Simpson Technologies (Deutschland) GmbH (Alfeld, Germany), a subsidiary of AFS Corporate Member Simpson Technologies Corporation (Aurora, Illinois) specializing in process solutions for the metal casting and chemical process industries, announced the acquisition of Webac Gesellschaft für Maschinenbau mbH (Euskirchen, Germany) together with its subsidiaries Webac Maskin AB (Stockholm, Sweden) and Webac s.r.o (Pribram, Czech Republic). Webac has 56 years of experience in Germany providing advanced process technology and customized plants for the foundry and oil and gas industries.

“Simpson and Webac share a commitment to deliver to customers innovative technologies with excellent service levels and support,” said André Klimm, managing director, Simpson Technologies (Deutschland) GmbH. “Acquiring Webac and their talented team will strengthen our ability to service customers in Europe while offering Webac customers access to Simpson’s industry- leading products, including the largest portfolio of sand preparation and control technologies in the world.”

In a news release, Simpson said Webac will strengthen and expand Simpson’s product line to include thermal sand reclamation technology and plants, core sand preparation technology and plants, fully engineered sand preparation systems and projects and frac sand processing technology for the oil and gas industry. Webac, the release said, “also adds key infrastructure and capacity in manufacturing, warehousing and logistics. “

“The acquisition of Webac is our sixth acquisition in the last 20 years and the second in Europe since acquiring the former Georg Fischer sand laboratory equipment business from DISA Industrie AG in 2008.  This shows our commitment to the European market and to the growth of our European business,” said Bruce Dienst, CEO, Simpson Technologies. “Our global growth strategy is focused on acquiring or developing innovative technologies, new capabilities and expanding our reach to better serve our global customers with efficient and effective technology and outstanding customer service. The facility in Euskirchen, and the talented team there, will serve as an important and expanding hub for our business in Europe.”

Webac brings more than 85 years of experience in the foundry industry dating back to 1931 with the founding of the AB Westin & Backlund company in Stockholm, Sweden. The growing demand for machines and complete plants led to the founding in 1962 of a German subsidiary, Webac Gesellschaft für Maschinenbau mbH. It quickly grew to become a major supplier of foundry technology and plants.

Heinrich Richard Kairies, Managing Director, Webac Gesellschaft für Maschinenbau mbH said his company was excited to join with Simpson.

“The collaboration of both companies will benefit each of our customer bases worldwide, and ultimately help drive new industry innovation through our design and development strengths,” he said.