Kahl am Main, January 23, 2007 - The SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG (SINGULUS) cooperates with the Balda AG, Bad Oeynhausen, in the development of a new production line for the processing of plastic covers for mobile phones and handheld game devices.
In November 2005, SINGULUS had introduced the metallization machine “SINGULUS 3DS�, an innovative machine for decorative vacuum coating of plastic parts. This machine is a revolutionary new development in the segment of surface coating. With the sputtering process used in the SINGULUS 3DS, three-dimensional plastic parts can be handled and reproduced in vacuum with decorative and protecting surfaces.
A development cooperation was agreed with Balda in October 2006. On the basis of the SINGULUS 3DS metallizer a production line is being developed, which integrates all necessary production steps from the injection molding machines to the metallization and the application of anti-scratch finishes. All production processes are completely automated.
Amongst others, the line is also useful in applications like packaging for cosmetics & personal care, toys and automobile industries. Accordingly, the requirements of the process handling within the respective industrial sectors are considered. The machine specifically developed for so-called INFOCOM (telecommunications specific) products is currently exclusively supplied to Balda. The first delivery will take place in this year’s May. SINGULUS expects additional orders for integrated production lines for the processing of plastic surfaces in 2007.
Compared to traditional production methods, such as the evaporation, where only batch processes are possible, this revolutionary technology with integrated pre- and post-treatment offers huge savings in the production cycle and the logistics. In contrast to electroplating, there are no high operating and disposal costs.
Ralf Ackermann, Chief Technology Officer at Balda comments: “With this production line Balda gains access to a new, economical production method and is able to respond flexibly to the requirements and needs of different customer segments. We make a big step towards our vision of “One Piece Flow-Production� with this technology.� Stefan A. Baustert, Chief Executive Officer at SINGULUS adds: “The good cooperation with Balda offers SINGULUS the opportunity to enter the market for decorative protective coatings with the currently most innovative product in the segment and hence to successfully implement the announced diversification strategy."
SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG, Hanauer Landstrasse 103, D-63796 Kahl/Main
Maren Schuster, Investor Relations, Tel.: + 49 (0) 6188 440 612
Bernhard Krause, Corporate Communications, Tel.: + 49 (0) 6181 98280 20
Balda Aktiengesellschaft, Bergkirchener Straße 228, D-32549 Bad Oeynhausen
Cersten Hellmich, Investor Relations,
Tel.: + 49 (0) 5734 922-2706 ,
Fax: + 49 (0) 5734) 922-2691, E-Mail: chellmich@balda.de
Company profile SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES
With a consistent focus on its core competencies, since the management buyout SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES has transformed itself into the global leader of machines and equipment for optical storage media within a time span of ten years. SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES is the only equipment producer in the world offering the entire value-added chain for the manufacturing of optical disc: The machines range from mastering and injection molding to replication lines. With the set-up of a very deep value-added chain in the past couple of years, SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES was successful in expanding the product range for its customers. Thus, the position of SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES in the optical disc sector remains unique in the world.
It is our declared goal to include the new formats HD DVD and Blu-ray disc in this structure as well. Due to the acquisition of STEAG HamaTech in January 2006, SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES is also excellently positioned worldwide for machines of once-recordable formats. SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES still views the market for equipment for the production of optical disc as a core activity. This segment will also continue to safeguard the cash flow of the company in the future and will be further developed technologically.
In addition, new business areas are intended to contribute to sales and earnings in the future.
Company profile Balda
Balda develops, produces and finishes precision components made of high-performance plastics. The Group supplies companies in the mobile phone sector and similar markets on a global scale.
The technology developed by Balda for tool making, production processes and finishing techniques is a world-wide leading technique. No other supplier provides all the technologies needed for the mobile communications market from one source.
The company is present worldwide at the production centers of the major mobile phone producers. In addition to the three locations in Germany, the Group also manufactures at three sites in China, two locations in Brazil as well as in Malaysia, Hungary and India. With organic growth by expanding its core business mobile communications and growth via technological diversification Balda intends to gain market share in already established markets as well as to open similar markets with new products and to further expand the value added.