Annual Report 2012 Full version PDF Download - Bekaert

3 The year in brief
Bekaert Annual Report 2012
The year in brief
In response to rapid and structural changes in the global
solar energy market, to growing uncertainty in other
markets and to longer term overall instability, Bekaert
announces on 2 February a major realignment program.
End of February Bekaert announces its annual results
2011. Bekaert succeeded in realizing 5% organic growth
for the year as a result of higher sales volumes, but saw
aggressive competition in solar energy markets erase the
profitability of the sawing wire platform in the 2nd half of
2011.
On 4 December, Prodac, Bekaert’s subsidiary in Peru,
celebrates the inauguration of its new galvanizing plant.
The new line, developed by Bekaert’s in-house
engineering department, extends Prodac’s production
capacity materially. It is the first lead-free galvanizing line
of its kind.
On 13 March, Bekaert and its Chilean partners announce
the successful closing of their shareholding transaction by
which Bekaert becomes the principal shareholder (52%) in
the partnership with operations in Chile, Peru and
Canada.
Mr Juan Kohn, Mr Jorge Matetic, Mrs Gallofré-
Cassadó and Mr Bert De Graeve, representing the
shareholders of Prodac SA, officially open the new
galvanizing plant.
Bekaert’s presence in Chile dates back to 1950 with
the start of a joint venture with the families Matetic
and Conrads.
On 13 December, the European Institute of Purchasing
Management (EIPM) grants the 2012 EIPM Peter Kraljic
awards during its annual convention. Bekaert’s
procurement organization wins the supplier relationship
award.
On 2 April, Bekaert and Element Partners, a Pennsylvania
US-based equity fund, sign the agreement regarding the
sale of Bekaert’s Industrial Coatings activities.
On 28 May, Bekaert and Xinsteel break ground for a new
production plant in Xinyu (Jiangxi province, China). The
new plant will house the spring wire manufacturing
platform which is now located in two separate factories.
On 30 August, Bekaert and Southern Steel establish a
joint venture, 55% owned by Bekaert and 45% by
Southern Steel Berhad (SSB), a leading Malaysian Steel
Group.
Bekaert’s procurement organization wins EIPM award.
Bekaert and Southern Steel join their related
manufacturing and commercial activities in Indonesia
and Malaysia.