Fenner Dunlop Americas Sells Lightweight Division
Lightweight Conveyor Belting Division Sold to Forbo Movement Systems
Friday, July 11, 2008, Scottdale, GA – Fenner Dunlop Americas, a division of Fenner PLC, announced today that the assets of the Fenner Dunlop Lightweight Conveyor Belting Division, located in Charlotte, NC, has been sold to Forbo Movement Systems, worldwide manufacturer of lightweight conveyor and processing belts.
“After carefully examining our long-term strategic plan, our monumental investments in our heavyweight belting division and the most beneficial growth opportunities for our distributor network, we concluded that it was a win-win situation for Fenner Dunlop Americas and our distribution network to sell the Lightweight Division to a company that is solely immersed in servicing the Lightweight market,” stated David Hurd, President, Fenner Dunlop Americas. “Forbo Movement Systems will supply our distributors with a comprehensive line of thermoplastic conveyor belting, delivering the highest quality available in the market.”
With conveyor and processing belts as well as modular, timing and flat belts, Forbo has been creating customer driven solutions for power transmission and light materials handling since 1919. Forbo is a world leader in conveyor, processing, power-transmission and flat belts. They have eight manufacturing sites in Europe, America and Asia/Pacific as well as marketing and sales offices in twenty-four countries and 300 sales and service points worldwide.
The existing 175,000 sq foot Charlotte facility will provide unique manufacturing synergies that align with Forbo’s existing operations, providing new opportunities to engineer belts for very specific needs. Forbo’s long-term strategy is to create a strong distributor network utilizing Fenner Dunlop’s current loyal customer base.
As a part of the sale, Fenner Dunlop Americas entered into a Distribution Agreement for Fenner Dunlop Lightweight Rubber products with Forbo Movement Systems. With the exception of Fenner Dunlop’s existing Total Conveyor Solution Distributor Network (TCSD’s), Forbo will have an exclusive right to distribute Lightweight Rubber products in North and South America. Forbo will also be responsible for distribution of those products globally on a non-exclusive basis.
For the current distribution partners who are not classified as TCSD Distributors, all current and future orders for Lightweight Rubber Products will be provided by Forbo Movement Systems. Fenner Dunlop’s TCSD distribution partners will continue to be provided Lightweight Rubber Products and service from Fenner Dunlop Americas.
“Fenner Dunlop has had a long standing relationship with Forbo and our decision to sell to Forbo was due to their commitment to maintain the highest level of support and products to our distribution network,” stated Hurd. “The outstanding level of customer service to which our distributors are accustomed will not be compromised throughout this transition. “
All of the existing Fenner Dunlop Lightweight (FDLW) associates will immediately become part of the Forbo Movement Systems organization, insuring their extensive product and sales knowledge will continue without interruption. Fenner Dunlop will partner with Forbo to ensure a smooth transition for all involved. |
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