Fulda, 10 May 2022 – KAP AG (“KAP”), a mid-sized industrial holding company listed on the stock exchange (German securities identification number: WKN 620840; ISIN DE0006208408), has appointed Dr Hartmut Sauer as the new head of the surface technologies segment with immediate effect as part of its Accelerate strategy program. In addition to managing the precision components segment, he will therefore also assume operational responsibility for the surface technologies segment. KAP is thus streamlining its organisational structure and making it more efficient.
In the surface technologies segment, KAP carries out highly specialised surface processes for the refining of metallic materials. With these, the segment makes a decisive contribution to the long-lasting corrosion and wear protection of its customers’ products. KAP is one of the leading suppliers in this field in a wide range of end markets, such as the automotive industry, mechanical engineering and the furniture industry.
Dr Hartmut Sauer (54), a graduate engineer, has already been with the KAP Group since 2019. His many years of expertise in the field of electroplating and precision technologies, combined with his excellent process know-how, will make a decisive contribution to strengthening the sales focus in the surface technologies segment. In this way, organic growth is being driven forward while simultaneously focusing on continuous efficiency improvements.
The Management Board of KAP AG thanks Mr Baum for the good cooperation and the success already achieved in the surface technologies segment and wishes him all the best for the future.
Accelerate – Transformation acceleration by the end of 2023
The Accelerate programme, which has been running since the beginning of 2021, serves the overarching goal of sustainably increasing the KAP Group’s operating profitability. The focus here is on six key points: increasing the sales focus, enhancing efficiency, securing attractive future opportunities, optimising financial headroom, selectively expanding the portfolio and strengthening Group-wide risk management.
As far as the segments are concerned, sharpening the portfolio’s focus means streamlining site and management structures on the one hand and targeted M&A-driven growth on the other. To manage these complex processes, the KAP Group’s overarching key performance indicator and risk management systems are being further expanded and Group Controlling strengthened.
Eckehard Forberich, member and Spokesman of the Management Board of KAP AG: “We see great growth potential for the surface technologies segment, both in our core markets and in new application processes. The need for efficient surface treatments is high in all industrial sectors. Especially in the development of e-vehicles, our application expertise in this area is playing an increasingly important role. By reorganising segment management, we are leveraging existing synergies between our industrial segments and streamlining the KAP Group’s site and management structures. This will enable us to benefit much more efficiently from existing growth opportunities.”
Contact:
KAP AG
Kai Knitter
Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
investorrelations@kap.de
+49 661 103 327
About KAP AG
KAP AG is a listed industrial holding company focused on upper mid-size operating companies that seizes attractive growth opportunities in their respective niche markets. Specifically, KAP AG focuses on four distinct operating segments: engineered products, flexible films, surface technologies and precision components. The Company uses targeted acquisitions to strengthen its existing operating segments or takes advantage of new market opportunities. KAP allows its shareholders to participate in its long-term profitable growth through an attractive dividend. The Group currently has some 2,600 employees at 28 locations in twelve countries. KAP AG’s shares are listed on the Regulated Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Prime Standard, ISIN DE0006208408).