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22.04.2013
The following information about Schweiter Technologies is available online:
Complete Download of the Annual Report 2012
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german (Annual Report 2012 - PDF-File, 110 pages, 3.2Mb)
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english (Annual Report 2012 - PDF-File, 110 pages, 3.0Mb)
14.03.2013
Sins, Horgen/Switzerland – March 12, 2013 – 3A Composites Core Materials and the Dow Chemical Company enter into a strategic cooperation to market innovative core material solutions for the wind energy industry.
The cooperation combines Dow’s expertise in material science with 3A Composites’ extensive engineering and application know-how in the field of core materials for wind blades. Together, the two companies will bring advanced solutions in order to help the wind industry to improve productivity and reliability. Within this cooperation, 3A Composites will offer customized core material solutions globally with local service, powered by Dow’s innovative wind blade technologies.
Roman Thomassin, CEO of 3A Composites Core Materials states: "The perfect combination of the two companies’ different and complementary core competences builds the foundation for a successful cooperation and will allow us to offer the market an unrivalled package of cutting-edge material and service offering".
"Combining Dow’s scientific depth and 3A Composites’ tailored solution approach creates a unique capability to design and manufacture reliable innovation for the wind industry," highlights Jon Penrice, global business director of Dow Formulated Systems. "This new technology builds on Dow’s existing offerings of infusion resins and durable adhesives that will help the wind industry improve productivity and reliability."
About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2012, Dow had annual sales of approximately $57 billion and employed approximately 54,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 188 sites in 36 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.
About 3A Composites Core Materials
3A Composites Core Materials is a global organizational unit within 3A Composites, with operations in Europe, North America, South America, India and China. The branded products AIREX® and BALTEK® have pioneered the sandwich technology for almost 70 years. Fabricators use these core materials to make innovative, lightweight sandwich structures for the wind energy, marine and transportation markets as well as other industrial applications. 3A Composites Core Materials is the global leader in answering the markets’ and users' needs for sustainable, lightweight and resource-friendly materials to enable the production of lighter and thus more energy efficient end products. In the wind energy market, its core materials are a key factor for growth in the generation of renewable energy.
For editorial information:
Heike Zöller
3AComposites Core Materials
Airex AG
Industrie Nord 26
5643 Sins, Switzerland
Phone +41 41 789 67 45
heike.zoeller@3AComposites.com
www.corematerials.3AComposites.com
Uta Ünal
Dow Europe GmbH
Bachtobelstrasse 3
8810 Horgen, Switzerland
Phone +41 44 728 3671
uuenal@dow.com
www.dowwindenergy.com
13.03.2013
Sins, Switzerland / Berlin, Germany – March 10, 2013 – 3A Composites Core Materials and WINDnovation enter into a strategic cooperation regarding further improved core materials and sandwich solutions for wind applications.
Decreasing Cost of Energy is a key driver behind the development of new rotor blades for wind turbines. 3A Composites Core Materials and WINDnovation intend to join their competences to further improve future rotor blade design. 3A Composites brings their wide portfolio of AIREX® and BALTEK® cores as well as their undisputed leadership in development and design of these materials. WINDnovation, a leading rotor blade design company, adds the crucial blade design and system integration expertise allowing this partnership to innovate in a very fundamental yet comprehensive approach. First goals will be the optimized design of extra-large blades as well as extremely long blades for low wind regimes.
Roman Thomassin, CEO of 3A Composites Core Materials highlights: "To assure a continued market success, the wind energy market needs some significant, value-adding innovations. Our cooperation with WINDnovation aims to take out both cost and weight from current blade design". Roland Stoer, Managing Director of WINDnovation adds: "Together with the core material leader 3A Composites, we are perfectly positioned to bring about the next step change in sandwich design for rotor blades.
About 3A Composites Core Materials:
3A Composites Core Materials is a global organizational unit within 3A Composites, with operations in Europe, North America, South America, India and China. The branded products AIREX® and BALTEK® have pioneered the sandwich technology for almost 70 years. Fabricators use these core materials to make innovative, lightweight sandwich structures for the wind energy, marine and transportation markets as well as other industrial applications. 3A Composites Core Materials is the global leader in answering the markets’ and users' needs for sustainable, lightweight and resource-friendly materials to enable the production of lighter and thus more energy efficient end products. In the wind energy market, its core materials are a key factor for growth in the generation of renewable energy.
About WINDnovation:
WINDnovation is a leading designer of rotor blades for wind turbines. Since 2008 WINDnovation has developed more than 70 rotor blades for all terrains and wind conditions in over 20 countries — more than any other company in this industry. The striving for perfect rotor blade solutions – whether it is a custom design or one of the WINDblades – powers WINDnovation’s curiosity to investigate all technological trends in the fields of aerodynamics, design methods and materials for a continuous improvement of rotor blade designs.
For editorial information:
Heike Zöller
3AComposites Core Materials
Airex AG
Industrie Nord 26
5643 Sins, Switzerland
Phone +41 41 789 67 45
heike.zoeller@3AComposites.com
www.corematerials.3AComposites.com
Heike van der Schoor
WINDnovation GmbH
Stralauer Platz 33-34
10243 Berlin, Germany
Phone +49 30 547195-34
heikevdschoor@windnovation.com
www.windnovation.com
17.08.2012
3A Composites recorded new orders amounting to CHF 309.1 million (1H 2011: 389.3 million). Just under half of the decline is attributable to a multi-year contract won the previous year by the automotive business in Altenrhein, which has since been divested. Net revenues amounted to CHF 301.0 million (1H 2011: 334.7 million), which represents a decline of 10%. This resulted in an EBITDA of CHF 40.1 million (1H 2011: 36.7 million*), corresponding to a significant improvement in the net profit ratio to more than 13% (1H 2011: 11%). EBIT came to CHF 26.6 million (1H 2011: 22.6 million*), The gratifying result was achieved despite unfavorable conditions in the wind energy sector, where competitive and cost pressure among wind farm manufacturers, particularly in China, led to heightened price competition in the core materials segment. In the US and Europe, the market progressed at roughly the same level as the previous year. The marine market continued to show signs of recovering.
Despite uncertainties surrounding the future direction of the economy, the cyclical Display business made further encouraging progress in both the US and Europe.
Architecture posted solid revenues and results in Europe and Asia. In Europe, business was good in Germany in particular, while demand in southern Europe contracted appreciably. In China, business in the high-end façade cladding units segment continued to make very gratifying headway.
The adjustment of a medical plan in the US improved the result by just under CHF 3 million.
In June, Display took over a leading PVC foam sheet and PET plastic manufacturer in Ireland. On the other hand, as part of the drive toward focusing on the core operations of lightweight components for mass transportation and industry, the automotive business was divested, which means the absence of revenues in the region of CHF 5 million per year.
The former industrial estate in Neuhausen (RhyTech site) is being re-opened under a site development scheme and is to be used for a range of purposes (workplace, housing, encounters). Over 230 apartments are to be built on an area of 26,000 m2. A study was commissioned and an architecture competition organized. A panel of expert judges selected the winning project, which is to be realized over the coming years.
For further information please visit:
http://www.schweiter.ch/articles.php?S=1&Article=152
13.06.2012
Horgen, June 13, 2012 – 3A Composites’ acquisition of Foamalite Limited, announced on May 31, 2012, was closed as of June 13, 2012.
Foamalite Ltd. in Loch Gowna, Ireland, produces and sells PVC foam sheets and PET plastic sheets, serving segments throughout the entire European market. This acquisition will enable 3A Composites to further build on its lead role in Europe’s foam sheet market and at the same time augment its product range with transparent plastic sheets. The market-leading PET-based products manufactured by Foamalite enjoy considerable growth potential thanks to the superior material properties of PET.
For further information:
Martin Klöti, Head of Management Services
Tel. +41 44 718 33 03, fax +41 44 718 34 51, info@schweiter.com
31.05.2012
The following financial information about Schweiter Technologies is available online:
Complete Download of the Annual Report 2011
german (Annual Report 2011 - PDF-File*, 110 pages, 2.7Mb)
english (Annual Report 2011 - PDF-File*, 110 pages, 2.9Mb)
31.05.2012
Horgen, May 31, 2012 – Schweiter Technologies is strengthening European display operations at 3A Composites through the acquisition of Foamalite in Loch Gowna, Ireland, from Dublin-based One 51 plc. The transaction is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2012.
In 2011, Foamalite generated revenues of around EUR 25 million with a workforce of 70. The purchase price for the debt-free company is in the single-digit million euro range. Foamalite produces and sells PVC foam sheets and PET plastic sheets, serving segments throughout the entire European market. This acquisition will enable 3A Composites to further build on its lead role in Europe’s foam sheet market and at the same time augment its product range with transparent plastic sheets. The market-leading PET-based products manufactured by Foamalite enjoy considerable growth potential thanks to the superior material properties of PET.
For further information:
Martin Klöti, Head of Management Services
Tel. +41 44 718 33 03, fax +41 44 718 34 51, info@schweiter.com
23.05.2012
Horgen, May 23, 2012
As part of the ongoing focus on the core business with lightweight components for the mass transportation sector and industry, Airex Composite Structures in Altenrhein, which belongs to 3A Composites, is divesting its Automotive unit.
Airex Composite Structures has signed an agreement with Wethje Carbon Composites Group in Hengersberg, Germany, on the sale of the unit’s assets and orders at hand for an amount in the low single-digit million range. The Automotive unit generated revenues of around CHF 6 million per year in the past. As part of this focus on the core business, all jobs at the Altenrhein site will be retained. The transaction should be concluded by the end of June 2012.
For further information:
Martin Klöti, Head of Management Services
P +41 44 718 33 03, F +41 44 718 34 51, info@schweiter.com
12.11.2011
The following financial information about Schweiter Technologies is available online
Complete Download of the Semi-Annual Report 2011
english (PDF-File, 15 pages, 188kBytes)
german (PDF-File, 15 pages, 186kBytes)
03.10.2011
Horgen, October 3, 2011 – After 23 years of successful, commendable work at 3A Composites, Georg Reif will be stepping down from operational management activities. As of January 1, 2012, he will be taking over the post of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at 3A Composites. In this function, he will focus on strategic innovation, the development of new areas of business for composite materials and opportunities for acquisitions. Georg Reif will remain a member of the Group Management of Schweiter Technologies.
The new CEO of the 3A core materials business will be Roman Thomassin, who has many years of management experience in a variety of functions, most recently as Chief Service Officer of LM Windpower. Roman Thomassin will be taking up his position from June 1, 2012
16.05.2011
The following information about Schweiter Technologies is available online
Complete Download of the Annual Report 2010
english (Annual Report 2010 - PDF-File*, 102 pages, 4.8 MB)
german (Annual Report 2010 - PDF-File*, 102 pages, 4.8 MB)
27.04.2011
Horgen, 27. April 2011 – The European Patent Office has recently confirmed in an objection proceeding a patent of 3A Composites related to its innovative welding technology of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) based foam core materials. The welding technology of 3A Composites reinforces structural core materials made of PET foam and improves their use for applications in the wind energy, transportation and other industrial markets.
Concurrently with the confirmation of the aforementioned patent, 3A Composites has granted Diab a worldwide, non-exclusive and non-gratuitous license for the use of 3A Composites’ patent families relevant for the manufacturing and distribution of products made of PET foam.
18.04.2011
Horgen, 18 April 2011 – 3A Composites, a division of Schweiter Technologies, has signed a joint venture agreement with the Chinese Group Tiansheng New Materials to jointly market structural core materials in China. Tiansheng is an up-and-coming producer of PVC foams. 3A Composites is now the exclusive distributor worldwide of Tiansheng’s core materials.
Growth in the Chinese core materials market has been very strong in recent years and 3A Composites has established itself as a leader in this market with its Airex® foam and Baltek® balsa wood products. The Chinese market will continue its dynamic growth, mainly through the expansion of wind energy. The joint venture will provide the Chinese market with locally produced PVC foam as well as maintaining a steady supply of balsa wood products. Besides focusing on China’s important wind energy market, the joint venture will also engage in structural sandwich applications, e.g. in the bulk freight and marine segments. Each party is investing a lower single-digit CHF million amount in the joint venture.
Tiansheng New Materials is a listed company based in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, with revenues in the region of RMB 350 million and approx. 1,100 employees. Tiansheng has been developing, producing and selling soft foams for some years, e.g. for sports goods and precision seals in electronic components. Tiansheng has been investing in structural foams since 2007 and will pursue its development work with 3A Composites. Having evaluated several potential partners, 3A Composites identified Tiansheng as the company with the strongest product-related and technological position.
12.04.2011
Horgen, April 12, 2011 – The composite materials development activities of 3A Composites are to be decentralized. The current research center in Neuhausen is to be restructured and part-sold to the management (MBO). The new company will take over 34 employees as well as R&D activities for external customers. 38 jobs are to be discontinued. Redundancy packages will be worked out for the employees concerned in consultation with staff representatives.
At the same time, there are plans to develop the Neuhausen site jointly with a partner and broaden its usage and utilization. The Rhytech Technology Park is to remain at its present location and will be expanded.
21.06.2010
Sins (Switzerland), June 21, 2010 - Following the introduction of its name a few months ago, the leading  supplier of composites materials, 3A Composites today has launched a comprehensive new corporate identity, including a dynamic logo and a visual identity concept.
3A Composites, previously known in the markets as ‘Alusuisse Composites’ and, since 2001, as ‘Alcan Composites’ became a member of the Swiss Schweiter Technologies group in 2009. 3A Composites’ portfolio includes top brands such as AIREX®, ALUCOBOND®, FOME-COR®, FOREX®, KAPA®, and SINTRA®.
‘The name 3A Composites stands for Advanced teams, Advanced material combinations and Advanced solutions for customers’, said CEO Georg Reif on the occasion of the corporate identity launch, and he continued: ‘The combination of people and talents within 3A Composites not only multiplies the strengths of our multi-cultural team, but also enhances the personal development and performance of each team member.’
Thanks to the close cooperation and the systematic utilization of synergies within the company, customers benefit from the shared global experience and technological know-how of 3A Composites. Meeting current and anticipating future market needs, is the primary goal of 3A Composites. As a leader in multilayer composite materials, the company is committed to providing customers worldwide with the broadest range of segment-specific solutions and services through the most effective channels.
About 3A Composites
3A Composites, a division of Schweiter Technologies, employs approximately 3’000 employees in locations in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Pro forma consolidated sales reached CHF 680 Mio in 2009.
The company manufactures and commercializes lightweight products for architecture, visual communication, transportation, industrial and wind energy markets. Its well known brands AIREX®, ALUCOBOND®, ALUCORE®, BALTEK®, DIBOND®, FOAMX®, FOME-COR®, FOREX®, GATOR®, HYLITE®, KAPA®, OMNIFLUTETM and SINTRA® are category leaders in the markets served. The 3A Composites headquarters are based in Sins, Switzerland.
09.06.2010
Complete Download of the Annual Report 2009
english (Annual Report 2009 - PDF-File*, 102 pages, 3400 kBytes)
german (Annual Report 2009 - PDF-File*, 102 pages, 4800 kBytes)
30.11.2009
Horgen, 30. November 2009 – Schweiter Technologies’ acquisition of Alcan Composites, announced in September 2009, was closed as of November 30, 2009.
Alcan Composites is the global market leader in core materials for sandwich constructions, particularly for use in wind farms. The company is also a leading player in other segments, such as composite panels for high-quality facades and display applications. Its best-known brands are Airex®, Alucobond®, Baltek®, Dibond®, Forex®, Gator®, Kapa® and Sintra®.
In 2008, pro forma consolidated sales of the acquired Alcan Composites reached USD 859 million.
22.09.2009
Horgen, September 22, 2009 - Schweiter Technologies has entered into an agreement with Rio Tinto Group to purchase the Alcan Composites business for USD 349 million (incl. interest-bearing liabilities). The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of year once the employee representatives have been consulted and the relevant competition authorities have given their approval.
Alcan Composites is the global market leader in core materials for sandwich constructions, particularly for use in wind farms. The company is also a leading player in other segments, such as composite panels for high-quality facades and display applications. Its best-known brands are Airex®, Alucobond®, Baltek®, Dibond®, Forex®, Gator®, Kapa® and Sintra®.
The company’s head office is in Sins, in the Swiss canton of Aargau and it operates 16 production facilities in Germany, Switzerland, the US, South America, China and India. In 2008, pro forma consolidated sales reached USD 859 million and EBITDA came to USD 88 million. In the first eight months of the current year, Composites posted sales of USD 394 million and EBITDA totaling USD 36 million (before audit). Between 2006 and 2008, Composites grew by 20%. Its headcount stands at around 1,700 (excluding balsa operations in Ecuador), including 450 posts in Switzerland.
In future, Composites will be managed as a third independent division alongside SSM Textile Machinery and Ismeca Semiconductor. Business development is to be further accelerated. There will be no organizational or management changes. The CEO is Georg Reif, a 53-year old Swiss citizen with a degree in engineering (dipl. Ing.) from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. The other nine management members were recruited from all over the world.
Alcan Composites has its origins in the former Alusuisse and Lonza, which played a pioneering role in the development of composite materials. After the merger of the two companies to form algroup, Alusuisse’s aluminum composite panels operations and Lonza’s foamed plastics business in Sins were combined into what then became Alusuisse Composites. Alusuisse was taken over by Alcan in 2000, and Alcan was in turn taken over by Rio Tinto in 2007.
Composites meets the criteria applied to acquisitions in terms of global market leadership, autonomy and growth opportunities and is a more attractive proposition than would be available to Schweiter’s shareholders in the event of a cash pay-out in the general market.
Within the Schweiter portfolio, as a supplier of consumer-type capital goods, it will balance out the cycles of the two existing divisions and any possible further acquisitions in the engineering sector. Once the transaction has been completed, Schweiter still expects to have liquidity totaling around CHF 300 million with a largely debt-free balance sheet. Other opportunities for acquisitions are being pursued.
Schweiter Technologies
www.schweiter.com
Schweiter Technologies, a Swiss company with a strong tradition, focuses activities on high-quality machine construction. The Group currently comprises the divisions SSM Textile Machinery and Ismeca Semiconductor. Shares of Schweiter Technologies are listed in the main segment of the SIX Swiss Exchange. ISIN: CH0010754924 / Reuters: SWTZ / Bloomberg: SWTQ SW
Rio Tinto
www.riotinto.com, www.alcancomposites.com
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
22.09.2009
Rio Tinto has entered into an agreement to sell Alcan Composites, part of the Alcan Engineered Products division, to Schweiter Technologies for a total consideration of US$ 349 million. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year, following completion by the parties of various conditions precedent to closing, including regulatory processes and employee consultations.
Last week, Rio Tinto announced the sale of 56 per cent of the Alcan Engineered Products Cable business to Platinum Equity. "In the last three months we have made significant inroads into divesting the downstream assets acquired with Alcan, including offers or agreed sales for the majority of Alcan Packaging and Cable," said Guy Elliott, finance director, Rio Tinto. "Schweiter Technologies is well placed to successfully develop the Composites business, and we are realising further value for Rio Tinto shareholders."
Schweiter Technologies is a Swiss listed company focusing on the manufacture of textile and semiconductor machinery. The business currently consists of the SSM Textile Machinery and Ismeca Semiconductor divisions, and the intention is that Composites will form a third standalone division within the group, consistent with Schweiter Technologies’ strategy of acquiring and running companies that are market leaders in their chosen segments.
Alcan Composites is a world leading sandwich composite materials manufacturing business focused on the display, architecture, and wind energy sectors. Headquartered in Sins, Switzerland, it operates 16 plants in Europe (Germany and Switzerland), the USA, South America, China and India and employs approximately 3,000 people. Its leading brands include AIREX®, BALTEK®, DIBOND®, GATORTM, KAPA®, FOREX®, SINTRA® and FOME-COR® and the business serves a wide range of end-markets.
In the last 12 months to August 2009 Composites achieved sales of US$ 649 million and an EBITDA of US$ 54 million. All figures are unaudited and on a pro forma basis.
Since March 2008, Rio Tinto has announced asset sales of US$ 7 billion including the Composites sale. In addition, Rio Tinto received a binding offer from Amcor in August 2009 for US$ 2.025 billion for Alcan Packaging global pharmaceuticals, global tobacco, food Europe and food Asia divisions. During 2008, Rio Tinto announced divestments comprising the Greens Creek mine in Alaska for US$ 750 million, its interest in the Cortez operation in Nevada for US$ 1.695 billion and the Kintyre uranium project in Western Australia for US$ 495 million. Announced transactions in 2009 comprise the Group’s interest in the Ningxia aluminium smelter in China for US$ 125 million, its Jacobs Ranch coal mine in the United States for US$ 761 million, Alcan Packaging Food Americas to Bemis Inc for US$ 1.2 billion, the Corumba iron ore mine in Brazil and associated river logistics for US$ 750 million and the Potasio Rio Colorado potash project in Argentina and the Regina exploration assets in Canada for US$ 850 million.
About Alcan Engineered Products
Alcan Engineered Products is a global sector-leading business strongly committed to developing innovative, value added products for a broad range of markets and applications. The portfolio consists of seven downstream businesses: aerospace, non commodity aluminium rolled products, aluminium extrusions, cable, composite products, automotive components and international trade.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.
12.01.2009
1 December 2009
Further to the announcement of 22 September, Rio Tinto has completed the sale of Alcan Composites, part of the Alcan Engineered Products division, to Schweiter Technologies for a total consideration of US$ 349 million.
Since February 2008, Rio Tinto has announced asset sales of US$ 8.3 billion. In addition, Rio Tinto received a binding offer from Amcor in August 2009 for US$ 2.025 billion for Alcan Packaging global pharmaceuticals, global tobacco, food Europe and food Asia divisions.
During 2008, Rio Tinto completed divestments totalling US$ 3.1 billion. During 2009, Rio Tinto has agreed asset sales of US$ 5.2 billion. As well as Alcan Composites, these transactions include Ningxia (aluminium), Potasio Rio Colorado (potash), Corumbá (iron ore), Jacobs Ranch (coal), Alcan Packaging Food Americas, Maules Creek (Coal & Allied) and the Cloud Peak IPO (coal).
In an unrelated transaction, the proposed sale of 56 per cent of the Alcan Engineered Products Cable division for an undisclosed sum to Platinum Equity, announced on 14 September, will not be completed as the sale has been terminated in accordance with the terms of the sale and purchase agreement.
About Rio Tinto Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America.
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Press Release
Annual Report 2012
22.04.2013
The following financial information about Schweiter Technologies is available online
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White as an attitude
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07.05.2013
The design of the new showroom at the headquarters of Ritzenhoff AG was inspired by the form of a hot glass drop with regard to the glassworks tradition of the company. The new showroom was not supposed to compete with the classical modern administration building, but to stand as unobtrusive structure...
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New Fibermate™ exhibited with 3A Composites’ lines of interior, exterior substrates at GlobalShop 2013
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16.04.2013
3A Composites USA will be exhibiting its well-known lines of rigid substrates for creating retail-store displays as well as architectural panels used in retail corporate identity programs at Booth No. 1222 at GlobalShop 2013, the retail design and shopper marketing show, at McCormick Place in Chicago April 16-18.
New to 3A Composites’ lines of graphic display boards is FiberMate™ recyclable rigid print media in the NEW 5.5mm thickness. This new thickness is the second in the FiberMate line, which was introduced in 2012....
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Forms & Elements No. 6 - MOTION - Enjoy Reading!
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05.04.2013
The new issue of Forms & Elements is out now !
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New Market Brochures now available!
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12.03.2013
Check out our new Core Materials Market Brochures for the market segments Aerospace, Architecture and Construction, Marine, Rail, Road and Wind which are now available as pdf download...
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New processing video on CNC-routing of DIBOND®
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06.03.2013
See how easy DIBOND® can be routed and then folded by hand
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Tailored Solutions – 3A Composites focuses on market needs
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18.02.2013
...and performs with new AIREX® PET technology SealPerf and BALTEK® Banova core material
At JEC 2013 in Paris, 3A Composites Core Materials will again proof their focus on customer benefits with a clear market-oriented approach and unique innovations: with new the SealPerf technology for AIREX® PET products and their new BALTEK® Arial>Banova the company presents lightweight materials with outstanding properties and application opportunities.
Well-known brands AIREX® and BALTEK® will tune their broad range of core materials with their new technology called SealPerf. Both AIREX® T90 and T92 will be available with this new technology consisting of thermally sealed holes arranged in a regular square pattern. Excellent resin flow is guaranteed by the smooth hole surface and the assurance that holes cannot be blocked by any saw dust. Contrary to drilled holes this new and very cost efficient technology can be applied to all sheet thicknesses without limitations...
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3A Composites further expands its balsa plantations
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14.01.2013
With its latest purchase of land, 3A Composites increases its balsa plantation base by 20% and now owns almost 10.000 hectares in Ecuador. This significant increase in plantation capacity, combined with investments in machinery, further strengthens 3A Composites’ global leadership in the balsa core materials business. The company’s global customers will profit from the unique guarantee that they will never run out of FSC certified balsa...
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ALUCOBOND® - Extended colour and surface variety at the BAU 2013
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04.01.2013
From shiny to matt, from solid to individual
- 3A Composites presents an extended colour and surface variety at the BAU 2013.
The ALUCOBOND spectra® series has been extended with five new colours that, depending upon the pigment type and viewing angle, reflect different wave lengths of light back to the audience resulting in an ever-changing colour gradient. The completely new Sparkling series – Galactic Sparkle – is catching through bright sparkling and shining effects and thus provides a subtle and elegant impression with a deep effect to the façade.
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Balsa Wood at the Core of New Bridge published in Composites Manufacturing
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02.01.2013
How FRP bridge decks solved a pair of construction challenges...
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SMART-X® now available in 19mm thickness
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18.12.2012
SMART-X®, the extremely lightweight, all plastic sheet material is now also available in 19mm!
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Mark Magazine features Fuksas' School of Hotel Management
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10.12.2012
Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas turned their school of hotel management in Montpellier into a fluid aluminium sculpture.
Read the complete article written by Monica Zerboni.
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ALUCOBOND in "Wohnungswirtschaft heute"
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28.11.2012
The house at Wundtstraße 7 in Dresden, Germany belongs to a complex of six residential buildings, each with fifteen storeys, that was built at the beginning of the 1970s in prefabricated concrete-slab construction. For enabling continued use of the building, a general renovation and modernisation was necessary. This was carried out at house number 7 in 2008 and 2009. The facade was clad in ALUCOBOND® in two different, silver-metallic colours. By keeping to the previous window sizes and layout, a punctuated façade with a three-dimensional effect is created by the colour contrast and the geometric assembly of the composite panels, together with the differentiated, offset arrangement of the window frames. The structural effect of light and shadow is accentuated by emphasizing the window frames on the one hand, and by the depth offset between the outer cladding and inner window plane on the other. When walking or driving past, the outer shell of the building presents a continuously changing image. Depending on the viewing angle and the sun’s position, the geometric forms of the window frames that are partly surrounded in bright red, appear in varying degrees of intensity on the individual facade surfaces...
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100% low-floor streetcars for CNR
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21.11.2012
After many years when high speed was the top priority, the focus in China now – as a result of increasing urbanization – is more on local public transport. As a result of collaboration with a German engineering partner which has developed a 100% low-floor streetcar for CNR, and thanks to our stronger presence in China, Airex Composite Structures had the opportunity to produce the heated floor system COMFLOOR and certain roof components for this vehicle. The first batch of vehicles will be supplied from Switzerland, but all future vehicles will be made at our 3A Composites Ltd factories in China.
The deciding factors in the placing of this contract were the leading position occupied by Airex Composite Structures in these two product segments and the fact that we would be able to implement local production quickly in our Chinese production network in the Shanghai and Guangzhou regions.
CNR China North Locomotive and Rolling Stock Industry (Group) Corporation Limited is a state-owned company based in Beijing, with 20 production sites spread right across China and 90,000 employees. Every year, CNR produces and maintains about 1,100 light rail vehicles and subway trains, 1,000 trains and locomotives, 2,300 passenger cars and 26,000 freight cars. This meets nearly half the country’s total requirement.
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Updated ALUCOBOND® USA web site launched
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07.11.2012
3A Composites USA is pleased to announce the launch of an updated Alucobond® USA web site (www.AlucobondUSA.com) featuring a sleek design representative of this international brand’s global reputation. New navigation features make it easier than ever for visitors to access Alucobond® product and technical information on the new site, where they’ll also be able to order product samples with a simple click via a new shopping-cart feature....
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3A Composites has won the Olympic Games in London
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31.10.2012
The company could convince the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) with their high-quality material that is now used for all way finding signs both for the Olympics and the Paralympics. DIBOND® FR with a fire-retardant core was used as the signage material of choice by Transport for London (TfL), also specifically for the games...
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New AIREX® T92 SealX wins 2nd place in the AVK Innovation Award 2012
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24.10.2012
3A Composites and Airex AG were awarded 2nd place in the 2012 AVK Innovation Award for the new AIREX® T92 SealX technology. This new surface sealing technology reduces the AIREX® PET core materials’ resin uptake by over 50%. Customers using AIREX® T92 or T90 can therefore save approximately 0.6 kg of infused resin per square meter resulting both in a lighter and cheaper product....
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Balsa bridges, with a twist
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22.10.2012
A bridge with 3A Composites' balsa wood core was built in Bex, Switzerland. The prefabricated bridge deck was mounted in a single day...
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ALUCOBOND® on British TV
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15.10.2012
Lambeth Water Tower project realized with ALUCOBOND® Anthracite Grey will be on British TV on Channel 4, Wednesday 17th at 9pm. It is a landmark 150-year-old water tower in central London that has been converted and extended.
Grand Designs is a very popular show in the UK and will feature this project in their next show tomorrow at 9pm on Channel 4.
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FIBERMATE™ recyclable rigid print media to be featured at 2012 SGIA expo in Las Vegas
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10.10.2012
New FiberMate™ recyclable rigid print media will be featured at the 2012 SGIA Expo Oct. 18-20 at 3A Composites USA’s Booth No. 2741 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Both FiberMate product samples and literature will be available to show-goers.
Recyclable FiberMate (www.FiberMateUSA.com) is comprised of wood fiber that is manufactured into a high-density fiberboard available in the 3.2mm thickness. FiberMate graphic display boards are finished with Eco-Finish™ – a white water-based UV print coating on both sides. FiberMate’s Eco-Finish is designed to provide excellent ink and paint adhesion on both sides of this graphic display board, enabling double-sided printing and other double-sided finishing applications.
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New INNOVATION newsletter Fall 2012 now available
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06.10.2012
Check out the new issue of our INNOVATION Newsletter Fall 2012 which is now available as pdf download:
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!!! IMPORTANT INFORMATION !!!
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11.09.2012
Recently we have experienced fraudulent activity of job advertisements on behalf of 3A Composites offering job interviews and placements in different countries in exchange for money (check cashing scam).
Please note that 3A Composites does not solicit employment offers through individual emails. We strongly recommend general public to beware of such misleading emails. We have a career section in our Website which interested applicants should use.
3A Composites through its own website and/or through the various entities it operates in different countries regularly posts vacancies on its/their website through careers sections only.
3A Composites does not undertake any responsibility for any such illegal and fraudulent activity or emails.
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DESIGN PACKAGED FOR DESIGN-FREAKS
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25.08.2012
Creative and mobile is the new and free of charge ALUCOBOND® design App.
The new ALUCOBOND® App supports your façade design by facilitating individual architecture and design freedom.
It simulates the effect of the new surface generation ALUCOBOND® design onto a building’s envelope. Thus textured granite, carbon, abstract patterns as well as colour gradients and many more can be visualized on the façade which gives a first impression to architects, owners and investors...
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Product literature and samples describing new FiberMate™
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22.08.2012
Product literature and samples describing new FiberMate™ graphic display board – a recyclable rigid print media – are available from 3A Composites USA.
“FiberMate Wood Fiber Panel with Eco-Finish™”, a two-page four-color product sheet, describes how this wood-fiber panel is comprised of 100 percent recycled fiber that is manufactured into a high-density fiberboard available in the 3.2mm thickness. FiberMate (www.FiberMateUSA.com) graphic display board is finished with Eco-Finish™ – a white water-based UV print coating on both sides. FiberMate’s Eco-Finish is designed to provide excellent ink and paint adhesion on both sides of this graphic display board, enabling double-sided printing and other double-sided finishing applications.
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Fascinating surfaces - iridescent and inspiring
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25.07.2012
Throughout history, mankind has had an enduring appreciation of colour. From the discovery of organic purple dyes before 1900 B.C to the development of colour TV and movies after 1900 A.D, the world we live in is saturated in colour.
ALUCOBOND® spectra & sparkling colours celebrate the natural colour shifts that occur in materials that affect everyday life: The subtle nuances and colour contrasts found readily in nature, the glowing luster and sheen in modern metals and the colour shifts found in today’s luxury goods. With the next generation of the well-known ALUCOBOND spectra® colours the range is now enlarged with the colours Galaxy Blue, White Gold, Midnight Copper, Desert Gold und Lava Red...
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Modernisation of housing blocks in Manchester with ALUCOBOND®
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24.07.2012
City South Manchester is modernising inner-city multi-storey housing blocks, giving these dilapidated yet iconic 1960s buildings a new attractive, weather-proof, energy-saving second skin clad with ALUCOBOND® Indiana Copper, Anodized Look as well as Dark Grey Metallic.
Watch the video on YouTube.
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ALUCOBOND® achieves architects’ signature designs
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16.07.2012
Alucobond® aluminum composite material (www.AlucobondUSA.com) is showcased in the July 2012 “Know Your Products” feature in Metal Architecture magazine. In the “Visually Striking Design” article, Douglas Twitchell, Alucobond marketing manager for 3A Composites USA in Statesville, N.C., describes how formable Alucobond achieves architects’ signature designs...
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AIREX® T92 SealX cored Pauger Yacht wins Balaton Blue Ribbon Regatta
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13.07.2012
Pauger Carbon Composites designed and built the high performance 50 foot catamaran “Fifty-Fifty” just in time for the prestigious long-distance sailing regatta “Blue Ribbon” on the lake Balaton.
With the twin-mast catamaran design the Pauger team went for maximum power and lightest weight. The carbon fiber and epoxy infused sandwich hulls are cored with the new AIREX® T92 SealX. This recently introduced PET-based core material features the lowest resin uptake in infusion and thus further helped to keep the boat’s weight at a minimum...
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Centre Pompidou in Metz in ALUCOBOND® pure white
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06.07.2012
Centre Pompidou in Metz in ALUCOBOND® pure white receives one of the European RIBA Awards 2012
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SMART-X® - Unique in its variety of processing possibilities
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29.06.2012
SPOTLIGHT ON – LASER CUTTING
Processing tests done by eurolaser in Lüneburg, Germany, show outstanding results for laser cutting of SMART-X®.
For perfect results and clean edges we recommend a system configuration with a eurolaser cutting system of 200 Watt.
Thanks to the precise and automated processing possibilites of SMART-X®, new applications open up in the field of signage, shop decoration and 3D lettering...
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DIBOND® and GATORFOAM® for an exhibition in Venice
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18.06.2012
For the complex project to show visitors the late 19th century studies of St. Marc in Venice by publisher Fernando Ongania, the Firma Group chose DIBOND and GATORFOAM printed on a Durst Rho 750 to create an extraordinary gallery of images.
Read the full article in the current DURST newsletter...
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FOREX® color - the creative play of colours
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09.05.2012
FOREX color, the coloured rigid foam sheet that offers optimum colour consistency and guarantees the same colour effect when viewed from different angles...
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ALUCOBOND® to dress the first Ibis Budget Hotel in Porto
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08.05.2012
Portugal’s first “Ibis Budget” hotel just opened outside the city of Porto in Vila Nova de Gaia with 95 rooms. It provides excellent access to the historic centre of Porto and reflects the commitment of the Accor Group in the segment of super economic hotels with a modern type of offer: innovative and highly competitive....
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The Swarm - The exhibition opening
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13.04.2012
In his welcoming speech Rudolf Scherzer, Vice President of the Bavarian Chamber of Architects, talked about the principles of a swarm that can only become an entity thanks to the close interaction and a common destination.
This team spirit was also noticeable throughout the following speeches that have been hold rotationally by Charles Walker, the assistants and the students. From the initial concept to the static system and the parametric design to the material and construction the numerous visitors had a fascinating insight not only into the incurrence of ‘The Swarm’ but also into science and work at the university. The participants’ passion and the professionalism convinced both host and audience....
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3A Composites USA offers easy-to-use on-line tool selecting graphic
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09.04.2012
The on-line Product Selector – available from the www.GraphicDisplayUSA.com home page or directly at www.graphicdisplayusa.com/product_selector.html – has been updated to make it easier than ever for graphic designers and fabricators to select the best graphic display board to meet specific project needs. The new interactive Product Selector allows designers and fabricators to input project specifications to aid them in determining the best 3A Composites’ rigid substrate, including those in the Omni-Flute™, Fome-Cor®, FiberMate™, Sintra®, Gator® and Dibond® product lines...
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FiberMate™ recyclable rigid print media to be introduced
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04.04.2012
FiberMate™ – a recyclable rigid print media – will be introduced by 3A Composites USA at the 2012 ISA International Sign Expo March 22-24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. 3A Composites USA will exhibit FiberMate at Booth No. 1714...
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3A Composites launches new AIREX® and BALTEK® core materials
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19.03.2012
3A Composites has developed a pioneering new sealing technology offering a dramatic reduction of resin uptake of the infused core material. While this reduction is above 50% for their AIREX® T90 and T92 cores, it is reported to be above 80% for their BALTEK® SB and SBC balsa cores. Depending on sandwich design, resin uptake can constitute around 15% up to 40% of the infused core materials’ total costs.
This substantial resin saving is not only highly welcomed with regard to costs, it also translates into a remarkable weight reduction. Contrary to common understanding, PET-cored sandwiches can now become lighter than PVC solutions thanks to this new AIREX® SealX technology, thus bringing lightweight design to a new level...
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New INNOVATION newsletter Spring 2012 now available
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19.03.2012
Check out the new issue of our INNOVATION Newsletter Spring 2012 which is now available...
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KAPA®-CUT TO SIZE!
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28.02.2012
Did you know that the well-known KAPA® foam boards are also available in individual formats tailored to your needs?
Click below to read more and don't hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to assist you with your next project!
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THE SWARM“– A parametic pavillion build with
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27.02.2012
On Monday, 13th February, the final presentations by the Department of Emerging Technologies took place at the Vorhoelzer forum at the Technical University of Munich, Faculty for Architecture. In addition to the work of Visiting...
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GATORFOAM® Exterior to be displayed at 2012 ISA International Sign Expo
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16.02.2012
Gatorfoam® Exterior – a tough new Gator® board that is designed to stand up to the elements in exterior graphic displays and signage – will be showcased at the 3A Composites USA Booth No. 1714 at the 2012 ISA International Sign Expo March 22-24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla
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Christmas give-aways from ZÜND Skandinavien APS
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03.01.2012
The company ZÜND Skandinavien APS uses KAPA®tex to produce their this year's christmas give-aways. In an interesting video on their website you can see the printing of the pictures, the folding to a frame, and the processing of the packaging until the product is mailable.
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BATIMAT design competition – Creativity from French experts
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14.12.2011
During the BATIMAT 2011 in Paris, 3A Composites took again the opportunity to present ALUCOBOND® design. As already successfully done for the MADE 2011 in Milan, all architects and designers have been invited to create individual...
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Recognition for innovation and quality in construction
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08.12.2011
To promote the recognition of the professionalism and quality in the work of the Spanish construction companies, the magazine "Arte y Cemento" launched an award under the name "Primeros Premios de Arte y Construccion Cemento 2011.
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A report about the new Juventus stadium inaugurated on
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01.12.2011
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MADE design competition – The winner is
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03.11.2011
During the premiere of ALUCOBOND® design at the MADE Expo in Milan, 3A Composites invited all architects and designers to create individual decors for their facade. Paper, pens and an inspiring atmosphere were abundantly...
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GATORFOAM® exterior line expanded, enhanced
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15.09.2011
3A Composites USA is pleased to announce that it ha s expanded its line of Gatorfoam® Exterior, a tough new Gator® board that is designed to stand up to the elements in exterior graphic displays and signage.
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NEW ALUCOBOND® design
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10.09.2011
Individual design, tailored to your needs, can from now on be realized on the proven ALUCOBOND® panels. The ALUCOBOND® design collection gives a glimpse into of what is possible with this new and innovative product. This inspirational collection includes Art / Fashion, 3D Effect, Stone / Natura, Carbon, Concrete and Wood...
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Alumeco becomes the official distribution partner for
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01.09.2011
Alumeco Sweden takes over the representation of ALUCOBOND® in Sweden on 1st September, 2011. The aluminium composite panels that are produced at 3A Composites in Singen, are synonymous for composite panels in façade cladding. Since the seventies, they have been successfully applied including countless projects in Scandinavia, e.g. at the Concert and Congress Hall in Uppsala, the Opera in Copenhagen or the Advice House at Lyskolt Parken in Vejle....
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Creative team-work in an inspiring environment
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26.08.2011
Today, 3A Composites’ new technology centre in Singen was officially inaugurated. After a one-and-a-half year construction phase, attractive new desk job work places have been created in the building that was formerly used as an office and social building...
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Library in Book Format - Exension of the German National
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21.07.2011
Urban development and design
The fourth extension not only adds a new autonomous architectural element to the Deutscher Platz but also provides a harmonious link between the main building and the Book Tower of the German National Library.
The first two annexes stretched out behind the the façade of the German Library, built in 1916 by Oskar Pusch. In the 1970s, however, the GDR, set a cool, windowless complex consisting of five high towers slightly apart from the the historic building...
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New issue of ALUCOBOND® Forms & Elements
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05.07.2011
The newest issue of our topic series Forms & Elements is now available.
The theme of this issue are - as a contrast to the first issue - round forms.
Enjoy reading!
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ACS Has Been Awarded an Order by Stadler Rail AG
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17.05.2011
Airex Composite Structures (ACS) has received an order from Stadler Rail AG for the production of additional FLIRT front cabins for 38 train units. All trains for Tallinn, Republic of Estonia, will be fitted with the tried and proven ACS front cabins, which fulfill the high quality demands of both the producer and the operator.
In the meantime, ACS has sold Stadler Rail more than 1300 FLIRT cabins, which are in operation in over 13 different countries. These successes confirm the competency and position of ACS in the international rail vehicle market. With its modern, future-oriented mentality and policies, ACS confirms its customer-oriented approach once more.
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New GATORFOAM® exterior stands up to the elements
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10.05.2011
Gatorfoam® Exterior, a new offering in the Gator® board product line, has been introduced by 3A Composites USA for creating exterior graphic displays and signage designed to stand up to the elements.
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New AIREX® T90.60 launched with additional features
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10.04.2011
The lightest structural PET core material in the market
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