Bookmark 12-06-2013

Oerlikon Balzers Expands Foot Print in Asia

The employees of the newcoating center in Manila,l Philippines (figure: Oerlikon Balzers)

Oerlikon Balzers, the market and technology leader in the field of high-quality hard material coatings is continuing to expand its footprint in Asia and is opening its first coating center in the Philippines. Thanks to its local presence, the Segment can now provide customers in the Philippines with more efficient and extensive service.

With this new center, Oerlikon Balzers' global service network now comprises of 93 coating centers in 34 countries. In addition, the Segment is expanding its service portfolio at one existing center in the region: In Korea, coating and reconditioning of tools will complement coating services.

In the coating business, proximity to the customer is a key success factor. For this reason, the expansion of its footprint in existing and new markets is an integral element in Oerlikon Balzers' growth strategy. In particular, the company is directing its attention to Asia, which is already home to around one-third of the Segment's coating centers. The most recent expansion effort is scheduled to begin in the Philippines: In December 2013, Oerlikon Balzers will open its first coating center in the country in the city of Laguna, which is located near the capital of Manila.

In addition, Oerlikon Balzers is expanding its service range in one of the region's existing centers. The coating center in Gunsan that opened in 2008 only offered coating services for components in the past. Tools were coated in the center in Pyeongtaek. Due to the continued economic growth of the Gunsan region, the decision was made to add the coating and reconditioning of tools to the center's service range. As a result customers will receive better service.