While Schmidlin Ltd Façade Technology was bought out by the TSK Troester Group - as reported in these pages in our April issue - it now emerges that Schmidlin UK did not form part of that deal.

In fact, TSK was only interested in the parent company and its manufacturing facility in Aesch, Switzerland.

Staff at subsidiary companies across the world - including Schmidlin UK - had been left in a period of uncertainty by the decision. With large holes left in balance sheets due to the parent company's bankruptcy, it seemed that they might be left out in the cold.

However, on Friday 7th April 2006, Lindner AG acquired the business and assets of Schmidlin (UK) Ltd and its subsidiary in Singapore.

All of Schmidlin's 250 UK employees, and those in Singapore and PR China, have transferred to the new company. The new name of the company is Lindner Schmidlin Facades Ltd.

Lindner AG, based in Arnstorf, Germany has been looking for opportunities in manufacturing and installing curtain walling and façade systems for the last few years, setting up manufacturing facilities in Germany and the Czech Republic.

Lindner's acquisition of Schmidlin UK delivers an excellent outcome for both businesses. Lindner has accomplished a long-term goal by adding a world-class façade company to their portfolio of specialist trades.

Schmidlin UK has secured strong financial backing from a highly regarded international contracting group. The two businesses are an excellent strategic fit.

Schmidlin UK MD Mike Hollis is delighted with the outcome, ‘The new owners are very ambitious and prepared to invest in making the company a true competitor in the world curtain walling market. We now need to concentrate our efforts in seeking new contracts, advising on manufacturing decisions and looking towards a prosperous future.

'The past few months have been tough, but we remain intact and with Lindner on board, I feel we are now in a very strong position', he said.

Source

Glass Age