According to reports from the automotive supplier market in North America, the acquisition of the polyurethane acoustic insulation specialist, HP Chemie Pelzer (D-58430 Witten; www.pelzer.de), by Collins & Aikman (Troy, Michigan / USA; www.colaik.com) is now imminent. Pelzer´s management confirmed to Plasteurope.com that discussions had been held with Collins & Aikman and with their chief investor, Heartland Industrial Partners (www.heartlandpartners.com) on a “strategic cooperation”. Talks were, however, also continuing with other possible partners, and a final decision had not yet been taken.

In the 2001 business year, the Pelzer group posted sales of over EUR 450m with a worldwide workforce of 3,700. The company´s main activities are in the development, production and sale of “acoustically active components for the interior and exterior of vehicles”. Virtually every major car manufacturer is to be found on the company´s customer list. In April 2002, Pelzer declared that, as part of an ongoing restructuring process, it was on the lookout for a “financial basis to secure further growth” and was in discussion with several potential investors.

In the field of acoustic systems for cars, Collins & Aikman is regarded as the global number one player ahead of Lear, Rieter Automotive, Cascade and Pelzer. Since the acquisition by the Heartland Investors in February 2001, the Group has been on a major course of expansion with the declared aim of becoming a “Mega Tier 2” (see Plasteurope.com 17, 2001).

Apart from acoustic systems, the company is also growing stronger with cockpit modules, instrument panels and other interior equipment as the result of acquisitions. The sales volume of the group is now around USD 4 bn. In recent weeks and months, there have been major changes in the top management of the group surrounding the appointment of Jerry L. Mosingo as new CEO.