Bünde-based HORA-Werk GmbH will be embarking into the future under its own flag. The Leipold Group has sold its shares in the machined electrical parts and components manufacturer. BWK GmbH is a reliable investor aiming to expand business in the long term. The Stuttgart-based investment company has acquired a ninety-percent share in HORA, the remaining ten percent belonging to CEO Dirk Niestrat. HORA intends to continue expanding – those responsible informed the staff about the change of ownership today (Thursday, 14 December 2017).
“We’re still looking forward to a successful future after the sale by the Leipold Group,” says Dirk Niestrat. “Various decisions we have made in past years have positioned us well for the road ahead.” The company’s CEO sees opportunities especially in new partner agreements.
Sound company
The previous parent company, the Leipold Group, opted to sell the company and focus on developing its own core business. The new majority shareholder, BWK, aims to provide HORA with long-term support in further development on its product range and promote the company’s internationalisation in keeping with the investment strategy at BWK.
HORA GmbH especially sees great potential in the emerging field of electrical components while expanding on its partnership strategy in the Far East, such as in India and China. [Indien ist nicht Fernost] This will allow HORA to supply simpler electrical components and small batches at attractive terms while also providing a full product range to customers.
“We’ve found HORA to be a healthy company with sustainable structures and equally bright prospects for the future,” says BWK Managing Director Dr.-Ing. Bernd Bergschneider. Bünde will remain as the manufacturing location for complex parts such as electrical components. “We’re set to continue growth in these areas,” says Dirk Niestrat; “Both plants in Bünde are secure and will continue to evolve.” HORA will keep all its rights, licences and patents on products that the manufacturer was previously responsible for.
BWK in the background, HORA responsible for operations
BWK will act in the background providing the financial underpinnings for further business development while HORA maintains operational responsibility with the same staff. “The last few years have seen us set the course for a successful future with our employees. We’ll be keeping to this path with the same team.” The company anticipates creating more jobs to add to the current staff of seventy in Bünde, in line with its moderate growth. HORA has always been profitable since its acquisition by the Leipold Group in the mid-1990s. The manufacturer recorded a further increase in earnings for 2017. Projects ready for contract conclusion give every reason to expect continued growth in the future.
The main parties involved informed the staff today, Thursday, 14 December 2017, about the new situation at HORA-Werk GmbH at an extraordinary general meeting. Pascal Schiefer, CEO and partner in the Leipold Gruppe, also came to bid farewell to his employees. Dr.-Ing. Bernd Bergschneider presented BWK as the new majority shareholder. Dirk Niestrat explained the future prospects at HORA-Werk GmbH, the former and current CEO’s continued dedication to the company and its latest developments reflected in his commitment as a shareholder with a ten percent share alongside BWK.
