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08 Oct 2008  -  Germany

Joint venture between Quadrant Plastic Composites and Blechformwerke Bernsbach

Left: Dr. Hartwig Müller - Managing Director of QMPS

Right: Heinz Kalmbach - Second Managing Director of QMPS, representative of Quadrant Plastic Composites © Quadrant Plastic Composites

Quadrant Metal Plastic Solutions GmbH (QMPS GmbH) is a new joint venture company between Quadrant Plastic Composites and Blechformwerke Bernsbach AG (Germany), as announced on October 2, 2008. Founded in April 2008 and with its seat in Hainichen, near Chemnitz, Germany, the company focuses on the development of light weight components, primarily for the automotive industry, on the basis of long fibre-reinforced plastic composites and other metal-plastic hybrid technologies.

QMPS GmbH is focussing on the development and marketing of structural parts and components for the automotive, machinery, general industry and engineering sectors, using long fibre-reinforced plastic composites. Further metal-plastic hybrid constructions will be based on the high-strength, glass mat-reinforced, compression-mouldable thermoplastics provided by Quadrant Plastic Composites and pressed metal parts supplied by Blechformwerke Bernsbach. The range of services provided to customers by the new company includes design and material selection, prototyping and testing and the serial production planning of light weight components.

The joint venture draws from the combined know-how of the partner companies: Quadrant Plastic Composites (with a 51 percent share in the joint venture) as a worldwide leader in thermoplastic composites and material development, and Blechformwerke Bernsbach (49 percent), which is a specialist in sub-assemblies and components made of sheet metal for the automotive industry.

These competencies are further enhanced by the appointment of Dr. Hartwig Müller as the Managing Director of QMPS GmbH. Prior to his new role Dr. Müller spent seven years managing polymer development at Innomotive Systems Europe (ISE). He has specialist knowledge in the development and manufacture of automotive system solutions using long fibre reinforced plastic composites and hybrid constructions. Second Managing Director in the QMPS joint venture is Karl-Heinz Kalmbach as the representative of the major share holder Quadrant Plastic Composites.

“With the benefits to be gained, particularly in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 production, light weight construction is a very topical theme within the automotive industry. We are therefore delighted to announce the formation of Quadrant Metal Plastic Solutions GmbH,” says Sven Welich, CEO of Quadrant Plastic Composites. “The joint venture combines the competencies of two strong partners to deliver innovative, leading-edge projects in the areas of light weight construction and metal-plastic hybrid technology for the automotive industry.”

About Blechformwerke Bernsbach AG
Blechformwerke Bernsbach AG has worked closely with the automotive industry since its foundation in 1910. Thanks to its vast experience and comprehensive know-how, Blechformwerke Bernsbach AG has established itself as a recognised and reliable partner to the automotive industry. Whether for serial parts, sub-assemblies or spare parts: leading manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Daimler, Opel and Volkswagen have come to rely on the company’s wide range of products and services. At its sites in Bernsbach and Lößnitz, 500 qualified and motivated employees do their utmost to meet our customers’ requirements. Whether in large or small quantities; sub-assemblies or prototypes; mouldings, drawn sheet-metal parts or stampings; fuel reserves and tools: Blechformwerke Bernsbach AG guarantees consistent, serial part quality. Ensuring punctual and precise delivery, flexibility, availability, innovation and a process-led approach are the important criteria we seek to achieve each day. 

About Quadrant Plastic Composites
Quadrant Plastic Composites is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of glass mat thermoplastic (GMT) composites. The semi-finished sheet form is processed into sophisticated components, for the automotive building & construction, defence and other industries, using large-volume pressing processes. These components satisfy the highest safety standards, as well as featuring low weight compared to materials such as metal. 

About the Quadrant group
Quadrant, a global leader in high-performance polymer materials in the form of semi-finished and finished products with locations in 18 countries, generates annual sales of over CHF 800 million. The specialty engineering thermoplastics and composites manufactured and marketed by more than 2’400 employees worldwide are superior in performance to metals and other materials and are used in a growing number of applications, primarily in the capital goods industry. Together with leaders in a wide range of customer markets, Quadrant is continuously developing new areas of application. Thanks to its clear strategic orientation and focus, Quadrant has generated substantial added value for customers and shareholders since it was established in 1996 and is well prepared to continue expanding its market leadership in future.

Source : Quadrant Plastic Composites