25 August 2008 – To strengthen its after-sales business, the Augsburg-based MAN Diesel SE has taken over Danish firm Metalock Denmark A/S, which has its headquarters in Copenhagen. Metalock specialises in what is known as mobile machining, the technique of machining engine components, particularly crankshafts, in situ. The move underlines MAN Diesel’s strategy of propelling its own organic growth – especially in the service sector – by acquiring smaller, highly profitable companies.
In the 2007 financial year, Metalock Denmark A/S employed 23 people and generated sales of €4.6 million. The company’s previous main owner was Kenneth Christensen, who owned 75% of shares, with the remaining 25% being held by the employees. Prior to the takeover, MAN Diesel was one of the Copenhagen service specialist’s most important customers, accounting for about half of the sales. The company boasts expertise in both two-stroke and four-stroke diesel engines for ships.
The deal will add to MAN Diesel SE’s expertise in mobile machining (also known as in-situ machining), where engine components are machined and maintained in the hull itself without full dismantling taking place. Metalock specialises particularly in the machining of crankshafts, a key engine component in maritime applications. The complete takeover will enable Metalock Denmark A/S, whose Copenhagen headquarters currently consist of around 1,000 square metres for offices, tool warehouses and overhaul, to drive their profitable and promising business forward and to grow as part of the MAN Diesel Group.
For the purposes of controlling operational business, Metalock will be affiliated with MAN Diesel’s Hamburg site. Hamburg is the Augsburg company’s biggest service centre with wide-ranging experience in crankshaft repairs.