With its now-completed acquisition of the American automotive suppliers Blue Waters Plastics Inc. (BWP), Marysville, the Sarna Group (HQ: Sarna Kunststoff Holding AG, Industriestrasse, CH-6060 Sarnen) is implementing its strategy of increased focusing and geographical diversification. BWP achieves sales of around CHF 310m, with some 1200 employees spread over 8 production facilities. The purchase price totals USD 131.5m.

BWP regards itself as the leading supplier to North America´s automotive producers when it comes to the design and production of sophisticated injection moulded components and systems for ventilation and air-conditioning units, as well as visible parts for the vehicle interior, and chassis and functional components. To ensure successful integration in the Sarna Group, the automotive supplier business comprising Sarnatech Paulmann & Crone (D-58511 Lüdenscheid) and Sarnatech Schenk GmbH (D-73734 Esslingen) is being removed from the “Sarnatech” Division (plastics processing division), and the new “Sarnamotive” Division being set up. This independent company division is being headed by Dr. Fritz Ganter.

For Dr. Hanspeter Käser, CEO of the Sarna Group, the acquisition in the USA constitutes a key strategic advance. Not only has the Group obtained an important production location in Mexico, he explains – outlining the advantages – but it will also not need to construct any new capacities in North America. This means that “Sarnamotive” can supply identical products worldwide, increase its cost efficiency by pooling technologies and achieve greater independence from the individual marques and markets. “The anticipated earning power of BWP will lead to a sustainable rise in value for the Sarna Group as a whole”, says Käser in a statement.

• Plasteurope.com Service:1999 Annual Report for Sarna Kunststoff Holding AG: PIE-No. 44581.