IDI Composites Acquires Manufacturing Facilities in France and China


NOBLESVILLE, IN USA -- IDI Composites International of Noblesville, Indiana USA, announced today its acquisition of manufacturing facilities formerly part of Menzolit Compounds International GmbH from German strategic investor, Senata. The Menzolit plants that will transfer to IDI are located in Vineuil, France and Shanghai, China and produce thermoset bulk molding compound (BMC) and sheet molding compound (SMC). The company also produces CIC, an additional thermoset compound manufactured via a continuous impregnation process.

BMC and SMC are ideal for a variety of markets and applications, from electrical to automotive to heavy truck where exceptional dielectric and structural strength, resistance to heat and corrosion, and ease of finishing are paramount. In electrical applications, for instance, thermoset composites provide exceptional dielectric and thermal properties for traditional switchgear, switches, and circuit breakers; in heavy truck, they dramatically enhance performance and longevity of internal valve covers and external structural panels. Menzolit currently sells BMC and SMC under multiple product categories to customers such as Schneider, Siemens, Audi, Daimler, Ford, Volkswagen, and Volvo Trucks.

This acquisition of these Menzolit facilities makes IDI Composites the largest supplier of thermoset molding compounds in the world, and effectively doubles the company's manufacturing output. The acquisition also means faster turnaround for IDI's expanding global customer base, due to the relatively short shelf life of BMC and SMC products, and gives the company solid operational footing in Continental Europe and the Asia/Pacific region. IDI currently operates facilities in N. America, U.K., and China.

Commenting on the acquisition, IDI President Tom Merrell said, "We've always provided the highest quality products to our customers. With this acquisition, we've made a world-class commitment to offer our technical expertise to an expanding global marketplace."

About IDI Composites International:IDI Composites International is the premier global formulator and manufacturer of thermoset molding compounds for custom molders and OEMs. The company provides customized polyester/vinylester-based bulk molding compounds (BMC) and sheet molding compounds (SMC) for the world's most demanding markets, including automotive, electrical, appliance, food service, and energy.

Headquartered in a 200,000 square foot manufacturing facility and research center in Noblesville, IN (USA), IDI has a strong presence in the international thermoset composites market. To support a growing customer base world-wide, the company operates multiple wholly-owned manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia, and The Americas.

For more information,
contact: William F. Gotha
Account Manager
Ward Hill Marketing, Inc.
360 Merrimack Street
Bldg. 5, 3rd Floor Lawrence, MA 01843 USA
TEL: +1 978-794-5441;
FAX: +1 978-688-8418
E-MAIL: wgotha@wardhillmarketing.com

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