DexKo Global Inc., a Novi-based manufacturer of chassis technology, assemblies, and accessory parts, has acquired a minority shareholding in VB-Airsuspension B.V., which is based in Varsseveld, Netherlands. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.
VB-Airsuspension is a manufacturer of professional full air suspension, semi air suspension, coil spring, and controlled shock absorber systems.
“We are very pleased to have gained a strategic partner in the air suspension system sector in VB-Airsuspension,” says Fred Bentley, CEO of DexKo. “The result is an ideal expansion of our portfolio. The high-quality standards of VB-Airsuspension’s products, first-class design and development, customer proximity and presence in the after-sales market, including service, are an exact match for the requirements of DexKo. We are continuously working to optimize our range of products and level of service, and this partnership is consistent with our strategy.”
DexKo Global was founded in 2015 through the combination of Dexter and AL-KO Vehicle Technology. The partnership will allow AL-KO to further develop air suspension systems for motorhomes and lightweight commercial vehicles. For VB-Airsuspension, all of the know-how and expertise in the development and manufacture of suspension systems will be concentrated in the Netherlands.
In the near future, a new company building will be constructed to support future growth, while the existing building will be used for sales, marketing, development, and the VB Academy.
“This step confirms our outstanding work as a healthy, growing company with an excellent market position and offers huge opportunities for a successful future,” says Iginio Voorhorst, managing director and joint founder of VB-Airsuspension. “Based on our closeness to the market and our strong customer focus, we know the needs of our customers very well and can offer tailor-made solutions. This is where we can provide dependable support to DexKo. Looked at the other way around, this cooperation with AL-KO Vehicle Technology offers us access to new markets for which we already have a few ideas in the pipeline. We are prepared.”
AL-KO was founded in 1931 and has sites in Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia. VB-Airsuspension was founded in 1993. DexKo Global employs more than 5,000 people, has 42 production facilities, and 25 distribution centers.
