Oerlikon Balzers optimizes its product portfolio
Balzers, 3 October 2011 – In the move to further focus on core competencies, Oerlikon Balzers has sold its French vaccum heat treatment division to Bodycote, a specialist in the business. 26 Oerlikon Balzers employees have transferred to Bodycote as a result.
Oerlikon Balzers is the leading PVD coating supplier for tools and precision components. Nitriding, a special heat treatment process for the hardening of metal surfaces, remains within Oerlikon Balzer’s product portfolio and is therefore not part of the transaction. „With this step we concentrate on Advanced Surface Solutions. As vacuum heat treatment is not part of this strategy, parting with this small but sound division is a logical move. It was important for us to have found a strategic investor in Bodycote who will determinedly push forward the further development of the business“, said Oerlikon Coating CEO Dr. Hans Brändle. This move is a further expression of the overall Oerlikon Group strategy, which is to focus on profitable growth in areas of core competence.
The transfer of Oerlikon Balzer’s vacuum heat treatment unit to Bodycote was closed on 30 September 2011. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the sales price.
