"The divisions acquired from Hearn represent a further step in developing our US industrial services business," explains ThyssenKrupp Services Executive Board member Joachim Limberg. "The acquisition complements our successful activities relating to every aspect of purchasing and logistics through services close to production." In this regard, Hearn specializes particularly in such areas as pre-assembly, warehouse logistics, quality control/assurance, and finishing. "We have already established a strong services foothold in the aviation industry though our supply chain management solutions," Limberg continues, adding, "Together with Hearn we can now transfer our know-how to other sectors. We plan to increase our services share even further in future!"

In fiscal 2004/2005, Hearn generated sales in the divisions acquired by ThyssenKrupp Materials NA of some EUR22 million with a 200-strong workforce. ThyssenKrupp Materials NA's presence will thus be expanded by eleven sites?of which four are in Canada and seven in the USA. Customers come mainly from the automotive and metal-working industries.