LVD, AltaMAR agree to merger

The agreement will expand the product offerings and market reach of both companies and will create one of the industry’s largest sheet metalworking equipment manufacturers with manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Central Europe, the U.S. and China, providing representation in over 50 countries worldwide including 20 direct sales and service subsidiaries.MERGING OF OPERATIONS Under the agreement each company will maintain their independent corporate identity but will combine key operations in the areas of sales, service, production and engineering development. Under the terms of the operational merger, all AltaMAR tube laser cutting machines will be manufactured by Strippit Inc. at its Akron, NY manufacturing plant for the world market and will collaborate with AltaMAR on research and development efforts for future tube cutting products and technology. The complete range of AltaMAR tube cutting machines will be added to LVD’s existing product portfolio. The result will be the industry’s most comprehensive product offering with a broad range of capabilities and an extensive line of automated systems. LVD and AltaMAR sales and service operations will be merged to provide integrated sales and service network for LVD and AltaMAR customers alike. PROVEN TRACK RECORD AltaMAR is recognized as a leader in advanced production machinery and custom solutions. Established in 1999, AltaMAR enjoys a well-earned reputation for accurate, innovative, cost effective and reliable tube cutting systems.Established in 1952, LVD’s core business focus is punching, laser cutting, bending and offline software process integration. A leader in bending technology, the company was the first to introduce a PC-based control for the press brake and has led the market in adaptive bending technology and custom forming solutions.  THE FUTURE – INNOVATION CULTURE Moving forward, LVD and AltaMAR will combine design and engineering resources to address market requirements, jointly developing and introducing new sheet and tube metal cutting products. Jean-Pierre Lefebvre, Chairman of LVD, stated, "We are enthusiastic about combining forces with AltaMAR to offer a broader umbrella of high-level machinery and more extensive solutions to our customers. The addition of AltaMAR tube cutting systems to our line of products further strengthens and positions the LVD brand". Dan Martin, President of AltaMAR added, "LVD’s vast range of products and worldwide distribution network opens doors of opportunities for AltaMAR to offer increased added value to our customers by having a more comprehensive set of solutions beyond our core products".