Sioen Industries, international textile solutions provider and owner of Dimension-Polyant, has entered into an agreement to acquire Contender Sailcloth.
The move brings together two key names in sailcloth manufacturing under the umbrella of Sioen Sailcloth Technologies.
The acquisition is intended at ‘creating an unparalleled force in sailcloth innovation, quality, and sustainability’.
The new Sioen Sailcloth Technologies venture will combine the companies’ complementary technologies, expertise, and manufacturing capabilities.
The team is also planning on being able to deliver an expanded range of sailcloth solutions.
“By joining forces with a group whose sailcloth innovations perfectly complement our own, we’re creating an unparalleled opportunity to deliver superior products to the market,” said Guus Bierman, founder of Contender Sailcloth.
The creation of Sioen Sailcloth Technologies represents a significant milestone in our industry.
Uwe Stein
“The creation of Sioen Sailcloth Technologies represents a significant milestone in our industry,” added Uwe Stein, CEO of Dimension-Polyant – now part of Sioen Sailcloth Technologies.
“Our combined expertise will accelerate innovation cycles and enhance our ability to serve sailmakers and end-users with the highest quality materials on the market.”
The new organisation says there will be several benefits to customers including enhanced innovation through combined R&D teams to accelerate development of next-generation materials and technologies.
In addition, operational improvements will enable efficiencies in production, and joint environmental initiatives will push the boundaries of eco-friendly sailcloth production.
Continuity of supply
Sioen Sailcloth Technologies will continue to produce product lines from both brands ensuring continuity of supply.
Both Contender Sailcloth and Dimension-Polyant will continue operating as distinct brands with their established product lines through their present offices and distributors.
The Sioen Industries group consists of a number of brands producing technical fabrics from external solar protection to camouflage and leisure and sportswear.
Dimension-Polyant has factories in Kempen, Germany, and Putnam, US and was founded in 1966.
Contender Sailcloth was a family owned business founded in 1986 by Olympic sailor Guus Bierman.
