Expanding its international presence, German PU specialist Masterflex (Gelsenkirchen; www.masterflex.de) on 6 July announced that it had elevated its subsidiary in Planá / Czech Republic to serve both the Czech and the Slovakian markets directly. So far, Masterflex Cesko (Planá / Czech Republic) had only served as a production hub for vulcanised hoses from neoprene or silicone and coated glass fabric.

“The step of no longer just manufacturing in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and instead offering customers the full range of the Masterflex Group locally and with greater proximity is the next systematic stage in continuing our strategy of internationalisation,” Masterflex CEO Andreas Bastin said. He added that the group sees a lot of potential in eastern Europe and would like to position itself as closely as possible to the local market.

As part of its restructuring efforts, Masterflex had shed its High-Tech House and Mobility segments last year and embarked on a path of internationalisation by opening offices in both Brazil and Russia. The PU specialist also has offices in Germany, the UK, France, Sweden and the US. Masterflex hoses are used in automotive, aircraft and engine manufacturing, among others.