Amerex buys Solberg Scandinavian
Published: 02 March, 2011
Amerex, a manufacturer of hand portable extinguishers and fixed special-hazard fire suppression systems, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Solberg Scandinavian AS, one of the largest independent firefighting foam agent manufacturers in Europe.
“This strategic acquisition enables Amerex to uniquely bring advanced, environmentally sustainable firefighting foam technology to the Americas, and will give us a global footprint as a full-line manufacturer serving the fire protection and firefighting industry,” explained Amerex Corporation president Bill Beyer. “We are excited to add the Solberg staff, its manufacturing operations, and firefighting foam research capabilities to our family.”
Solberg Scandinavian AS, based in Bergen, Norway, has been involved with the manufacture of firefighting foams since the 1980s. Solberg is recognized throughout Europe and the Asia Pacific Region for its environmentally sustainable fluorosurfactant and fluoropolymer-free products that are an innovation in Class B firefighting foam. Additionally, Solberg manufactures a complete range of traditional Class B synthetic Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) and Alcohol Resistant Concentrates (ARC), as well as U.S Forest Service approved Class A and High-Expansion concentrates. Solberg enjoys significant market share sales in Northern Europe and Australia, where its unique technology is preferred by customers in the aviation, petroleum, oil and gas markets.
“The Solberg Company, which has been independently run for nearly 30 years, will continue to be operated as an autonomous business, in order to realize Solberg’s ambitious growth strategy,” Beyer said. “I am also very excited about the management team that we have brought together to guide the expansion of Solberg operations and introduce these environmentally sustainable products into the Americas. Each executive is highly experienced and respected in this industry. These are people who have successful track records of hands-on leadership and achievement.”
“This acquisition enables us to immediately access a significant revenue stream and loyal customer base throughout the European and Asia Pacific markets,” said Dennis Kennedy, General Manager of Solberg. “In addition to firefighting concentrates, the Solberg line will include standard and customized foam suppression systems, hardware and accessories that will make Solberg a desirable one-stop resource as we expand into markets worldwide.”
“Our current partnership group is excited to join the Amerex team,” said Jan Solberg, the founder of Solberg Scandinavian AS. “For some time we have considered several strategic opportunities that would enable us to expand our business. Amerex shares that forward-thinking philosophy, so that the partnership with Amerex represents the right next step both for our new and existing customer base.”
Solberg will retain its current personnel worldwide. The company’s manufacturing plant and test facilities in Bergen, Norway, will continue to operate and supply foam agent to Europe and the Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific customers will continue to be served from the R&D and manufacturing facility in Sydney, Australia, under the leadership of Ted Schaefer. Customers in those markets will continue to purchase Solberg firefighting foam through Solberg’s existing distributor network. Select distributors will also be extended the opportunity to offer Solberg foam suppression systems hardware and accessories in the near future.
Amerex Corporation, an affiliate of McWane Inc, has been providing quality and innovative firefighting products for 40 years. Amerex is recognized worldwide as a leader in the manufacture of hand portable and wheeled fire extinguishers, pre-engineered automatic restaurant systems, vehicle fire suppression systems and industrial systems, as well as a complete line of engineered special hazard suppression systems sold under the Janus Fire Systems name.
McWane, Inc. is a family business based in Birmingham, Alabama, with iron foundries across the United States and Canada. McWane’s divisions focus on the safe, environmentally-friendly manufacturing of ductile iron pipe, fittings, hydrants and valves. These and other products provide the backbone of vital water distribution and wastewater treatment systems for communities across North America. The company employs more than 5,400 workers.
