Growth in Spain
After a partnership that has already lasted for decades, KAMAX has now acquired a majority stake in the Spanish coating company GALOL in the Valencia region. For us, this means a major increase in know-how, surface treatment capacity, and access to further customers outside the automotive industry. GALOL, on the other hand, benefits from the size and experience of the entire KAMAX Group.
The name GALOL stands for “Galvanoquímica Olleriense”. It refers to the company’s original activity, galvanochemistry, and to the town of L’Olleria (near Valencia), where the company was founded by five friends in 1972 as a small galvanizing workshop. The first products they dealt with were chairs and lamps. Since its existence, the company has developed to one of the leaders in the Spanish surface coating and galvanizing market.
“GALOL benefits from the size, internationalization and experience of the German company which allows us to maintain a strong investment process that equips us for the future with a professionalized management in a company managed from the beginning with a great family spirit, we have opted for this project, as we believe it is the best way to ensure the future of our employees and our town”
Vicente Mompó – Managing Director of GALOL
FIRST CONTACT OVER 40 YEARS AGO
But why is a coating needed at all? The steel used for the production of bolts and formed parts tends to rust, which would cause losing the characteristics for which it was designed. Surface coatings protect the material from these possible environmental influences, extend its service life and prevent malfunctions of the parts. This is how the first business contacts between KAMAX Museros (at that time still TUSA) and GALOL took place in 1979, as the expertise of surface treatment was back then and is still today an integral part of our manufacturing process. The first bolts were coated with zinc during this period, before being installed in Ford and Renault cars.
“GALOL has established itself over many years and has proven to be a reliable partner. The investment ensures us a high-quality coating in the long term. We benefit from this not only in Spain, but throughout the entire KAMAX world,” says Carlos Mena, CFO of KAMAX Museros and playing a key role in enabling the two company merger. The company meanwhile has around 200 employees and offers a wide range of surface treatments. GALOL’s expertise in products outside the mobility sector is also an advantage. For example, wind turbines are in the portfolio of the newest group member.
“The KAMAX-GALOL relationship is strengthened with this operation after many years of cooperation. Being part of this project gives me the opportunity to develop and acquire new knowledge, as well as to continue to grow, both professionally and personally.”
Samuel Agustí – Treatment Section Operator Organic Basket
Checking and testing of product properties after the processing completion in a facility for the application of microcapsules
GALOL plant site in L’Olleria
CEREMONIAL CONCLUSION OF CONTRACT
After the ceremonial conclusion of the contract including a works meeting at the end of January, which was joined by the Chairman of the Advisory Board Martin Burgholte, GEB members Jörg Steins and Oliver Gantzert, and the Managing Director of GALOL, Vicente Mompo (who will continue to hold this position) the integration of the company into our value chain is currently underway. “I am sure that we will both benefit from the majority shareholding. Our companies have been connected for a long time. Now we are taking the next steps together,” emphasizes Jörg Steins.
A GALOL delegation has already been to the Homberg plant to see the KAMAX production conditions on site. The surface treatment of our products is generally carried out after quenching and tempering. Currently, all parts from the Museros plant are treated in L’Olleria, which represents about 50% of GALOL’s total volume. From there, the products can also be shipped directly to our customers. The family business also offers its expertise and service to other competitors, which will continue to be the case.
"The cooperation between GALOL and KAMAX is an opportunity for both companies to improve. On a personal and professional level, it is a challenge and a chance for me to grow and develop within the company."
Héctor Mompo – Treatment Section Organic Racks, Basket and Preparation
Examples for coatings:
Zinc coating of bolts and nuts
PVD coating of cutlery
Phosphate coatings of fasteners
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