In the first quarter of the business year 2012/13, there was an acquisition of moderate size 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) was erected jointly with our partner.
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.
In the third quarter of 2012/13, the Special Steel Division took over Sturdell Industries Inc. through Böhler-Uddeholm Canada Ltd., thus expanding its service activities in the segment of mechanical processing of mold steel in Canada and the Northeast of the USA. These pre-processing activities in the tool steel segment, particularly sawing, milling, grinding, and drilling, and the high level of service orientation of Sturdell Industries, will enable the Special Steel Division to expand its market position in North America in this segment. This acquisition is aligned exactly with the voestalpine Group’s long-term strategy directed toward an ongoing extension of the value chain. The scope of this acquisition included two sites, which are both in the proximity of existing Special Steel Division sales offices; this makes it possible to leverage market synergies and optimize the cost structure. Most recently, Sturdell Industries generated annual revenues of EUR 19 million and reported a positive operating result.