CPM Holdings: Holding firm buys Century extrusion unit
Century Inc.’s extrusion unit has a new owner that should boost the twin-screw extruder maker’s international presence. CPM Holdings Inc., USA, bought Century Extruders for undisclosed terms effective Jan. 17. CPM is a leading supplier of equipment for such processes as particle size reduction and pellet agglomeration. The new ownership will help Century Extruders follow its global customers, said Century Extruders President Bob Urtel. CPM’s offshore locations include Wexford, Ireland; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Singapore; and Wuxi, China. Century Extruders attempted to set up a connection in China in late 2004, but it was unable to finalize an agreement, Urtel recalled. Early stages of negotiation envisioned Nanjing Ruiya Polymer Processing Equipment Co. Ltd. using Century Extruders’ engineering to make twin-screws for the world market.
Century Extruders is a major producer of twin-screw extruders for polymers, chemicals and food processing. The company stresses extruder manufacturing will remain in its hometown of Traverse City, Michigan, and the management, operations, engineering, and sales and service teams will continue. Executives continuing with the company include Urtel and global sales manager Charlie Spearing. Industry veteran Asmut Kahns will stay on as a business adviser.