Hardinge sells part of Forkardt workholding business

Richard L. Simons, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Hardinge Inc, commented: "We have contemplated the sale of this particular entity since we acquired the global Forkardt operations in May. "Forkardt Switzerland has historically had a concentration of more than 50% of its sales with two grinding machine tool manufacturers that are competitors of our grinding machine brands. Through conversations with these customers, we recognised the sensitivity of the situation and their likelihood of identifying alternative sources for workholding products. "Although not material to Hardinge as a whole, we concluded that selling this stand-alone entity to the management team allowed us to avoid the costs and issues of what likely would have become a deteriorating business and provide continuation of employment for the approximately 25 employees who work there." The agreement includes a mutual two-year non-compete clause and the requirement that the Swiss operation discontinue use of the Forkardt brand after 12 months. Hardinge continues to grow its workholding business through its operations in the US, France and Germany. Mr Simons concluded: "Hardinge is among the leading global workholding design and manufacturing companies. We expect to continue to expand this business, both organically and through acquisitions. Strategically, we expect our sales of workholding, accessories and spare parts to reduce the impact of the highly cyclical nature of machine tool sales. These products, which typically have higher margins, tend to be more stable despite economic cycles."