Hexpol acquires UK-based rubber compounder Berwin Group

Hexpol has acquired the UK based rubber compounder Berwin Group Ltd from present shareholders (Glyn Williams and his family) for approximately GBP 25 million. “The acquisition is a very good complement to Hexpol Compounding in Europe and broadens and strengthens our presence with rubber compounds in the UK market. Berwin expands our capabilities and capacities to serve our customers in a more efficient way,” said Ralph Wolkener, president, Hexpol Compounding Europe.
 
Berwin Group (Berwin Rubber Co Ltd, Berwin Industrial Polymers Ltd and Flexi-Cell UK Ltd), with manufacturing facilities in Manchester, UK and in Gloucestershire, UK has an estimated annual turnover of around GBP 40 million and has around 200 employees.
   
Georg Brunstam, CEO, Hexpol Group, added, “This is a further step in expanding and strengthening the Hexpol Group with a further acquisition within our core business. Berwin, with its competence and capabilities, will fit nicely into the Hexpol Group and gives us a stronger UK presence.”
 
Hexpol has strong global presence in advanced polymer compounds (compounding), gaskets for plate heat exchangers (gaskets) and wheels made of plastic and rubber materials for forklifts and castor wheel applications (wheels). Customers are primarily system suppliers to the global automotive and engineering industry, the construction sector, the energy, oil and gas sector, medical equipment manufacturers and OEM manufacturers of plate heat exchangers and forklifts.