Eisenmann acquires carbonization specialist Ruhstrat

On October 19, Eisenmann AG acquired Ruhstrat GmbH, headquartered in Bovenden-Lenglern, near the German town of Göttingen.

Ruhstrat’s core competencies include development and construction of industrial carbonization furnaces. Plant engineering specialist Eisenmann’s portfolio already includes oxidation ovens and exhaust air treatment systems for carbon fiber production – the deal means the company can now offer turnkey solutions for this industry. Eisenmann, based in Böblingen near Stuttgart, aims to become a global technology and market leader for carbon fiber production plant.
 

Matthias von Krauland, Chairman of the Executive Board of Eisenmann AG sees huge potential in carbon fiber: “We are investing in a highly promising market and actively leveraging the business opportunities available. The deal is part of a wider strategy to round off our product portfolio by acquiring technology expertise.”

Carbon fiber is the 21st-century material of choice. Light yet incredibly strong, it is increasingly in demand – particularly in the form of composites deployed in aerospace, general engineering, energy technology and the automotive industry. Eisenmann has been supplying a growing customer base with oxidation ovens and exhaust air treatment systems since 2004. The Ruhstrat acquisition will allow Eisenmann to supply turnkey solutions for the entire production process. Generally, thermal methods are used to convert the white precursor into the black finished product, which can then be processed further.

Eisenmann and Ruhstrat established a sales partnership a number of years ago. By pooling core competencies for carbon fiber production, significant synergy effects will be created in product development, sales and project management. Carbon fiber manufacturers are located not just in the USA and Japan, but also in BRIC countries. Eisenmann has subsidiaries in twelve countries – and over the last year, it has strengthened its presence in India and China.

Ruhstrat has a workforce of 140 at its Bovenden-Lenglern facility. Their employment will continue after Ruhstrat joins the Eisenmann Group. “We want to be number one on the global market for carbon fiber production. To achieve this goal, we need Ruhstrat’s highly skilled staff on board,” says Matthias von Krauland. Eisenmann will maintain the site at Bovenden-Lenglern, and will integrate it into its corporate group.
About Eisenmann

Eisenmann (www.eisenmann.com) is a leading international systems supplier for finishing technology, material flow automation, and for environmental and thermal process technology. With a worldwide workforce of around 3,000, the company develops new technologies and equipment for manufacturing, assembly and distribution. Engineers and specialists from a wide range of disciplines plan, design, build, start-up and maintain leading-edge systems, and even operate the facilities on the customer’s behalf.