By Richard Higgs, PRW correspondent
Oberkotzau, Hungary -- Hungarian plastics injection moulder Simon Istvan is to produce large-format automotive industry parts from early 2011 for the German components supplier Gealan Fittings.
Oberkotzau-based Gealan Fittings, which manufactures both industrial and automotive technical parts, decided on the Hungarian partnership for logistical reasons. The move will cut transport costs because Gealan currently has to ship products moulded at Oberkotzau to Hungary.
Initially, Istvan of Szarbadbattyan, Hungary will turn out Gealan's auto components on its 1000-tonne injection presses, but future work is expected to involve more machines. If the cooperation proves successful, Istvan could expand its work to non-automotive sector products, according to Gealan.
The German firm, which also makes technical parts for the capital and consumer goods sectors, is expecting to record annual sales this year of Euro 44 million, up from the 2009 result of Euro 37.6 million. This is ahead of its 2011 target of just over Euro 42 million.
Two thirds of its sales are drawn from its automotive business with the remaining third accounted for by other industrial applications.
Since 1993, Gealan has developed processes including two-component injection moulding, polyurethane foam sealing technology and vibration welding.
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