ROSEMONT, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orkla ASA and Norsk Hydro ASA agreed in October 2012 to combine their respective profiles, building systems and tubing operations in a 50/50-owned joint venture. With the last outstanding approval given from the Chinese competition authority on August 19, 2013 the transaction was closed September 1, 2013.
“I am very pleased to see Sapa AS emerge as the global leader in aluminum solutions. Sapa has the strength and ability to serve both local and global customers. We will continue developing innovative aluminum solutions and shaping a lighter future together with our customers across the globe,” says Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of Sapa.
Sapa AS is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, combining local expertise with a global network and R&D capabilities, serving its customers from more than 100 sites in more than 40 countries. The new joint venture has leading positions in Europe and North America, and strong footholds in emerging markets such as Brazil, China, India and Vietnam.
“Sapa is well positioned to capture future growth opportunities, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable aluminum solutions in lighter vehicles, energy-efficient buildings and other industrial applications,” says Holsether.
The combined operations in Sapa AS, consisting of Profiles, Building Systems and Extruded and Welded tubes of former Sapa, and all of Hydro’s business area Extruded Products, had in 2012 revenues of NOK 43 billion (roughly 6.8 billion US) and production volume of 1.4 million metric tons.
The company has 23,000 employees and will be one of Norway’s largest industrial Groups. Sapa expects annual cost synergies of around NOK 1 billion (roughly 160 million US) to come from improving operations and optimizing the footprint.
In North America, Sapa AS will include the 16 former Sapa Extrusions North America locations, as well as the following additional Hydro locations:
- Belton, S.C.
- Kalamazoo, Mich.
- Monett, Mo.
- North Liberty, Ind.
- Phoenix, Ariz.
- Sidney, Ohio
- St. Augustine, Fla.
About Sapa AS
Sapa is the world leader in aluminium solutions – a new company that has joined the aluminium extrusion businesses of Sapa and Hydro. Together, we are shaping a lighter future through a global reach and local presence within extrusions, building systems, and precision tubing. We have 23,000 employees in more than 40 countries, and our headquarters are located in Oslo, Norway. Further information can be found at www.sapagroup.com.