HCJ is automating its entire production process
Genk/Hasselt 23 February 2010. The investment company LRM has granted a 500,000 Euro Plus loan to Hengelhoef Concrete Joints Manufacturing (HCJ). The funds will be used to automate the production process and the further expansion of the international sales organisation.
HCJ manufactures metal dilatation joints for industrial flooring. The company branched off from Werkhuizen Hengelhoef in 2007 and has already produced more than 2 million running meters of dilatation joints worldwide. The HCJ dilatation joints are now being exported to many different countries in Europe as well as Canada, the United States, Russia, South Korea, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.
Growth and innovation
In response to the economic crisis, HCJ is continuously working on innovative product development and has prioritized the expansion of its international sales organization.
In the meantime, the HCJ product portfolio now includes 2 patented models, each with their own specific characteristics and advantages for the customer.
The dilatation joint with its wavy top, the so-called sinus profile (patent pending), was successfully launched at the BAU 2009 trade fair in Munich. This sinus profile has received international recognition from architects and investors and has already been implemented in Europe and even Canada. To capitalize on these opportunities, it is important to further expand the international sales organization.
The HCJ sales strategy consists of a co-operation with local distributors who know the local market and customs and are actively involved in the industrial and building sector.
Automation
To be able to produce the volumes demanded and guarantee the highest possible quality, it was necessary to switch from the traditional cutting and pleating production process to an industrial production process with hot rolling and resistance butt welding. In order to realize this, over the last few years an important 2 million Euro investment programme was set up. This investment programme has now been completed.
Ambition
In the coming years, HCJ is planning to continue its development and specialize in the sale and production of dilatation joints.
In time, HCJ aims to double its current turnover, which will surely have a positive effect on employment. By offering a complete and innovative product range and a worldwide dealer network, this target should be feasible.
LRM funding
Now the production process has been optimized, HCJ can fully concentrate on the international commercialization of its products. However, growth costs money.
Albert Klingeleers, CEO HCJ: "The LRM Plus loan is a great resource to strengthen our company's financial structure and to realize our ambitions. With LRM's help, we have been able to set up a financing structure which fits our growth plans"
About HCJ
HCJ manufactures metal dilatation joints for industrial flooring. The company branched off from Werkhuizen Hengelhoef Industrial Contracting in 2007, a company which had been active in traditional metalworking for more than 60 years.
The concrete floor profile developed by Werkhuizen Hengelhoef proved to be so successful that it no longer fitted in with the regular traditional metalworking activities. This industrial product was being manufactured using a thematic approach. The continuing international commercialization also no longer fitted the regional working environment of Werkhuizen Hengelhoef. After taking over another player in the market, the volumes had increased so much that a split was the best possible solution. The HCJ spin-off created the ideal framework for further growth and development of this specialization.
It is now difficult to imagine modern industrial floors without dilatation joints. This new technology is a sustainable alternative to the traditional grooves and offers several distinct advantages. Dilatation joints can be used to create seemless floors of 900 to 1,600 m2 or larger and substantially increase the comfort and durability of the floor.
The main advantages are:
Horizontal shrinkage during the drying process is compensated which prevents cracking and makes cutting redundant. Because of the construction of the joints
any vertical movement between the floor parts is made impossible and
an excellent load transfer is generated. At the same time,
the floor edges are optimally protected, preventing crumbling of the concrete. The profiles are also
very easy to install and can be used as
formwork and
facilitate the realization of a smooth floor finish.
Throughout the years, HCJ has specialized in the development and production of these joints. HCJ has developed a complete product mix, specific to the floor application, based on scientific research and several innovations. HCJ currently employs approximately 20 people.
www.hcjoints.eu
About LRM
LRM is a profit-oriented investor, offering entrepreneurs a unique combination of venture capital and real estate. Oxygen for growth! LRM is a generalist, but has developed specific competencies in ICT, Life Sciences and Cleantech. LRM's activities contribute to the economic development and general employment in the province of Limburg. It targets all sectors and companies, from starting companies to growing SMEs and larger businesses. Access to LRM runs via five domains: ICT & Media, Life Sciences, Cleantech & Energy, SMEs and Large Businesses. www.lrm.be
Further information
HCJ
Albert Klingeleers
CEO
T +32 89 32 39 83
M +32 475 56 62 67
E albert@hcjoints.be
LRM
Sabine Eevers
Investment Manager KMO
T +32 11 24 68 86
M +32 477 29 92 39
E s.eevers@lrm.be