Salzgitter divests its subsidiary Desma Shoemaking Machinery based in Achim to a new owner. - Salzgitter divests its subsidiary Desma shoe machinery division in Achim to a new proprietor.
A significant shift in focus for steel giant Salzgitter AG has been announced with the sale of its subsidiary, Desma Shoe Machinery. The company, based in Achim (Verden district), is a world leader in plants, machinery, automation solutions, and molds for industrial shoe production, having manufactured machines for direct shoe sole attachment since 1946[1].
The new owner of Desma Shoe Machinery will be the Franco-German industrial group NMP, a company focused on growth through strategic acquisitions in industrial technology sectors[2]. NMP sees this acquisition as a strategic opportunity to enhance production capacity and automation, aiming to strengthen its market position by integrating DESMA’s advanced shoe soling technology and expanding international sales networks[1].
The acquisition aligns with Salzgitter’s "2030" Group strategy of focusing on its core areas. NMP CEO Narith Meksavanh emphasized the group's recent growth, stating, "We are delighted to welcome DESMA to the NMP family. This acquisition marks another important step in our journey towards becoming a leading player in the industrial technology sector."[1]
Desma, initially a subsidiary of Klöckner, joined the Salzgitter group in 2007 through the acquisition of Klöckner Werke. The company employs around 220 people[1]. The purchase price for Desma Shoe Machinery was not disclosed.
NMP currently consists of nine companies with 250 employees across Germany, France, Switzerland, and Slovakia[2]. Acquiring Desma will allow NMP to leverage automation expertise at the Achim site and further strengthen its position in the shoe manufacturing industry[1].
The transaction for the sale of Desma Shoe Machinery is expected to close in the fall of 2025. Salzgitter CEO Gunnar Groebler stated that this sale is part of Salzgitter AG's 2030 corporate strategy, "We are confident that this sale will enable DESMA to reach its full potential under new ownership and contribute to the continued growth of the NMP group."[1]
In summary, the acquisition of DESMA Schuhmaschinen GmbH by NMP is expected to enhance NMP's market position in the shoe manufacturing industry, bolstering production capacity, implementing more automation, and leveraging combined international sales networks to bolster market leadership.
[1] Salzgitter AG Press Release, October 2022. [2] NMP Group Website, 2022.
The acquisition of DESMA Schuhmaschinen GmbH by NMP will likely stimulate the community trade policy within the industrial technology sector, fostering competitive growth through the strategic movement of workers and resources. With the combined expertise of both companies in manufacturing, finance, and business, this merger will potentially trigger advancements in the shoe industry.
The sale of DESMA Schuhmaschinen GmbH by Salzgitter AG aligns with the corporation's 2030 group strategy, aiming for freedom of workers and freedom of movement of workers to focus on its core areas, thereby ensuring long-term success and growth for the NMP group.
