Reifenhäuser, a leading Germany based machine supplier to the nonwovens industry, has taken over EDS GmbH, an international supplier of high-end extrusion tools. EDS is a specialist for flat dies with headquarters in Reichshof-Wenrath, North Rhine-Westphalia.

The company will operate within the Reifenhäuser Group as a separate independent business unit. Johannes P. Müller, the previous owner, will continue to run EDS, together with Uwe Gaedike, Director Operations at Reifenhäuser, who is also responsible for developing the components business of the Reifenhäuser Group.

Pooling strengths of two brands

“EDS and Reifenhäuser complement one another excellently when it comes to design and production expertise. As an effective team, we will use and expand on our strengths together,” said Bernd Reifenhäuser, Chair of the Management Board. “Both companies have a reputation for close and responsible collaboration with our customers. This means that customers can avail of the expertise and support that they require.”

“We are proud to now be a part of the Reifenhäuser Group. We will combine our strengths and pool our technology and production resources. This, along with a worldwide sales structure for our customers, will considerably increase our ability to perform,” commented Johannes P. Müller, Managing Director of EDS.

Growth strategy

With this take-over, Reifenhäuser says it remains faithful to its strategy: to ensure its long-term success, the Troisdorf company strives for technological leadership through in-house developments and the acquisition of know-how in market-relevant technologies.

“This take-over perfectly complements our existing expertise in die production,” said Uwe Gaedike. “Together with the Reifenhäuser production know-how we will develop a strong business for the sale of first-class dies.” With the die specialist EDS, Reifenhäuser takes a great stride towards its goal of always delivering the best extrusion process. When it comes to die production, EDS stands for tailor-made products.

Leading supplier for extruders and dies

“With the latest acquisition we continue to move towards our goal of designing and producing core competencies in-house. Besides machine manufacture, we are positioning ourselves as a leading technological component provider for extruders and dies,” said Uwe Gaedike about Reifenhäuser's strategy.

“The excellence of EDS' work and our common understanding of values were the basis for our decision to enter talks on a future together,” commented Bernd Reifenhäuser. “We would like to welcome all the employees from EDS and look forward to collaborating with specialists who are well-known in the industry. Together, we will pick up momentum.”

In addition, Reifenhäuser is strengthening the Troisdorf site and making new investments in the manufacture of components. The EDS site in Reichshof will be turned into a technology and service centre for dies.

www.reifenhauser.com