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Hyperion completes purchase of AFC Hartmetall Hyperion Materials & Technologies Inc., Worthington, Ohio, USA, a developer of hard and super-hard materials, has completed the acquisition of AFC Hartmetall, headquartered in Mainleus, Germany, a cemented carbide tool blank manufacturer. Hyperion stated that there will be little change as the companies begin the integration process, and AFC will maintain its own brand identity and
continue operations at its Mainleus headquarters. AFC founder Arno Friedrichs has stepped down as CEO and joined the Hyperion Board of Directors, and Ralf Greifzu, who has led AFC’s global sales for seven years, is now Vice President and General Manager of AFC. “Bringing AFC into the Hyperion group creates an extensive product portfolio and expands our manu-
AFC Hartmetall’s facility in Mainleus, Germany (Courtesy AFC Hartmetall)
Hannover Messe 2020 dates changed due to coronavirus Hannover Messe 2020, one of Europe’s leading trade fairs for industrial technology, originally set to run from April 20–24, 2020, has been postponed until July 13–17, due to coronavirus (Covid-19). Deutsche Messe AG, the event organiser, stated that the decision to postpone the Hannover Messe was made in close consultation with the Hannover Region Health Office, the event’s exhibitor board and its partner associations, VDMA (Association of German Machine and Plant Manufacturers) and ZVEI (Central Association of the Electrical Engineering and Electronics Industry). The Hannover Region Health Office is said to have strongly recommended that Deutsche Messe AG follow the advice of the Robert Koch Institute. This includes comprehensive measures to ensure health
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when organising major events, such as temperature measurement stations at all entrances, as well as the implementation of measures not to allow participants from risk areas and to refuse access to participants who have had contact with people from risk areas. To follow this advice would result in an extensive review of all trade fair participants – from exhibitors and visitors to service providers, stand builders and catering companies. These measures could not be implemented by Deutsche Messe. In addition, their implementation would result in execution of the event being impaired to such an extent that its intended purpose could not be fulfilled for the exhibitors or the visitors, or could only be achieved with considerable restrictions, the organisers stated.
Spring 2020
facturing capabilities, boosting our already robust offering and further positioning us as the first choice for toolmakers in need of high-precision, high-performance solutions for drilling and milling applications,” stated Ron Voigt, CEO of Hyperion. “AFC has an extremely talented workforce and a tremendous reputation for supporting customers. Together, we will work toward the shared goal of becoming the world’s top independent supplier of cemented carbide tool blanks.” Ralf Greifzu, Vice President and General Manager of AFC, added, “We are looking forward to the benefits of collaboration across sales, product development and manufacturing. This partnership greatly expands our global footprint, creating the opportunity to introduce our industry-leading products to more markets while ensuring we can provide even better support to our existing clients.” www.hyperionmt.com www.afcarbide.de
Therefore, as the health of the exhibitors, visitors, employees and the population is a top priority for Deutsche Messe, the decision has been made in coordination with the exhibitor advisory boards at Hannover Messe to postpone the event until July. “With the appointment in July, we are offering our exhibitors the earliest possible time to present their innovations to a global audience and to initiate business,” explained Dr Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Deutsche Messe AG. “In view of the global economic challenges triggered by the coronavirus in the first half of the year, the new date offers considerable opportunities. This is how the world’s most important industrial fair can provide important impulses for the global economy as early as July. Hannover Messe is and remains the figurehead of German industry. “ www.hannovermesse.de
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