uvex safety group expands global reach with acquisition of a substantial interest in HexArmor®
28 October, 2016 – Fürth: The uvex safety group announced today that it has acquired a substantial interest in U.S. based HexArmor®. This strategic investment in HexArmor® significantly expands the uvex safety group presence in the Western Hemisphere.
In 1993, uvex Winter Holding, parent of the uvex safety group, sold its U.S. business including the trademark rights in the Americas. “In light of this, we are delighted to return to the world’s most important industrial health and safety market after 20 years,” says Michael Winter, Managing Partner of the uvex group. Stefan Brueck, CEO of the uvex safety group, explains: “The strategic partnership with HexArmor® provides the ideal platform to promote our innovative product solutions to customers in the Western Hemisphere as well. HexArmor® is a trusted partner for safety professionals and workers across North America and the HexArmor® brand represents innovation and high-performance in hand protection, a perfect platform for the uvex safety group in the Americas. Additionally, their track record of growth over the past 10 years is very impressive”.
Steve VanErmen, President and CEO of HexArmor®, describes his enthusiasm for the partnership. “The uvex safety group is globally known for its leading role in the market and its innovation in safety. For several years HexArmor® customers have asked us for solutions beyond our core technologies for cut, puncture and impact resistance in hand protection,” says VanErmen. “In partnership with the uvex safety group, the HexArmor® competence immediately expands to deliver a broad range of new safety solutions and innovations for our customers. This partnership also opens up new opportunities for our employees while allowing us to continue to accelerate growth.”
Brueck and VanErmen agree that there are many interesting synergy opportunities. “Our mission is protecting people,” said Stefan Brueck. “We have a 90-year history of building up a leading role in the market due to our constant innovations. Our goal is to reach the winner’s podium in everything that we do, and our cooperation with HexArmor® is no exception. We anticipate great success in the North American marketplace.”
Customers can anticipate many new product offers from both uvex safety group and HexArmor® in the coming months. uvex safety group’s innovative products, including eye, head and hand protection, will be sold under the HexArmor® brand in the Americas via a multi-phase launch plan, while HexArmor’s high-tech hand, arm and body protection will be sold by the uvex safety group in certain markets in the Eastern Hemisphere.
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The uvex group
The uvex group brings together three globally active companies under one roof: the uvex safety group, the uvex sports group (with uvex sports and Alpina Sports), and the Filtral group (Filtral and Primetta). The uvex group is represented in 22 countries by 48 subsidiaries but chooses to do most of its manufacturing in Germany. Two thirds of the company’s 2,600-strong workforce (as at fiscal year 2016/2017) is employed in Germany. uvex is a global partner to international elite sport and equips a host of top athletes. The motto protecting people is at the heart of the company’s activities. uvex develops, manufactures and distributes products and services for the safety and protection of people at work, in sport and for leisure pursuits.
About HexArmor®
Founded in 2004, Performance Fabrics, Inc. (HexArmor®) is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Co-founded by Steve VanErmen and Brent Lohrmann HexArmor® has defined the market for high-performance cut, puncture and needle resistance and leads the industry in hand impact protection. HexArmor® employs more than 150 people who work hard each day to solve difficult hand protection problems for leading companies in oil and gas, construction, energy, lumber, pulp and paper, transportation and other industrial segments.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.