The Fenner PLC division sold its 175,000-square-foot Charlotte, North Carolina manufacturing facility to lightweight and processing belt producer Forbo Movement Systems.

As part of the deal, Fenner Dunlop signed a distribution agreement for its Fenner Dunlop Lightweight Rubber products subsidiary with the buyer; Forbo will now have exclusive rights to distribute its lightweight rubber products in North and South America as well as responsibility for non-exclusive global distribution.

“After carefully examining our long-term strategic plan, our monumental investments in our heavyweight belting division and the most beneficial growth opportunities for our distributor network, we concluded that it was a win-win situation for Fenner Dunlop Americas and our distribution network to sell the lightweight division to a company that is solely immersed in servicing the lightweight market,” Fenner president David Hurd said.

“Forbo Movement Systems will supply our distributors with a comprehensive line of thermoplastic conveyor belting, delivering the highest quality available in the market.”

Forbo currently has eight manufacturing sites in Europe, America and the Asia-Pacific region, sales and marketing offices in 24 countries and 300 global sales and service points.

Fenner said Forbo’s takeover of the Charlotte facility would give it “unique manufacturing synergies” and provide new opportunities for specific belt engineering needs.

“Forbo’s long-term strategy is to create a strong distributor network utilising Fenner Dunlop’s current loyal customer base,” officials for Fenner said.

Hurd added that the decision came from a commitment to maintain a high level of support and products to its distribution network.

“The outstanding level of customer service to which our distributors are accustomed will not be compromised throughout this transition,” he said.

Fenner Dunlop also recently reached an agreement to purchase Conveyor Services Corporation assets, including Classic Conveyor Components and LoadOut Services, and will also hold a majority interest in Conveyor Services, SA (CS Chile).

Collectively known as the CSC Group, the entity has eight full-service facilities in the US.

“This acquisition is a true enhancement to the Fenner Dunlop Americas business model, supporting the real needs of our customers with quality products and the most experienced personnel in the industry,” company officials said.

A new division, Fenner Dunlop Conveyor Systems and Services, has been established. It also will include King Energy Company, a New Mexico firm also recently purchased by Fenner.

“With our core business being conveyor belting this acquisition is an extension of our strategy to create value for our customers,” said Hurd.

“By offering a total turnkey solution we have enhanced our offering.”