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[October 2007]
3M to Acquire Unifam
3M (St Paul, MN, USA) announced on 22 October 2007 that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Unifam Sp. z o.o. (Skomielna, Poland), a manufacturer of cut-off wheels, depressed centre grinding wheels and flap discs. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Unifam supplies conventional bonded wheels and flap discs used to cut and grind materials such as metallic sheet, rod, pipe and welds, for markets that include metalworking, shipbuilding, heavy equipment manufacturing and construction. Unifam currently produces products for 3M that feature 3M’s Cubitron Abrasive Grain, a ceramic aluminium oxide mineral designed to deliver a higher cut rate and longer life in demanding production environments.
“Abrasives made with Cubitron grain have exceptional durability and improved cutting efficiencies. Adding Unifam allows us to expand and build on our understanding of how we can apply Cubitron technology in even more products beyond the current offering,” said Chris Holmes, Vice President and General Manager, 3M Abrasive Systems Division. “In addition to strong technical synergies, we also see manufacturing opportunities with Unifam.”
“Investing in a local company from the industrial sector expands our product portfolio and will allow us to better support our customers’ growth in Europe and beyond,” added Jose Del Solar, Managing Director, 3M Poland.
“The acquisition of Unifam by 3M is very important because 3M brings its technology, expertise and global reach to our already strong reputation and will continue to build our business throughout the world,” said Jacek Lasota, President of Unifam.
Complementary acquisitions such as this support both 3M’s core business and growth strategy to expand into adjacent markets. Unifam employs approximately 95 people at its facility in Skomielna. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.
ENDS