Heller becomes part of DN Solutions

DN Solutions, a major machine tool manufacturer based in South Korea, has aquired German machine tool builder Heller. With the agreement signed and in place, both companies are laying the foundation for a strong partnership that brings together expertise, markets and visions for the future.

Heller, which says it has been synonymous with innovation, quality and service in machine tool manufacturing for over 130 years, will continue its long-standing brand. The new partnership opens up additional opportunities for customers, employees and the entire industry. Together, the two companies will form a strong global player with technological depth and process expertise in machine tool manufacturing.

DN Solutions: Dynamic from Korea, globally connected

DN Solutions is part of the DN Automotive Group and one of the fastest-growing companies in the international machine tool industry. With sales of around $2 billion and more than 2,000 employees, DN Solutions says it is among the top three manufacturers worldwide.

The merger with Heller strengthens DN Solutions’ presence in Europe and expands its portfolio in the field of complex machining centres and five-axis technologies.

“By combining our strengths with Heller’s 130+ years of expertise in machining centres, this partnership will deliver groundbreaking innovations to the manufacturing industry,” says Wonjong Kim, CEO of DN Solutions. “Furthermore, the two companies will offer unique value to customers and reinforce their position as a high-end brand in the global machine tool market.”

Heller: Engineering expertise with global experience

Since 1894, Heller has stood for precision, process expertise and turnkey solutions in machine tool manufacturing. The company employs around 2,100 people worldwide, has production sites on four continents, and is recognised as a technology partner in international machine tool manufacturing.

Heller is particularly valued for its four- and five-axis machining technologies, its comprehensive service approach, and its ability to develop turnkey production solutions for customers worldwide.

“Heller remains Heller – we are continuing our brand, our DNA and our culture in the new partnership,” states Dr Thorsten Schmidt, CEO of Heller. “At the same time, this opens up enormous opportunities for us to leverage our expertise even more effectively within a global network.”

One shared goal: A full-range supplier in machine tool manufacturing

The merger of DN Solutions and Heller creates one of the world’s most comprehensive providers of machine tool solutions. Customers will now be able to meet all their requirements with a single point of contact – from boring mills to five-axis or turnkey solutions and automation systems.

“By combining our strengths, we will become a true one-stop shop for machine tool manufacturing,” says Thorsten Schmidt. “In future, customers will no longer have to commission different partners within a network – we offer all solutions from a single source.”

Complementary strengths for the future

The combination of DN Solutions and Heller provides a range of complementary capabilities:

• Heller stands for engineering expertise, service excellence and the ability to implement complex, customised projects;
• DN Solutions brings momentum, high-volume expertise, the ability to achieve rapid economies of scale, and a strong market presence in Asia and North America.

“Each side brings something unique to the table,” says Wonjong Kim. “Together, we’ll become even stronger and, above all, more relevant to our customers worldwide.”

Added value for customers

For customers, the partnership essentially means one thing: greater choice, faster implementation and access to a unique combination of technologies. Tasks that previously required the collaboration of multiple providers can now be fulfilled entirely by a single partner.

The completion of the merger is still subject to the condition precedent of obtaining approvals from the relevant anti-trust and other regulatory authorities. DN Solutions and Heller aim to secure regulatory approvals swiftly. Rothschild & Co is acting as M&A adviser to Heller with respect to the transaction.