The market for aircraft assembly systems is currently dominated by smaller providers covering individual stages in the production process. The merger will create a supplier with outstanding expertise in complete assembly lines from one source. This will open up growth opportunities which the two companies would not have if they operated independently. Broetje-Automation is a leader in drilling and riveting technology, while Dürr offers conveyor technology as well as systems for the positioning and measuring of components. Both companies act as general contractors for production systems for aircraft construction.
Ralf W. Dieter, CEO of Dürr AG: “In the last few years, Dürr has grown in the aircraft business and gained many new customers, especially in the United States, Russia and Brazil. With the integration into Broetje-Automation, we are now taking the next step: joining forces to unlock further growth potential. Our customers benefit from a complementary technology portfolio as well as global reach in terms of order execution and service. Dürr firmly believes in the opportunities the aircraft business can offer, which is why we have invested in Broetje-Automation.”
Broetje-Automation, which is based in Wiefelstede near Bremen and Oldenburg, has subsidiaries in the United States and China as well as several sales and service bases in America, Asia and Europe. In 2013 the company generated sales of around € 100 million with more than 500 employees. Just before the transaction with Dürr, Broetje-Automation had taken over the “Composite” area of the MAG Group in Göppingen.
In 2013 Dürr achieved sales of approx. € 35 million in the aircraft business. The business is located in Bietigheim-Bissingen and the Wyhlen production facility; both sites will remain open. Dr. Uwe Siewert, head of Dürr’s aircraft business: “Together, Broetje-Automation and Dürr can provide the aircraft industry not only with excellent machinery and equipment for individual technologies but also with complete systems solutions. This generates significant added value for efficiency in production. The employment contracts of the around 120 Dürr Aircraft employees will be taken over by Broetje-Automation, and our employees will have good opportunities in the new company.” Further positions are due to be created with a view to growing the newly established company and developing new product lines.
