Nuremberg/Roth – LEONI Kabel GmbH & Co. KG, Roth, has taken a majority holding in FOSystems GmbH, Neuhaus-Schierschnitz. FOSystems specialises in making light wave guides made of plastic for industrial applications, such as control systems for plant and machines. As a cable supplier, LEONI has worked together successfully with the company from Thuringia for some time now. By bringing together the skills of both companies in light wave guides made of plastic, LEONI is not only further expanding its position in the field of special cables for investment goods; the company much more aims to exploit new market segments, such as building communication systems.

Light wave guides made of plastic have a future
FOSystems was founded two years ago and has established itself very successfully on the market for industrial applications as a specialist for light wave guides made of plastic. These are an interesting alternative to normal light wave guides made of glass because they are much more robust and easier to connect – both characteristics offer benefits, particularly in raw industrial environments. FOSystems GmbH, which employs five highly skilled professionals, will continue to be run by its present manager, Andreas Weinert, even after the takeover of the majority shareholding by LEONI.

The cable division is an important motor for growth in the LEONI group
LEONI Kabel GmbH & Co. KG, part of the LEONI AG group based in Nuremberg, has expanded its market position greatly, particularly over the last three years. It is a leading supplier of vehicle wires, special cables for investment goods and power connection cables. LEONI Kabel GmbH & Co. KG has been able to increase its share of the total turnover made by the LEONI group from 28% to 40% alone from 1999 to 2001. Its sales revenue in 2001 was Euro 440 million (1999: Euro 173 mill.). Together with the wiring systems division, this makes it one of the motors for the dynamic growth of the LEONI group, which recorded a total turnover of Euro 1,1 billion in 2001 (2000: Euro 962 mill.). LEONI is an international system supplier and developer in applications involving wire, cable and wiring systems. The group has a workforce of 18,000 employed at more than 60 locations throughout the world.