Cotek succession arranged
Laufenberg integrates English Cotek Papers Limited into German group of companies
Laufenberg, a specialist in silicone-coated papers and films, is expanding in the UK with the acquisition of Cotek Papers Limited.
Krefeld-based Laufenberg GmbH, an international specialist in silicone-coated papers and films, has acquired Cotek Ltd, the UK’s largest siliconization company based in Moreton-in-Marsh, from the previous owners Scott and Adam Hazell. Laufenberg is integrating Cotek into its group of companies as a largely independent subsidiary and is taking on all 51 employees. Paul Cattle, who has been managing Cotek’s business as General Manager for many years, will become Managing Director. The contract was signed on November 8, 2021.
Strengthened market position
“The UK was already an important market for us. With the modern coating systems from Cotek, we are significantly strengthening our market position there and opening up a new innovative product segment for us with the possibility of coating inert UV silicones,” said Jörg Soding, Managing Director of Laufenberg, at the signing of the contract at the UK headquarters. With around 230 employees and an expected annual turnover of EUR 80 million this year, the German company is one of the leading paper coaters in Europe and also supplies important markets such as North America and Asia with siliconized papers and films.
Scott Hazell emphasized that both Laufenberg and Cotek share common values, beliefs and aspirations. Both companies are family-owned/managed and focus on technically sophisticated products. “This solution ensures that customers retain their usual contacts and reliable service and can access an expanded portfolio. Laufenberg has an excellent reputation in the industry and was my partner of choice for the company succession. The open and trusting business negotiations give me confidence in a successful future.”
Laufenberg stands for quality
Laufenberg GmbH was founded in 1947. It has been producing siliconized papers and later films since 1960. The Soding family is the sole shareholder. Since 2007, Jörg Soding has completed the generational change in the business and developed the company into a customer-oriented innovation center. The company premises in Krefeld cover 38,000 square meters. Three production systems coat industrially used papers and films on both sides with various silicones, while one machine does this on one side. The company has largely withdrawn from mass production and is concentrating on high-quality industrial applications. Silicone-coated products are indispensable today. They are used, for example, as cover paper for double-sided adhesive tapes, for the production of carbon composite materials for aircraft or as a cover for plasters for medical purposes. The latest achievements among the release liners include two pioneering in-house technical developments that significantly improve the surface quality and environmental behavior during coating. The continuous expansion at the Krefeld headquarters will continue. A new raw materials warehouse is currently planned. A plot of land measuring 11,000 square meters was acquired in the neighbouring new Den Ham industrial estate – with a view to future projects.
Cotek Papers Limited is a well-known name in the UK
Cotek was founded in 1964. The transfer of the company includes the ownership of a 15,000 square meter site in Moreton-in-Marsh, including administration and production buildings, to Laufenberg GmbH. These include three flexible coating machines for siliconizing and printing on paper and film. The company is well established on the domestic market and sells its products throughout Europe. The company name will be retained and the existing staff will continue to be employed.
