This news article was originally written in Spanish. It has been automatically translated for your convenience. Reasonable efforts have been made to provide an accurate translation, however, no automated translation is perfect nor is it intended to replace a human translator. The original article in Spanish can be viewed at Mann + Hummel adquiere la división de Sistemas de Aire para Automoción y Piezas Técnicas de Solvay

Mann + Hummel acquires air systems for automotive and parts techniques of Solvay Division

26/02/2002

on February 26, 2002

The multinational German Mann + Hummel has taken control of the Division of air systems for automotive and technical parts of the Belgian company Solvay. In the context of this operation, the German group strengthens its structure in Spain with the plant for the manufacture of plastic components for fuel tanks of Solvay in Gavà (Barcelona). Sources of Filters Mann, a subsidiary of German firm in Spain, claim that "it is still pending by defining the relationship to be established between our company and the Solvay in Gavà plant". It is conceivable that they open fields of cooperation the future between the aforementioned factory and the factory of Mann filter Zaragoza, one of the largest in the world in production of complete air filtration systems.

While Solvay is carrying out a strategy of disinvestment in activities not considered as essential in its main line of business, Mann + Hummel is reinforced with the addition of a branch of manufacture of plastic components for motor, heating and air conditioning systemswasher and lavafaros, among other products. The Division of Solvay has 1,100 employees spread over floors located in Germany, Brazil, Spain, United States and United Kingdom, as well as a centre of r & d in Belgium.

The completion of the operation, which started in the month of October, is Jacques van Rijckervosel, director general of the process area of the Division of air systems for automotive and parts techniques of Solvay, "the existence of a high degree of complementarity in strategies"operations and products. Integration in Mann + Hummel means acquiring new potential in a company where it will be part of the essential business"."