In the business year 2012/13 thus far, there has been one comparatively small expansion, which, however, is strategically important for the Metal Engineering Division’s Wire business segment: voestalpine Austria Draht GmbH expanded its activities in wire processing by acquiring 54% of CPA Filament GmbH from the Austrian Steinklauber Group. A new facility for the production of ultra-high-tensile fine wire (up to 0.08 mm) will be jointly erected in Fürstenfeld (Styria) within the scope of a joint venture. It is scheduled to be commissioned by the end of 2012.
Further expansion is planned in stages for the next several years. Both partners are contributing comprehensive expertise to the collaboration: voestalpine has extensive materials technology expertise, experience in metallurgical technology, and can take advantage of synergy benefits from the proximity of its own steel plant in Donawitz and broad-based collaboration opportunities within the Group. The expertise of the Steinklauber Group as a plant manufacturer and technology leader is in the production of high-tensile fine wire and cord. By the time all expansion plans have been completed, the new company is expected to generate a revenue of about EUR 70 to 80 million.