Preformed Line Products acquires Belos S.A.

Preformed Line Products (PLP) announced an agreement to acquire 84% of BELOS S.A., a manufacturer of fittings and equipment for power utility and mining applications based in Central Europe.  The acquisition will strengthen PLP’s platform in Europe, while enhancing its worldwide product offerings and opening new lines of business.

Established in 1947, BELOS employs over 230 people, and operates from manufacturing and office facilities based in Bielsko-Biala, Poland. BELOS is known throughout Europe as a leading manufacturer of fittings for low, medium and high voltage overhead power networks, power supply units for electrostatic precipitators and equipment for surface mining operations and hard coal mines. With a range of over 2,000 products, this complimentary addition will quickly expand PLP’s existing product offerings, and better position it to meet a growing demand from customers looking for a “one stop shopping” experience.

BELOS will be integrated into PLP’s international subsidiary companies. “The acquisition of BELOS provides PLP with access into fast-developing Central and Eastern European markets, and expands PLP’s existing product offerings and manufacturing capabilities in the region,” stated Rob Ruhlman, PLP’s Chairman and CEO. “BELOS brings quality, engineering, production and marketing expertise into the mix and serves markets currently untapped by PLP.”

“The management and staff of BELOS support this undertaking and look forward to the business growing within PLP’s International Operations group, and continuing to serve new and existing customers,” said Jerzy Szpineter, BELOS’ General Director.

“This is a move forward for BELOS and PLP, and we are excited about the new opportunities it will bring to both companies,” added Bill Haag, Vice President of International Operations for PLP. “I am sure working with the BELOS management team and employees will take our business in this region to the next level.”

Founded in 1947, Preformed Line Products (NASDAQ: PLPC) is an international designer and manufacturer of products and systems employed in the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground networks for energy, communications and broadband network companies. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the Company operates four domestic manufacturing centers, located in Rogers, Arkansas, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Albemarle, North Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina. PLP serves worldwide markets through international operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain and Thailand.