In the course of the business year 2012/13 thus far, there was only one moderately sized acquisition by the Metal Engineering Division, which, however, was strategically important. 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 erected jointly with the partner; it is scheduled to go into operation around the end of 2012.
Further expansion is planned in stages for the next several years. Both partners are contributing their special 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.