Calling the deal "a clear acknowledgment of the significance of the American market," extrusion technology supplier Reifenhäuser Group has purchased screw and barrel manufacturer Westland Corp. (Wichita, KS). Westland will be part of  Reifenhäuser's screw and barrel unit, Reiloy Metall, and be called Reiloy Westland. Dave Larson, formerly president of Westland, will continue to manage the business as president of the new Reiloy Westland.

Westland Corp.

Larson told PlasticsToday that Westland was not actively pursuing a buyer and that the Reiloy deal was emerged out of collaboration between the companies. "After working together, supplying Westland with Reiloy barrel blanks," Larson said, "Reifenhäuser approached Westland with the offer, which made sense for both companies' future growth plans."

Larson said in a release that the deal means Reiloy Westland will be able supply the U.S. market with larger quantities and have additional resources for the future. Bernd Reifenhäuser, CEO of the Reifenhäuser Group said the deal reflects the importance of the American plastics manufacturing market. "I am convinced that the U.S. is an important strategic market for the Reifenhäuser Group,"  Reifenhäuser said, "and that its significance will continue to increase in the future." He added that his company would be "investing in the capacities of the site."

Larson said that in terms of the newly combined product offerings, Reiloy will boost Westland's extrusion market knowledge, while Westland will do the same for Reiloy's injection molding offerings.

Reiloy Metall, which is based in Troisdorf and managed by Thomas Porstner, describes itself as the global market leader in highly wear-resistant screws and barrels for plastics extrusion and injection molding. It was  founded in 1971.

Westland began business in 1969, reworking barrels for extrusion and injection molding. The company now manufacturers custom designed and stock screws for injection molding, extrusion, and blowmolding, including the patented Eagle brand mixing and  barrier screws. It officially became part of Reifenhäuser's Reiloy Business Unit on Dec. 1, 2012.

Larson told PlasticsToday that at this time, Westland employs 48 and has been in a growth mode, with business expanding at a double-digit rate each of the past three years.