Equipment Report

Sandvik Acquires Two Firms

Sandvik has reached agreement with private equity owners 3i to acquire Extec Screens and Crushers Ltd., based near Birmingham, U.K.

The company also announced that it has reached an agreement with the majority owner of Fintec Crushing and Screening Ltd., based near Belfast, U.K, to acquire the company. Sandvik currently has a minority share of Fintec and will become the only shareholder after the completion of this transaction.

The acquisitions are expected to be completed during the second quarter of this year.

Extec and Fintec, respectively, are leaders in the design and manufacture of mobile crushing and screening equipment, including wear parts and services to the international construction industry.

Extec has two manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom, as well as sales and service facilities in the United States, Australia and Germany.

"These acquisitions are in line with the Sandvik’s long-term strategy of continued profitable growth and our aim is to become the leading supplier of mobile crushing and screening solutions to the market," says Lars Josefsson, president of Sandvik Mining and Construction.

"By acquiring Extec and Fintec we will extend our customer offering by adding mid-size, and light crushing and screening equipment and thereby become a strong supplier in this fast growing industry," he adds.

"Extec and Fintec have modern manufacturing facilities, are strong in R & D and have well developed distribution networks. This in combination with Sandvik’s global resources will make it possible to grow our crushing and screening business into new markets and service our customers even better," says Josefsson.

Stanley Hydraulic Tools Makes Acquisition

The Stanley Works-Hydraulic Tools Product Group, Milwaukie, Ore., has announced the acquisition of Universal Technologies’ line of Cyclone Drop Hammers.

The Cyclone product is designed to be used in a multitude of flatwork demolition projects.

"We are excited to add the Cyclone into our product mix, which will give our customers a superior tool in flatwork demolition projects. The Cyclone is ideal for rental customers and demolition contractors who need to remove concrete flooring in residential and commercial settings," according to Tim Jones, Stanley Hydraulic Tools’ president. "With a fully entrenched field service staff, we feel we can provide our distributors and end users with world class product support for the Cyclone."

The Cyclone product compliments the wide range of attachments that Stanley Hydraulic Tools offers, including mounted breakers, plate compactors and Labounty shears, concrete pulverizers, universal processors and grapples.

Three model sizes are available: the DH1500, DH3500 and the DH9000. These tools are designed to fit walk-behind tool carriers, skid steers, mini loaders and mini excavators.

More information is available at www.stanley-hydraulic-tools.com.

Vermeer Takes Stake in Wildcat Mfg.

Vermeer Manufacturing Co., Pella, Iowa, has announced plans to purchase a 50 percent stake in Wildcat Mfg. Co. Inc., a Freeman, S.D.-based manufacturer of compost turners and trommel screens. Vermeer will assume management responsibility for the operation. The agreement is expected to be finalized this summer.

"Vermeer has been engaged in the composting market for a decade with our tub and horizontal grinder line," says Mike Byram, senior director of environmental solutions for Vermeer. "We believe current industry trends and regulations will continue to divert organic matter from landfills and fuel additional growth in this market."

The interest in Wildcat complements the growing line of tub and horizontal grinders and compost turning equipment manufactured by Vermeer, says the company.

More information is available at www.vermeermfg.com.