market.

For Hirsch Servo, the Polish move is its second foray into eastern Europe. The Austrian group currently produces at three locations in Hungary. The PFI moulded parts activities based in southwestern Poland supply packaging for refrigeration equipment to Whirlpool-Polar. The new Polish subsidiary is expected to add EUR 3m in annual sales to the parent company total.

The Hirsch group has four business segments: packaging; machinery and plant construction; insulation materials; and products for office organization, advertising and presentation. In financial year 2002 / 2002 (30 June) it reported sales of EUR 51m, down 9% against the previous reporting period. Net profit fell by 25% to EUR 2.4 m. Sales of moulded engineering components totalled EUR 23.7m.