Shape

A magazine from the Sapa group • # 2 2004

MAVIC MAKES WORLD-CLASS

BICYCLE RIMS FROM PROFILES

French
Revolution
SAPA’S LARGEST MARKET EXPANDS HOW NEW CEO WANTS TO
SHAPE SAPA

NEW PRODUCTION SYSTEM

IMPROVES CUSTOMER SERVICE

SALES CLIMB
FOR SMART LADDER
CONTENTS

Sapa – the natural choice

C
hristmas is just around the corner and we
will all be able to take a short break before
beginning 2005.
From a business perspective, 2004 has been a
year in which the economy has improved and indus-
try in general has enjoyed a favourable development.
Since Sapa has a broad customer base, we have
been able to expand our deliveries, suggesting that
our customers are also developing well.
Several of our companies have enjoyed very
favourable development during the year. Earnings
have improved and we have strengthened our market
positions. We have worked on meeting customers’
requirements on service, delivery times, quality and
so forth to an even greater extent. This process will
6-7
be intensified during 2005, with the goal of Sapa 8 14-15 16
becoming the natural first choice when purchasing
profiles, components or heat-transfer materials.

AN IMPORTANT BUILDING BLOCK in these efforts is

Genesis – Sapa’s version of the Toyota Production
System. Here, we have initiated a comprehensive
process within Sapa Heat Transfer and Sapa
Profiles in Sweden. During the final quarter of the
year, we are beginning the process in additional
Group companies.

12-13
For Sapa’s continued development, it is important
to maintain a favourable mix of acquisitions and
organic growth. Consequently, we have decided to
invest slightly more than EUR 14 M in an expansion
of Sapa Heat Transfer’s production facilities in
Shanghai. The investment will secure our already
strong position in China and Asia and it confirms our
ambition to become a leading global supplier of heat-
exchanger strip to the automotive industry.
We have decided to invest in a third press in
Poland. This confirms our interest in Eastern Europe
while also reinforcing our market position in Poland.
During the year, value-added operations in Poland
have also developed strongly. Our trend in value-
19
added processing has also been strengthened Sapa’s success in France Robots take over warehouses
through the establishment of new plants in China Today, France is Sapa’s largest market . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6–7 Stable aluminium profiles a necessity . . . . . . . . . . . . .14–15
and Lithuania. World-class bicycle wheels from France Exclusive waste station with aluminium profiles
I would like to take this opportunity Mavic’s rims a popular choice among professional Landmark for travellers on Sweden’s E4 highway....16
to thank all of our customers for their cyclists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
confidence in us during 2004. I would Profile School: Cross section for right tolerances
also like to thank our employees, New President not new to Sapa Tips on aluminium-profile design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
whose efforts have contributed Interview with Kåre Wetterberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10–11
The ladder everyone suddenly wanted
to our favourable development. Sales climbed after television show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Fun and efficiency at work
Finally, I would like to wish
Sapa invests in new production system . . . . . . . .12-13
everyone a successful 2005.

Shape is the Sapa Group’s customer magazine. able via the Internet at www.sapagroup.com
It is published in eight languages twice annually Editor-in-Chief: Eva Ekselius
for customers, shareholders, analysts, journal- Production: OTW Publishing
ists, employees and others. Shape is also avail- Changes of address: Customers should
Shaping the future
Kåre Wetterberg
President and CEO

2 SHAPE • No. 2 2004

 BRIEF NOTICES

Apple opts for aluminium

The strength, low weight and conductivity are reasons why
Apple has chosen aluminium for its latest computer models.
Thin and lightweight but durable. That is why Apple chose alu-
minium for its latest computers.
“An aluminium case need not be as thick to offer the same
strength,” says Markus Danilsons, president of Swedish dealer
Macoteket.
When the Power Mac G5 stationary computer was launched a
year or so ago, the entire case was in natural-colour aluminium.
The latest portable Powerbook G4 series is also encased in alu-
minium. The weight of these computers is the lowest among
portable computers on the market – between two and slightly
more than three kilos depending on the size of the monitor.
“Another advantage of aluminium is its efficiency in conducting
heat. Fast processors generate a lot of heat. An aluminium casing
can dissipate that heat quickly,” he adds.

Keen interest in barstool

This barstool, which is made with aluminium profiles, combines dura-
bility and strength with attractiveness, low weight and comfort. It was
displayed at the Adesso Gallery in Stockholm for two weeks, during
which it attracted enthusiastic comment. The chair was designed by
Swedish set designer and furniture maker Anders Olin.
“I wanted a lightweight, strong chair with a chic look, so aluminium
profiles were the obvious choice,” he says.
Unlike most barstools, which are often heavy and awkward, the Olin barstool is so
light that even children and seniors can lift it. There are only five of the barstools in exis-
tence to date. However, Anders Olin is hoping to produce an initial series of not less
than 500 barstools soon.
Dafo’s fire extinguishers are popular for
buses and trucks.

Complex container extinguishes fires

Recently, Dafo Brands sales of fire extinguishers
have increased rapidly. Dafo Brands installs
approximately 2,000 fire extinguishers a year – in
buses, trucks and heavy vehicles. Sapa has been Brits jack up the tempo
delivering the profiles for the containers for about “Time is money” is a saying with which us is that we can offer the entire chain,
one year. Sapa customers readily agree. from design and manufacturing to pro-
“The processing and surface treatment of the According to a survey conducted by cessing, if desired,” he says. “Our
profiles is quite demanding,” says Crister Roswall, Sapa Profiles in the UK, customers approach gives us excellent control
Sapa’s sales representative in charge of the want to shorten lead times further. over the production process and the
account. To meet the customer requirements, ability to keep lead times short –
“There is a high degree of difficulty involved in Sapa Profiles has now opened a new which has proven to be increasingly
extruding the profile for the container, which makes warehouse and distribution centre. important, particularly as regards
this relationship special and interesting.” Les Elliott, MD of Sapa Profiles, is developing new products. Our new
Sapa’s profiles for the containers consist of an convinced that the new centre will distribution centre will help increase
inner and an outer shell, top and bottom end have the desired effect. our efficiency and simplify the flow of
pieces and a piston inside the container. “The main reason customers choose production from order to delivery.”

inform their contact person at Sapa, shareholders +46 8 459 59 00. Sapa is an international busi- in aluminium. Sapa has sales of approximately EUR Lundström, Patrik Angemalm, Kalle Assbring,
the institution that manages their account, employ- ness group, which develops, manufactures and mar- 1.5 billion and has nearly 7,800 employees through- Maurizio Camagna, Carl Hjelm, Cajsa Högberg,
ees their salary department and others the kets value-added aluminium profiles, profile-based out Europe and in the US and China. Susanne Johansson, Jörgen Lindqvist, Maria
Communications Department on components and systems, and heat-exchanger strip Contributing writers in this issue: Mats Marrero, Helena Trus, Gustav Vidlund.

No. 2 2004 • SHAPE 3

BRIEF NOTICES
Czech company Alukov uses patterned aluminium profiles in its pool covers.
Decorative pool cover with Decoral
Imitation wood or stone, or bright colours.
Decoral makes it possible to coat aluminium pro-
files with the pattern or colour of your choice.
Decoral is a type of patterned powder coat-
ing that creates unlimited possibilities for pat-
terned surfaces. A company that appreciates
this decorative finesse is the Czech company
Alukov, which designs pool covers that are
sold throughout Europe. The profiles are
extruded at the Sapa plant in Poland, but the
actual surface treatment using Decoral is car-
ried out by Sapa in Sweden.
“Cross-border co-operation between Sapa
companies expands the range of possibilities
available to customers. The Decoral technique,
4 SHAPE • No. 2 2004
which to date is used only at Sapa in Sweden, is
a good example of that,” says Mariusz Sobczak,
export manager at Sapa’s Polish subsidiary.
Decoral can be described as a patterned
powder coating. A specially mixed powder
coating is applied to the profile first, and then
the pattern is transferred to the profile. The
pattern original is often a photographic image
of, say, wood or stone. The original is copied
onto a film that is the carrier of the pigments
forming the image. The Decoral technique
ensures deep penetration. The result is a sur-
face that has all the properties that are charac-
teristic of traditional powder coating.
Dualframe system in popular UK apartment building
In the popular Docklands area of London, a
newly constructed, eight-storey building con-
taining 60 apartments features Sapa Dualframe
aluminium doors and windows. The building,
which has been named “Switch House,” is locat-
ed a stone’s throw from central London and
offers tenants a magnificent view of the Thames.
Sapa’s Dualframe system has been used to
New plant in China
Sapa is investing increasingly in the rapidly growing
Chinese market. In May, Sapa Profiler AB in
Sweden opened a new processing plant in
Shanghai. The aim is to become a complete suppli-
er of processed aluminium profiles in China. The
most important customers are the Swedish telecom
company Ericsson and the American IT company
Hewlett Packard, HP.
One reason for the establishment in China is
the forecasts of ongoing strong growth in the
local market.
“Several of our customers, particularly Ericsson,
are already well established here. We have chosen
to follow their lead, so that we will continue to be
able to provide them with optimal service,” says Lars
Forsberg, who is in charge of the Shanghai plant.
The automotive industry is also increasingly locat-
ing manufacturing facilities in China.
“It has a strong need for a supplier that can sup-
ply it with high-quality components on site,” says
Lars Forsberg.
Sapa started its operations in Shanghai in
1996. Just 100 metres from the newly opened
processing plant is the Sapa Heat Transfer facility
that produces heat-exchanger strip for the auto-
motive industry.
Strong forecasts for China persuade Sapa to
invest in new plant in Shanghai.
reinforce the architect’s dynamic design. The
aluminium doors and windows convey a sense of
modernity, purity of line and lightness. Not only the
external doors and windows come from Sapa -
the balcony doors are also a Sapa product.
Switch House is just one of many apartment
buildings where the Dualframe system has
been used.

Sapa’s Dualframe windows keep out
cold, air, heat and thieves.
“Customers are welcome to visit us with their ideas,” says Paulius Velicka (centre),
managing director of the Lithuanian plant at the opening.
New plant opened in rapidly growing Lithuania
In October, Sapa opened a new processing
plant in Lithuania – UAB Sapa Profiliai. The
plant is located in the country’s second-largest
city, Kaunas.
Sapa opened a sales office in Lithuania back
in 1998. Its mandate was to help customers
with technical solutions for the aluminium pro-
files that were imported from Sweden.
Development has been rapid since then.
Today, the plant employs 43 people. A sales
office for building systems has also been
opened in the capital, Vilnius.
“We have major plans for the facility in
Kaunas and ambitious plans generally to
expand in the Baltic region and Eastern
Europe,” says Arne Rengstedt, managing direc-
tor of Sapa Profiler and in charge of Sapa’s
activities throughout the rest of Scandinavia,
the Baltic region and Eastern Europe.
Sapa’s doors and windows keep most things out
It has now become even more difficult for
thieves to get past Sapa’s Dualframe “low-
threshold doors.” The doors have withstood
weather and safety tests qualifying them for cer-
tification by UK standards organisation BSI. This
also applies to Sapa’s Dualframe 75 mm win-
dow system, which keeps out cold, moisture and
heat. Like the doors, the windows are also
designed to withstand strong exterior pressure,
such as during storms.
Sapa Profiliai’s largest and most important
customer is IKEA.
“We should be able to double our sales in
this country within one or two years,” says Lars
Forsberg, head of manufacturing at Sapa
Profiler AB in Sweden. “We expect more than
half of our production to go to IKEA. The rest
goes to export and other local customers.”
The managing director of the Lithuanian plant,
Paulius Velicka, is convinced that Sapa will be
the market-leader in processing of aluminium
profiles in Lithuania.
“We are entrepreneurs. We like partnerships
and are professional in our undertakings.
Customers are welcome to visit us with their
ideas, thoughts and dreams, which we want to
help them realise.”
“Basically, we intend to help ‘shape the
future,’” said Paulius at the opening of the plant.
“The Dualframe system has grown increasing-
ly popular with customers,” says Jon Palethorpe,
head of sales and marketing at Sapa Building
Systems. “The fact that we have passed these
tests will help our customers to secure further
business contracts.”
One reason why Jon Palethorpe views the
certifications as so crucial is the growing impor-
tance of the security standard in business speci-
fications – in both the public and private sectors.
Almost 50,000 curious visitors were drawn to
visit the InnoTrans trade fair.
Visitor record at InnoTrans in Berlin
Sapa Mass Transportation participated for the sec-
ond time in the international InnoTrans trade fair in
Berlin, September 21 to 24.
This year, the fair attracted close to 47,000 visi-
tors, up 25 per cent from 2002. The increased
interest strengthens InnoTrans’s position as the
foremost meeting-place for decision-makers and
other stakeholders in the train industry.
The areas represented at the fair were train
technology, infrastructure, public transportation, IT
transport and service.
Sapa Mass Transportation was presented to
visitors at a stand that occupied 45 square
metres. A broad selection of interior and exterior
solutions was displayed – solutions developed in
close co-operation with some of the market-lead-
ing producers of train materials.
No. 2 2004 • SHAPE 5
SAPA IN FRANCE
PHOTO: MAURIZIO CAMAGNA
Presses in France busy
round the clock
In ten years, France has become Sapa’s largest market. The presses at the
facility in southern France operate round the clock. Behind the success lies
S
Sapa’s ability to listen and understand its customers.
T
he Sapa plant at Puget in southern
France is essentially never still. The
presses are run on a three-shift sched-
ule, day and night including Saturday and
Sunday. They are only still during the
Christmas holidays and the summer holiday
month, August.
Fernand Venturi is the Managing Director
of Sapa Profilés in Puget, about an hour by
car from Nice. For him, it is important to
spend time on the production floor. When
he is at the plant, he is careful to greet
everyone and stop and chat a while.
“We were a family company to begin with
and our employees have not lost this feel-
ing,” explains Fernand Venturi as we stroll
through the plant. At Sapa Profilés, we have
no ‘Big Bosses.’”
Sapa Profilés’
ACCORDING TO FERNAND VENTURI,
excellent performance is based on a simple
strategy: hear what customers want and
understand their needs.
6 SHAPE • No. 2 2004
“For us, maintaining proximity to the cus-
tomer goes without saying. Certain suppliers
have a tendency to forget the customer. We
develop amicable relationships over the long
term, which is important both for us and for
our customers,” he says.
This focus on working in close proximity
to the customer has helped Sapa to be the
third-largest aluminium-profile supplier in
the French market.
Moreover, today, France is clearly the
largest market for Sapa, which has plants in
Puget and Albi outside Toulouse, and ware-
houses and sales offices in seven other
cities.
François Coëffic, who is responsible for
Sapa Building System and Sapa Profiles in
“Our greatest challenge, however, is to make the transition
from traditional supplier to value-adding supplier.”
southern France, explains that France is an
attractive market for aluminium producers.
Demand for aluminium profiles far exceeds
the country’s current production capacity.
“France is the third-largest aluminium-
profile market in Europe, with a potential of
330,000 tons per year. Sapa delivers approx-
imately 50,000 tons per year.
“Apart from deliveries from our plants in
Puget and Albi, Sapa’s companies in
Belgium, Germany and Portugal also deliver
to the French market – to satisfy the high
demand,” François Coëffic continues.
“This is a way of taking advantage of our
common production resources. We are tak-
ing steps to increase cross-border co-opera-
tion,” he adds.
François Coëffic, Group Vice President, Sapa

Sapa is performing well in France. Moreover, the outlook for further growth is strong.
Demand for aluminium profiles currently far exceeds the country’s production capacity.
THE CONSTRUCTION MARKET, especially, is booming
and accounts for the greatest demand for alu-
minium profiles. As much as 54 per cent of
Sapa’s sales are conducted in this area.
However, Sapa also supplies aluminium
profiles to prestigious customers such as
Peugeot, Renault, Mavic and Samro. Sapa
also makes profiles for more niche-oriented
industries such as manufacturers of bicycles
and inline skates and swimming pool covers,
as well as walls, tables, chairs and ladders.
Sapa’s establishment in France began in
1992 with its purchase of the plant in Albi.
Seven years later, Intexalu in Puget became
part of the Sapa family. Sapa’s most recent
acquisition, the RCA Group in Belgium,
has further strengthened Sapa’s presence
in France.
Sapa Profilés’ plant in Albi is one hour
by car from Toulouse. In addition to alu-
minium extrusion, the plant includes a
coating facility, which performs a certain
degree of contract manufacturing, which
Sapa in Albi would like to develop further,
FACTS • Sapa France
Sapa Profilés Puget and Sapa Building
Systems, both of which are based at
Puget-sur-Argens on the French Riviera,
comprise the largest production unit in
France.
Number of employees: 650 including
employees of Sapa distribution centres in
Strasbourg, Vendôme and Toulouse.
The plant contains two extrusion press-
es, anodising, re-smelter, coating, manu-
facturing and warehousing of building-sys-
tem products. Capacity: 25,000 tons.
Sapa Profiles Albi and Sapa Lacal are
located in Albi (which is the birthplace of
the painter Toulouse-Lautrec).
The plant contains two extrusion press-
es, a powder coating facility, a warehouse
and processing facilities. Capacity:
19,000 tons. Number of employees: 240
The Belgium-based Sapa RC System
has five warehouses/sales offices in
France, including one central warehouse
in La Chapelle d’Armentières. The compa-
ny’s other sites are in Angers, Floirac
(Bordeaux), Chassieu (Lyon) and
Strasbourg. Number of employees: 85
to further enhance its service to customers.
Demand for profiles is expected to grow
2.8 per cent a year in France, largely as a
result of new construction activity in the
country – an opportunity that François
Coëffic is anxious to take advantage of.
“Increasing plant capacity is one thing. But
our greatest challenge is to make the transi-
tion from traditional supplier to value-adding
supplier. That is, we want to create additional
value for our customers by finding smart,
innovative and profitable solutions.”
No. 2 2004 • SHAPE 7
 SAPA IN FRANCE
PHOTO: GUSTAV VIDLUND, MAURIZIO CAMAGNA

Thin and lightweight. Rims from Mavic of France are the given choice for many professional cyclists.

World-class bicycle wheels

French company Mavic is a customer of Sapa Profilés in Puget. Mavic manufac-
tures bicycle wheels for the European cycling elite.

IN THE 2004 TOUR DE FRANCE, Mavic placed first
in winning rims – that is, most of the top-
ranked cyclists used Mavic rims. It is no easy
task to make bicycle rims for elite cyclists,
for whom the weight of the wheel is every-
thing. Cyclists talk about the rotating mass:
concentrating the weight of the wheel
on its centre, as close to the hub as
possible. Moreover, the rim
must also be torsion-resistant.
Sapa Profilés in Puget deliv-
ers the aluminium profiles
that Mavic uses in the pro-
duction of its bicycle rims.
“Our products involve
entirely different demands than
products in, for example, the
construction industry,” says Jean-
Christophe Fluhr, purchasing manager
at Mavic in France. “Our customers want the
lightest possible wheels, so working with
Sapa we look at how we can further develop
the product.”
Before Sapa starts production of a new
rim profile, all the details are discussed,
point by point. Alain Litre is in charge of
production at Sapa Profilés. He
explains that they always study the
customer’s sketch in detail, to
ensure that it can in fact be
manufactured. Alain Litre, Sapa Profilés, with Secretary-
“Mavic’s product is tech- general Dario Bardi.
nically demanding, involv-
ing stringent demands on the question of how they might produce
the dimensioning of the pro- even lighter wheels for their demanding cus-
file. The profile is lightweight tomers. Moreover, as Jean-Christophe Fluhr
and narrow, and the final explains, the next step is to produce high-
result has to be a circular wheel,” quality rims for the Asian market.
Alain Litre adds. “We have already established contact with
Mavic and Sapa are currently discussing Sapa in China,” he says.

8 SHAPE • No. 2 2004

Success with profiles
in bathroom
Pressalit Care of Denmark was the first company in the market with aluminium
rehabilitation products for bathrooms. Initially, sales were sluggish, but the
switch from steel to aluminium soon proved to be a smart move.
T
he idea of starting to manufacture reha-
bilitation products for bathrooms using
aluminium profiles rather than steel was
born at one of Sapa’s seminars on alumini-
um profiles. The year was 1988, and alu-
minium had not yet begun to be used in
rehabilitation products for bathrooms.
“Initially, sales were sluggish,” admits
chief designer Hanne Rasmussen. “It was a
few years before the sales curve turned
upwards and we could feel assured that the
change of material was a success.”
Design has always been important for
Pressalit Care.
“We try to be at the forefront in terms of
design solutions and choice of materials,”
says Erik Boyter, President of Pressalit Care.
Hanne Rasmussen and Johnny Carlsen at
Pressalit Care like to be a step ahead.
Erik is convinced that the focus on innova-
tive design has given the company many com-
petitive advantages. As early as 1966, Pressalit
Care showed its competitors who was leading
the way when the company launched the first
professionally designed toilet seat. Sweden’s
Prince Sigvard Bernadotte and the Dane
Acton Björn were behind the design.
DESIGNER HANNE RASMUSSEN was appointed in the
1970s immediately after graduating from the
Aarhus School of Architecture. One of her
first assignments was to develop a bathroom
installation that could be raised and lowered
to assist functionally impaired people.
Rehabilitation products were initially made
from steel, but this was later replaced with the
considerably lighter aluminium profiles.
“The profiles have many advantages,” says
Hanne Rasmussen. “They weigh next to noth-
ing, simplify assembly and are easy to keep
clean. They are also attractive and strong, and
instil a feeling of safety and reliability.”
Right from when Pressalit Care first began
using aluminium profiles, Sapa, as the prin-
cipal supplier, has provided assistance as an
adviser and partner.
“The co-operation has always functioned
well,” affirms production manager Jonny
Carlsen.
“We are pleased that Sapa is also taking
part in the development process, which has
been of great benefit to us,” adds Erik Boyter.
Hanne Rasmussen likens the long period
of co-operation to a long and happy marriage.
“As in any relationship, it’s a matter of give
and take and being sensitive to each other’s
needs and wishes,” says Hanne.
Today, Sapa supplies two thirds of Pressalit
Care’s aluminium profiles and is the only one
of its suppliers that also has an advisory role.
When Shape invites Hanne Rasmussen to
gaze into her crystal ball and speculate on the
future, her response is swift: IT will assume
increasing importance, she believes. She also
predicts that bold combinations of materials
will become more common.
“Aluminium profiles will also be developed
further and will acquire different characteris-
tics – hopefully, they will become slightly
more flexible,” says Hanne Rasmussen.
Facts • Pressalit Care
Pressalit Care is a division of the Pressalit
Group. Founded in 1954, the company has
sales of DKK 420 M. Today, the company
has 425 employees. Find out more about
Pressalit care on www.pressalitcare.dk
No. 2 2004 • SHAPE 9
INTERVIEW
Firm grip on work
and leisure
New President Kåre Wetterberg is not new to Sapa
He was a newly graduated engineer when he joined Sapa 30
years ago. Developments have proceeded apace since then –
for the company and for Kåre Wetterberg. The new President
and CEO has a simple explanation for his dynamism: “Sapa is
such an enjoyable company to work at,” he says.
D
uring a stroll through Humlegården
Park in Stockholm, Kåre Wetterberg
keeps a firm grip on the leash, at the
other end of which Maja, a four-month-old
Gordon Setter puppy, bounds and frolics.
This is far from being their first visit here,
since the park is only a stone’s throw from
Kåre Westerberg’s home.
“Much of my leisure time at the moment
is spent on Maja,” he says.
The puppy is just one of the recent
changes in Kåre Westerberg’s life. Another is
his new job as President and CEO of Sapa.
He is calm and composed as he describes
his new assignment.
“It is naturally a major challenge – at least it
is one of the greatest challenges I have faced.”
IN THE EARLY 1970S, Kåre Wetterberg studied
for an engineering degree at Chalmers
University of Technology. Through a profes-
sor at Chalmers, he came into contact with
Nils Bouveng, one of Sapa’s founders. In
1974, he embarked on a trainee program at
Sapa’s plant in Vetlanda.
He has remained with the company since
then, in a variety of positions, including
spells as managing director of Sapa sub-
10 SHAPE • No. 2 2004
The newly appointed President and CEO –
and dog-owner.
sidiaries in both Germany and Sweden.
From 2002, Kåre Wetterberg served as
Executive Vice President to former CEO,
Staffan Bohman.
You have a long career behind you. Can
you point to any special milestone?
“There are many. One was when I first
became a manager. It was a crucial event for
me, since it enabled me to realise how much
responsibility a manager has.
“Obviously taking over the position of
CEO is of major importance – it would be
difficult to deny that it is a milestone.”
Kåre Wetterberg does not intend to rest on his laure
to others and develop continuously as a manager.
Facts •Kåre Wetterberg
Name: Kåre Wetterberg
Age: 55
Home: Apartment in Stockholm
Position: President and CEO of Sapa AB
as of 1 June 2004
Background: Degree in engineering from
Chalmers University of Technology
1974: Joined Sapa in Vetlanda, southwest
Sweden
1986: Appointed managing director of
Sapa’s profile company in Germany.
1997: Appointed managing director of
Sapa’s profile company in Sweden.
2002: Appointed Executive Vice President
of Sapa AB.
2004: Appointed President and CEO of
Sapa AB.
Leisure interests: Family, literature and movi-
es. “I like slightly offbeat films. The last time I
went to the cinema, I was the only one there.”
You have remained with the Group for 30
years. Haven’t you ever wanted to change
companies?

els, despite having spent 30 years with the same company. As President of Sapa, he aims to listen
“As a matter of fact, no. I have changed
work assignments on a more or less regular
basis. During recent years, new opportuni-
ties have opened up at regular intervals –
about every four years.”
Could it not be perceived as a shortcoming
to lack experience of other corporate cultures?
“It is not necessary to switch companies in
order to develop. I prefer to think that it is
positive to gain broad experience within one
company. In my different work assignments,
I have got to know a wide variety of customer
categories. I have had contacts with all types
of customers, large and small.”
FOR KÅRE WETTERBERG, there was no question of
not accepting when he was offered the posi-
tion of President. As Executive Vice
President, in co-operation with Staffan
Bohman, he had gained experience of lead-
ing the company.
“Naturally, Staffan and I each have our
own hobby-horses. I am perhaps more oper-
ationally oriented and take a different type of
“I try to be open, frank and honest in all
situations”
PHOTO. KALLE ASSBRING
interest in production in parallel with the
financial aspects.”
While Kåre Wetterberg has a thorough
knowledge of the company’s operations, he
is constantly striving to develop and improve
as a manager.
“It is difficult to have the same image of
yourself as those around you have, so I try to
be sensitive and listen to other people in order
to change. This makes it important to have
people around you who can give a fair picture
of how you are perceived as a person.”
How would you describe yourself as a
leader?
“I enjoy discussing things and make a
point of listening to people’s opinions. I also
believe I am good at delegating responsibili-
ty. I try to be open, frank and honest in all
situations.”
Kåre Wetterberg has a clear picture of
what his assignment involves, namely,
developing Sapa.
“My aim is to make Sapa an even better
company, then exploit that fact in more
markets than we serve today. To succeed,
we must focus on our customers and adapt
to their needs.
“During the past few years, we have had
growth of approximately 10 percent per year,
and we want that to continue. There is plenty
of scope for Sapa to grow further.”
How, specifically?
“We can increase our competitiveness by
utilising the advantages of being a decen-
tralised organisation. Sapa must continue
with its acquisition strategy and find those
companies that best fit in with our opera-
tions. But one problem is that the industry is
performing well at present, so purchasing
companies is expensive.”
Which areas are most important for Sapa
at the moment?
“We must focus both on existing business
and on expansion. We are currently interested
in exploring the markets in China and Eastern
Europe. We already have a presence in China
with production of aluminium heat-exchanger
strip for the automotive industry. Now we
must consider how we can gain a foothold
with production of aluminium profiles.”
Since the founding of the company in
1963, Sapa’s organisation has been cus-
tomer-oriented. And this is a fundamental
principle for Kåre Wetterberg.
“We can make our customers even more
satisfied by raising the level of service,
improving delivery punctuality and providing
the right quality. Sapa is by no means perfect
– much remains to be done. We must be
sensitive to customer needs.”
WHILE SAPA’S NEW CEO has a keen interest in liter-
ature and movies, he is naturally also enthu-
siastic about aluminium profiles, which can
also be aesthetically attractive. He cites an
example: the “Sting” aluminium chair.
“It’s fantastic – a piece of furniture that is
almost art. It unites all the most positive fea-
tures of aluminium profiles in a chair design
that is simple and aesthetically attractive. A
single profile may be complex in itself, but it
only becomes truly interesting when it is
part of a larger whole, making exciting
design solutions possible.”
Kåre Wetterberg says that people are
dependent on each other in a similar way in
order to function optimally.
“Relationships with colleagues are incredi-
bly important for all people. The organisa-
tion as a collective whole is formed by indi-
viduals acting together, all of whom con-
tribute to making the whole interesting and
productive,” concludes Kåre Wetterberg.
No. 2 2004 • SHAPE 11
TECHNOLOGY

ILLUSTRATION: PATRIK AGEMALM

Genesis is based on four rules: 1. Each task is standardised. 2. Internally, there must be a customer-supplier relationship between different units. 3. Everyone
must focus on the production flow. 4. When these three components are functioning, everyone must work for continuous improvements in the production system.

Sapa invests in new

production system
A
corporate revolution? No. Sapa’s new
Is it possible to work more efficiently and simulta- production system, Genesis, is more
neously have more fun at work? Yes. In any case, like a gradual top-down evolution.
“The changes will creep up on us. I’m not
it will be if the Genesis production system so sure that customers will notice the differ-
ence directly. But in the long run, we’ll be
becomes the next chapter in Sapa’s development. able to offer products that offer greater value
“I believe that we will further improve the quali- for money,” says Michael Mononen.
Genesis is an adaptation of the world-
ty of our products,” says Michael Mononen, famous Toyota Production System, which is
based on four rules: Each task is standard-
Group Vice President at Sapa. ised. Internally, there must be a customer-
supplier relationship between different
units. Everyone must focus on the produc-
tion flow. And finally, when these three com-
ponents are functioning, everyone must
work for continuous improvements in the
production system.
Toyota owes a lot of its considerable suc-
cess to the Toyota Production System.
Somewhat simplified, it might be said that

12 SHAPE • No. 2 2004

Toyota cars lack unique sales qualities – the
expansion of the gigantic carmaker is not the
result of a special technology or design.
Instead, its success is based on the fact that
its cars are manufactured efficiently and that
the finished vehicles maintain an evenly
high standard.
The path to this position has been long.
The Japanese have been developing and fine
tuning the Toyota Production System since
the end of the 1940s. The working method
has not passed unnoticed by other industrial
companies and many of Sapa’s customers
use the system. This will now make it easier
for Sapa to also change its working methods.
“It is a generally known system that is
appreciated in our industry. We have given it
our own name, Genesis, since we have adapt-
ed the system to our own circumstances.
BUT THE WORLD is crawling with management
ideas and production systems. Why choose
Genesis?
“The system incorporates a lot of common
sense. It is based on four rules. This in itself
makes it easier to remember,” Michael
Mononen explains.
Another reason for choosing Genesis was
that Sapa had already introduced a couple of
the rules and methods upon which Genesis
is based, which made applying the entire
production system much easier.
While Michael Mononen and his col-
leagues are convinced that Genesis will
transform Sapa into an efficient and better
company, he emphasises that the system
cannot do anything by itself. The employees
must be committed and feel that they are
participating. Working efficiently must be
fun. Each individual employee must accept
responsibility and feel that he or she has the
authority to act within their specific areas of
responsibility. The managers are also involved.
“If a problem arises within production, it
must be solved directly. Managers and admin-
istrators occasionally focus on the wrong
things – they must be out in the organisation
solving the problems that arise there.”
CHANGES OF THIS TYPE take time to become estab-
lished, says Michael Mononen. Genesis must
not become just another management cliché.
“You can’t change people’s attitudes and
behaviour over night. It is easy to be enthusi-
astic at first, but we must also show stamina.”
Arne Rengstedt, Managing Director of Sapa
Profiles in Sweden.
How will Genesis affect Sapa’s
customers?
“The activities that are part of the Genesis
programme will contribute to further improve-
ments in delivery reliability and quality.
”How will Genesis be noticeable
internally at Sapa Profiles?
“Creating increased commitment among
all the employees concerned is important.
We will notice that there is much better
order in the plants. Information to employees
and visitors will become more visual.”
Bengt Markbo, Managing Director of Sapa
Heat Transfer in Sweden.
How will Genesis affect Sapa’s
customers?
“I believe that customers will notice that
we are more flexible and offer better delivery
reliability, combined with improved quality.
Genesis will help us satisfy our customers’
future requirements and to simultaneously
develop our profitability. In some way, it will
also become easier to be a Sapa customer.”
How will Genesis be noticeable inter-
nally at Sapa Heat Transfer?
“We have already implemented certain
parts of Genesis, since we have worked
with the automotive industry for a long time
and we have taken their quality and logisti-
cal requirements to heart. Now we have a
system that we can really rally around in a
structured manner.”
Genesis • How it works
Seven principles support the four
Genesis rules:
• People are the principal asset. Changes
are 70 per cent about people and 30 per
cent about technology.
• If a problem arises, go to the source and
investigate.
• Visual control – check with your own eyes
what has to be changed.
• Eliminate faults.
• Search for a predetermined ideal work sit-
uation.
• Use stable and predictable work processes.
• Use the tools that are available.
Higher gear in
heat-sink area
Sapa is shifting up a gear in the fast-
growing heat-sink product area by form-
ing the Cooling Competence Centre.
“Faster product development, shorter lead-times
and reduced costs,” Martin Schön talks enthusias-
tically about the new Cooling Competence Centre.
“This is an assignment filled with challenges,”
he says.
And Martin Schön is convinced that a real effort
will be needed in order to withstand the intense
competition from low-wage countries in Eastern
Europe and Asia.
“As an increasing number of players slim their
organisations and elect to streamline their core
business, it is essential that we as suppliers can
offer attractive turnkey solutions.”
The Cooling Competence Centre consists of five
Sapa employees: Anders Helander, Seppo Tuivinen,
Sven-Erik Egerskog, Jin Hou and Martin Schön.
“The idea is that we will function as a support
centre for our colleagues in sales and technology.
They should be able to consult us and ask ques-
tions about cooling, when, for example, their cus-
tomers have problems in diverting heat from elec-
tronics,” Martin Schön explains.
The Cooling Competence Centre works on a
broad front, focusing on the automotive industry
and telecom, whiteware and IT companies.
Facts•Cooling Competence
Centre
Sapa Profiles in Sweden generates annual sales
of about EUR 215 M, the heat-ink product area
about EUR 11 M annually. Product development
of heat sinks takes place at the Cooling
Competence Centre in Finspång, Sweden
No. 2 2004 • SHAPE 13
CUSTOMERS

Robots take over

warehouses
Hatteland of Norway builds warehouses with stable profiles

Using robots and aluminium profiles, storage space

is utilised optimally, allowing crates to be retrieved
at the touch of a button.

T
he radio-controlled robots crisscross the
large matrix of aluminium profiles.
Beneath them, inside the aluminium-
framed cubes, are stacks of goods packed in
crates. With a few simple key commands,
the operator orders the retrieval of a particu-
lar crate somewhere within the system. In a
flash, the robot has sought out the correct
crate among the stacks and delivered it to the
terminal.
It could be a scene from a science-fiction
movie.
However, at Hatteland Computer in
Norway, this vision of the future is already a
reality. The concept behind the AutoStore
warehouse system was born in 1996.
“We discovered that many warehouses had
similar problems. Storage space consisted
mainly of air. The basic idea was to use the
space in a more efficient manner,” says Sven
Åge Hjorteland, President of Hatteland
Computer in Nedre Vats, Norway.
A traditional warehouse consists of
shelves. To access goods, empty spaces are
needed between the shelves – decreasing the
warehouse’s capacity.
In AutoStore, on the other hand, goods are
stored in crates that are stacked on top of
one another. This allows a larger quantity of
goods to be stored in the same floor space.
“AutoStore is a compact system that can
be fully adapted to the building in which it is
to be housed,” explains Sven Åge Hjorteland.

A MATRIX OF ALUMINIUM PROFILES ensures that

crates are placed correctly. Radio-controlled,
battery-powered robots travel across the sur-
face of the matrix, moving and retrieving
crates. If a crate that is to be retrieved is
located beneath other crates, these are tem-
porarily moved and then replaced.
The entire process is computer-controlled.
Hatteland has already registered patents for the system in most countries around the world. Crates are carried to and from the operator

14 SHAPE • No. 2 2004

AutoStore stacks crates on top of one another, doing away with the empty spaces found in traditional warehouses.
through a portal in the aluminium cube.
The aluminium profiles forming the core
of the system are delivered by Sapa and the
process of improving the design is ongoing.
Following careful strength calculations, a
new profile was developed during the sum-
mer in order to reduce both weight and
material costs.
“We have contributed ideas and expertise
in developing the product. The design has
simply been made more efficient,” says
Harald Bruås, salesman at Sapa Profiler AS
in Haugesund, Norway.
Seams must be flat for crates to run smoothly.
Precision in the production of the alu-
minium profiles is crucial. The seams
must be flat to allow the robots to move
smoothly and without interruption across
the matrix.
“Accuracy is extremely important. We are
talking about minute tolerances, which
impose stringent requirements on produc-
tion” says Harald Bruås.
SAPA AND HATTELAND COMPUTER have collaborated
for several years. According to Sven Åge
Hjorteland, the partnership has been very
successful.
“We are very pleased. Our co-operation
works extremely well. In my view, Sapa
delivers the best products at the best
prices,” he says.
During the autumn, Hatteland Computer
has been constructing a pilot facility where
the new product will undergo final tests.
After that, the world market awaits. Patents
for AutoStore have been registered in most
countries worldwide.
“The reactions to AutoStore have been
highly positive. We see a sizeable market
ahead of us,” says Sven Åge Hjorteland.
Facts • AutoStore
• When production of AutoStore is fully
under way, the delivery time for a complete
AutoStore system is estimated at about
three months, depending on the size of
the system.
• A complete facility weighs between five
and 20 tonnes.
• AutoStore storage crates measure
200x400x600 mm. The size can be adjust-
ed according to customer requirements.
• The contents of the crates can weigh as
much as 30 kg. The robots are designed
to lift 50 kg.
• Sapa delivers completely ready-to-
assemble aluminium profiles for AutoStore.
No. 2 2004 • SHAPE 15
DESIGN

Tinted glass and a latticework of aluminium profiles give the building its distinctive character and serve as protection against heat and sunlight.

Exclusive waste station

No one driving along the E4 motorway in southern Sweden can fail to Facts• Gärstad waste
miss the new landmark in the form of the Gärstad waste incineration incineration plant
The Gärstad waste incineration and dis-
plant. The façade is constructed entirely in glass and is covered with a trict heating plant will become operational
decorative latticework of aluminium profiles. in 2005. The buildings were designed by
Esbjörn Adamson, Lena Tomani and
Adam Wsycichowski of the Berg architec-

S
everal new waste incineration plants are
currently being constructed in Sweden
as a result of a new EU directive pro-
hibiting landfill disposal of waste. Perhaps the
most conspicuous of these new plants is the
new main building of the Gärstad plant on the
outskirts of Linköping. The new facility, built
next to the existing waste-incineration plant
and towering 45 metres above the plains of
the province of Östergötland, houses an incin-
erator and a flue-gas cleaning plant. At night,
these can be seen in silhouette through the
glass façade of the illuminated building. Lena
Tomani of the Berg architectural agency in
Stockholm is one of the architects:
“Inside the building, there is full activity
twenty-four hours a day. We want to show the
function and use it as part of the exterior
architecture,” she says.
The glass has solar protection properties
and has a carefully chosen green tint.
Together with the aluminium lattice, posi-
tioned a little way from the façade, it protects
against heat and sunlight to give a pleasant
indoor environment.
For Lena Tomani and her colleagues, the
choice of an aluminium lattice was obvious.
“The material is light, durable and does
not rust. Furthermore, the system support-
ing the glass of the façade is also made of
aluminium and so it was an advantage to use
the same material.”
The architects also kept the design in
mind when choosing the aluminium lattice.
The lattice is wide-meshed to blend in aes-
thetically with the building’s size and also to
give life to the façade as people move about
in the building.
tural agency.
Aluminium lattice
Various types of grids covering glass
façades have been a trend in European
architecture in recent years. In addition to
being decorative, lattices protect against
heat and sunlight. The wide-mesh lattice
used at the Gärstad plant was assembled
using 3.15 x 3.15 metre aluminium frames.
The finished aluminium net was delivered
by Metallvaruhuset and manufactured by a
sub-supplier in Norway. The basic material
was produced by Sapa and is a profile with
milled longitudinal grooves, which is then
stretched to form a net. The lattice was
then powder coated to give it a green tint.

16 SHAPE • No. 2 2004

Aluminium subway trains
replace rusting rolling stock
The steel carriages of Barcelona’s subway trains are
rusting. Consequently, 250 new carriages have been
ordered from Alstom Transport. The aluminium profiles
are produced by Sapa.
n tough competition with several other
I suppliers, Sapa Mass Transportation has
secured an assignment to deliver a total of
1,070 tonnes of aluminium profiles to
Alstom Transport over a two-year period.
“This is the first time we are the total sup-
plier of profiles for subway trains,” says
Allan Pedersen, sales manager at Sapa Mass
Transportation.
Sapa’s aluminium profiles will be used in
the construction of 250 subway carriages for
Barcelona. The ultra-modern driverless
trains are expected to carry 90 million pas-
sengers per year and will operate a total
stretch of 41 kilometres and 43 stations.
Consequently, the new subway line, which
will be called Line 9, will be the Catalonian
capital’s longest and also the longest driver-
less system in Europe. It will run from north
to south enabling passengers to take the sub-
way to the airport.
The older subway trains in Barcelona are
made of steel. However, since several lines
run close to the sea, there have been problems
with corrosion in recent years. For this reason,
the Barcelona Metro has chosen aluminium
Portugal’s first IKEA with Sapa’s
Mirage façade system.
for the load-bearing profiles in its new trains.
“An additional advantage with aluminium
profiles is their light weight. Since they
weigh comparatively little, less energy is nee-
ded to power them,” says Filip Levering, pro-
ject manager at Alstom Transport in Spain,
which is building the new trains for the
Barcelona Metro.
According to Filip Levering, the fact that
less welding is necessary in joining the profi-
les is also positive. This makes production
simpler and faster, he considers.
When the Barcelona Metro contract had
been secured, Alstom obtained estimates
from several suppliers. Sapa was selected for
several reasons. “Alstom had several years’
experience of working with Sapa and co-ope-
ration between us has always worked extre-
mely well,” says Filip Levering. Obviously,
product quality, delivery reliability and other
key factors were also taken into account.
Alan Pedersen names yet another reason
why Sapa was selected for this much sought
after contract.
“As a result of having considerably incre-
ased our capacity, we are a much stronger
Blue and yellow profiles for
Portugal’s first IKEA
SAPA IN PORTUGAL provided aluminium pro-
files for the country’s first IKEA depart-
ment store in Lisbon, which was completed
in August this year. Façade contractor,
Martifer, produced and assembled the blue
and yellow glass façade, which measures
2,000 square metres and uses Sapa’s
Mirage VEC façade system.
“This delivery means a lot for Sapa, part-
ly financially, but also visually, since IKEA
is so well known. The profile system is flex-
ible since it can be used for many different
Soon driverless aluminium trains will be
seen in the Barcelona Metro.
market force today,” he underlines.
An important precondition to securing
major contracts is the ability to deliver the
quantity of products required by the customer
at the necessary rate. Sapa meets these requi-
rements. With Remi Claeys of Aluminium
becoming part of the Sapa Group less than
two years ago, Sapa’s capacity for the produc-
tion of large profiles was further enhanced.
“We can now handle bigger orders of large
profiles and hope to be able to secure further
major assignments,” says Allan Pedersen.
Facts: Sapa Mass Transportation
• Sapa Mass Transportation was founded
in 2002.
• Its goal is to increase the use of aluminium
profiles in the rail and ship-building industries.
• Mass Transportation delivers total solutions
and acts as a co-operative partner with its
customers.
• Mass Transportation’s core operations
are within the areas of aluminium profiles,
components and integrated solutions.
types of glass façade. It is also possible to
use different colours. For IKEA, blue and
yellow were used, enhancing the company’s
image,” says Sara Monteiro, at Sapa’s mar-
keting department in Portugal.
Façade contractor Martifer is one of Sapa
Portugal’s major customers.
“For Sapa, this was a large project –
not only due to the size of the structure,
but also because it may lead to further
large assignments in the future,” says
Sara Monteiro.
No. 2 2004 • SHAPE 17
TECHNOLOGY

Profile School/ Cross section for right tolerances

Design using aluminium profiles allows
almost unlimited opportunities in the
dimensions of the cross section. As we
often say, the only limits are set by your
imagination.

When determining dimensions and tolerances,

it can be useful to know some of the tricks that
can facilitate the ensuing process. Compared
with mechanical processing, the tolerances of
aluminium profiles are relatively wide, particu-
larly with regard to “soft” dimensions.

Figure 1. Dimensioning of U profile

Normally a U profile is dimensioned as in
Figure 1. Measurement B is a fixed dimension
providing favourable tolerance, measurement A
across the top is a “soft” dimension, which is
more difficult to contain and which provides a
wider tolerance.
Figure 2. Often, a closer tolerance is required
at the bottom of the U profile, in which case, it
can be advantageous to use the dimensioning
given in Figure 2. Here, measurement C is a
fixed dimension with a close tolerance and
measurement D is the “soft” measurement with
a wider tolerance. If a more precise fit is
required internally, it is also possible to dimen-
sion D somewhat smaller than C and utilise the
give in the flanges.
Figure 3. The dimensioning of the tube in
Figure 3 is normal for a tube with internal fit.
The fixed measurements are at the outer edges
and the “soft” measurements across the cavity.
For the best tolerances the profile is dimen-
sioned as in Figure 4.
Naturally, the above dimensioning technique
can be used for all special profiles involving
similar functions.

Tougher products
with safety box
Using a computerised safety box
from Germany, Sapa Building
Systems Ltd tests the durability of
products.
Products able to cope with extreme
weather conditions have become
increasingly important. With its new Resilience and resistance to extreme weather condi-
safety box, Sapa Building Systems in tions are important characteristics of many Sapa prod-
the UK is able to conduct tests in ucts. To save money in the longer term, Sapa Building
accordance with the new European Systems Ltd has now invested in a new safety box to
standards. test precisely these characteristics.
“Our new, completely computerised safety box can
cope with units measuring as much as 3,500 mm x
300 mm. In addition, it can perform tests in accor-
dance with the new European standards. By using the
new box, we can offer customers advanced technical
support,” says Jon Palethorpe, sales and marketing
manager at Sapa Building Systems.

18 SHAPE • No. 2 2004

CUSTOMERS
No one seemed to want the ingenious aluminium ladders. That is, until the daily TV
infomercials started. Since then, sales have soared.
Sales soared after TV show
Little Giant Ladder is the story of an infomercial that turned a forgotten aluminium
ladder into a sales success.
L
ittle Giant Ladder was an old invention
owned by an old man who wanted to sell
his company. How much money could
owner and inventor Hal Wing get?
Not much, he soon learned.
You see, there was a major problem. The
patent on his main product, the Little Giant
Ladder, had expired and it emerged that
potential buyers had begun to produce
copies of Hal Wing’s treasured invention. In
other words, a tricky situation.
But Hal and his son Art refused to be
defeated. The product was good, but the
name was unknown. They decided to take
some aggressive action and do an “infomer-
cial” – a TV show demonstrating in a peda-
gogical manner the true ingenuity of the
foldable aluminium ladder. With the
infomercial broadcast almost daily on
national TV, sales soared and soon between
3,500 and 6,000 ladders were being sold
each weekend. In a year, sales increased by
1,000 percent. Sapa was now delivering ten
times more aluminium profiles than before
to meet the demand for this small yet hugely
successful ladder.
SO WHAT MADE this infomercial so successful?
“Our concept was to promise a little and
deliver a lot. And it worked! Less than one
per cent of the ladders are returned,” says
Art Wing.
Neither Art nor his father were great fans
of infomercials and, by their own admis-
sion, would never have bought something
as a result of watching advertisements of
this kind. Their scepticism led them to
“Our concept was to promise a
little and deliver a lot. And it
worked!”
Facts • Wingladder
The aluminium Little Giant Ladder was
invented by Hal Wing in 1972.
The ladder is foldable and has 24 different
settings.
Wing Enterprises was founded in 1986
and is based in Springville, Utah.
Are you interested in seeing how the lad-
der works? At www.ladders.com, you can
view the entire TV show!
make an important decision: if they were
going to invest in a TV show, then they
would do it properly.
Famous program hosts from DIY shows
were hired, real film was used and the studio
buzzed with expensive cameras. The invest-
ment has already paid off.
“We have run the TV show for six months
and have already more than recovered the
cost of our investment,” says Art Wing.
Now, the rest of the world is about to expe-
rience Hal Wing’s ladder when the TV show
is broadcast in Canada, Mexico and Japan.
The small family business is also set to con-
quer markets in Australia, New Zealand and
in the EU – a tremendous expansion for an
inventor who only last year was planning to
sell his life-work.
“I’m not really the type of person that
likes to retire. I am so pleased that I kept the
company,” says Hal Wing.
No. 2 2004 • SHAPE 19
FINALLY
With the new press from the UK, Sapa in Poland
will be able to double its capacity.
New press in Poland
Sapa continues to expand in Poland and is investing
MSEK 40 in a third press. The press, which comes
from Sapa Profiles Ltd in Cheltenham, in the UK, will
allow Sapa Aluminium to press larger profiles of up
to 280 mm and to double its capacity to 24,000
tonnes. Consequently, the company will be able to
broaden its range and reach new customer groups.
In recent years, Sapa has experienced rapid
growth in Poland.
As early as in 1991, Sapa began to establish a
presence in the country from scratch and, at that
time, made its first investment in a new press in
Trzcianka. A second press was added in 1995.
Sapa currently holds 25 per cent of the Polish mar-
ket for aluminium profiles and exports extensively in
Central Europe. The Polish market is expected to
keep growing at an average of 10 per cent annually.
In addition to investing in a third press, capacity
for surface treatment and processing will also be
increased.
“The construction boom and the general trend
in Poland have contributed to our success,”
explains Arne Rengstedt, who is responsible for
Sapa’s profile operations in Eastern Europe. “We
also have a head start on our competitors by
being the first foreign aluminium company in
Poland. We have concentrated consistently on
high quality and flexibility and on building long-
term relations with our customers. We hold a lead-
ing position and have a high level of know how in
value-added processing. We offer anodising, pow-
der coating and processing in Poland. This allows
us to deliver complete components and we are
the only company in the country able to do that.”
The project to install the new press will begin
during the autumn of 2004 and the press is
expected to begin production in September 2005.
20 SHAPE • No. 2 2004
Roof rails for the Renault Laguna
For a long time, Sapa Automotive has produced
roof rails for the Renault Laguna. Renault is
apparently pleased with Sapa Automotive’s
work because it chose Sapa as its partner in
developing new roof rails for the next generation
of Lagunas. The prestigious assignment con-
firms the high quality of Sapa Automotive’s work
for Renault.
Sapa Automotive will work on the project for a
two-year period.
The boom in sales of flat screen televisions has
resulted in skyrocketing sales for SMS’s mounts for
monitors and projectors.
Success for flat-screen TV mounts
Flat television screens need stands to stay
upright. Even ceiling-fitted screens require special
mounts.
Swedish company Svenska MonitorStativ
(SMS) Safebrackets recognized this need and,
during its six-year collaboration with Sapa, sales
of the company’s products have risen each year.
Sapa delivers a large number of profiles each
year for the Plasma column mount and for the
Aero projector mount. The two mounts are used
for plasma monitors and video projectors.
“SMS is now a very important customer,” says
Crister Roswall, Sapa’s account manager for
SMS Safebrackets.
“SMS uses aluminium profiles for its products
because these allow numerous combination
alternatives. SMS can shape the profiles
according to preference to combine design and
function.
SMS’s sales have risen 12-fold in seven
years. In 1997, its sales were MSEK 8. For
2004, the forecast is MSEK 97 M, according to
Swedish financial daily Dagens Industri. SMS’s
success is largely attributable to good technical
solutions in which technology and design are
inextricably united, which reflects the company’s
motto “Safety, function and design.”
Most of SMS Safebracket’s mounts, about 70
percent, are exported from Sweden. The four largest
markets are the US, Russia, the UK and Spain.
Scania truck receives award
During the international automotive exhibition
Nutzfahrzeuge 2004 in Hanover, Germany, Scania
launched its latest truck series, which also
received the “Truck of the Year” award. In the
truck market, Scania and Volvo are the largest
users of processed aluminium. This suggests that
there is extensive potential for the use of alumini-
um by other manufacturers as well.
Awards shower over Sapa in
Belgium
Sapa RC Profiles in Belgium has been named the
best supplier of aluminium profiles and best supplier
overall by Siemens Transportation. Sapa was select-
ed from among the 300 suppliers assessed.
The motivation for the award cited an exceptional-
ly innovative, communicative and flexible approach.
The award was presented in June 2003 during a
supplier event in Germany.
“I feel extremely proud. The award serves as
recognition not only that Sapa offers advanced
technology but also that our approach is appre-
ciated by customers,” says Ben Elfrink,
President of Sapa RC Profiles in Belgium.