Schuler acquires majority stake in Chinese press manufacturer
The press manufacturer Schuler AG has acquired a majority shareholding in the Chinese machine tool manufacturer Yangzhou Metal Forming Machine Tool Co., Ltd. (Yadon) and thus strengthened its position in the world’s most important growth market for machine tools. This was recently announced by Schuler’s CEO Stefan Klebert in Göppingen.
Schuler has signed an agreement to purchase a majority stake of at least 51 percent in Yadon. There is also an option to increase this shareholding. Both sides have agreed not to disclose the purchase price, which Schuler will finance from its own funds. The current management team and some employees will continue to hold a stake in the joint venture. The cooperation is still subject to approval by the relevant anti-trust authorities.
“China is our fastest growing sales market and the world’s largest market for presses. By acquiring a stake in Yadon, we will gain access to a large group of Chinese customers who we previously hadn’t served,” stated Klebert.
With around 1,100 employees, Yadon generated revenue of approximately € 120 million in 2014. Founded in 1958, the majority of the company’s shares are held privately. Yadon is one of China’s leading press manufacturers. The company’s main base is located in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 300 kilometers north of Shanghai.
At its three facilities, Yadon produces mechanical presses for metalforming processes, such as C-frame presses, blanking presses and tie rod presses. “These will expand Schuler’s product portfolio in the medium and lower price segments,” added Klebert. Yadon’s clients include major Chinese companies in the automotive supply industry, as well as manufacturers of heat exchangers for air conditioning units, suppliers of electric motors, and the entire metalworking industry.
The company is targeting growth in China and other markets with new presses for the mid-range segment. Schuler will support the development of these presses by providing its extensive technological know-how. Schuler is represented in China since 1992 and has around 400 employees at several sites in China – including facilities in Shanghai, Tianjin and Dalian.
