10.01.2011

Schunk Group divests modules business to Eckerle Automotive GmbH

Effective January 1, 2011, Eckerle Automotive GmbH, based in Ottersweier, southwest Germany, has taken over the Schunk Group's modules business worldwide.

Excluded from the acquisition are brush holder modules for gasoline pumps, starter systems and wash systems, which the Schunk Group will continue to produce.

As a result, the Schunk Group now has an even sharper focus on carbon brushes for the automotive sector and microcarbon brushes for household appliances and electric power tools, one of the group's core businesses.

For Eckerle Automotive GmbH, the move entails both an intensification of its existing brush systems business and a marked expansion to serve new customers in the auto parts industry, plus entry to the electric power tools market. What's more, in the future Eckerle will be in a position to serve the Asian market as well as Europe and North America, thereby expanding its customer base.

In Eckerle, Schunk has found a reputable and competent partner that gives the group every confidence that the modules business will continue to operate as its customers and workforce would wish.

Following the acquisition, some 700 employees worldwide will transfer from Schunk to Eckerle, including around 40 in each case at two locations in Germany: Olbernhau in the Erzgebirge region and Wettenberg in mid-Hesse. A high priority for Schunk was ensuring that the vast majority of the affected employees would be kept on by Eckerle. However, the module technology jobs at the Wettenberg plant will be lost, although Eckerle will create some additional jobs in other locations. In addition, Schunk will make every effort to offer the affected employees work with other Schunk Group companies in the region. Living up to its corporate social responsibility is a given for Schunk.

The Schunk Group is an internationally operating technology company with more than 60 operative companies and more than 8,000 employees in 26 countries. Specializing in system and material technology, the group of companies offers a broad spectrum of products and services in the fields of carbon technology and ceramics, environmental simulation technology and climate technology, sintered metal technology and ultrasonic welding technology. The Schunk Group is anticipating consolidated turnover of about €840m for 2010.

Contact:
Schunk Group
Daniela Grosche
Rodheimer Strasse 59
35452 Heuchelheim, Germany

Phone: +49 (0) 641 / 608-1759
Fax: +49 (0) 641 / 608-281759
daniela.grosche@schunk-group.com