CIDAN Machinery Group — based in Götene (Sweden) and a leading supplier to the sheet metal industry with manufacturing locations in Sweden and Austria, as well as office locations in several European countries, the USA and China — has acquired Thalmann Maschinenbau.
A leader in long-folding technology, Thalmann was founded in 1948 and operates from Frauenfeld, Switzerland. With this acquisition, CIDAN is adding yet another strong brand to its portfolio, which already includes CIDAN, Forstner and Nuit.
The Thalmann location in Switzerland will remain the major hub for long-folder development and production, and the company’s 50 employees will be joining the CIDAN Machinery Group and remain employed at Frauenfeld. The acquisition marks a major step forward for both companies, creating a ‘sheet metal equipment manufacturer and software developer that integrates all operations from de-coiling to folding that includes long folders’.
Petter Hjelmqvist (pictured), CEO and president of CIDAN Machinery Group, said: “Our strategy is based on delivering innovatory technology, providing impeccable service, and supplying top-quality products. The acquisition of Thalmann fits perfectly with this strategy. CIDAN and Thalmann already share a great history together. Over a period of many years both companies have established a number one position for long folders in the Americas.
“Our aim is for CIDAN Machinery Group is to become a ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for the sheet metal-processing industry, thereby giving sheet metal-processors one point of contact to purchase a broader range of equipment and software solutions, while having one team taking care of service and after sales support.
“The combination of CIDAN, Forstner, Nuit and Thalmann in one group will offer great opportunities to further integrate a complete sheet metal production line. Industry 4.0 and digitalisation, combined with the in-house development of integrated software solutions will add additional benefits to customers — including optimised supply chain processes and lean manufacturing, as well as opportunities for e-commerce solutions. The one-stop-shop concept provides a complete production line and service offer.”
Marco Cappello, former CEO and co-owner of Thalmann Maschinenbau AG, said: “Martin Thalmann and I are very pleased that being part of CIDAN Machinery Group will safeguard the long-term future of the employees and location in Frauenfeld. CIDAN Machinery Group is a renowned and innovative company that has put customers at the centre of its strategy, much like Thalmann has been doing over the years.”
Marco Cappello will continue with CIDAN Machinery Group, focusing on long-folder customers and distributors and agents. He will also support CIDAN Machinery Group and bring new solutions and benefits to the sheet metal-processing industry and building sector. The Frauenfeld facility will have Gerhard Zech as its CEO; he has worked for Forstner in Austria and CIDAN Germany as operations manager.