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Ragasco Acquires Composite Scandinavia

Ragasco AS acquired Swedish composite cylinder manufacturer Composite Scandinavia AB in April.

Morten Balle, regional sales director at Ragasco, said: “With this acquisition, Ragasco strengthens its position as the world’s leading manufacturer of composite lpg cylinders and continues its vision to bring the latest technology to the service of the industry. Ragasco’s intention is to maintain Composite Scandinavia as an independent company, but with operational and cost saving synergies.

“Ragasco is a member of the Hexagon Composites Group, which has considerable purchasing power. It buys large volumes of plastics and raw fibre materials, which will create an enhanced purchase environment for sourcing raw materials for the whole group. “Additionally, Composite Scandinavia is expected to further develop its product lines and expand its business volume under Ragasco’s ownership.”

Composite Scandinavia was previously owned by a group of investment funds that was looking for a company within the industry to develop the business. Based in Piteaa, Sweden, it has an annual turnover of 8.5 million Euros and has 20 employees.

Morten said: “Composite Scandinavia has contracts for the supply of composite lpg cylinders with a number of the world’s largest lp gas distributors. It has made an intensive effort to further develop its casing designs in order to make products that combine two-piece pressure vessel technology with an attractive design. The results of this effort have been the Viseo design, property of Shell’s Butagaz division, and the Passion8.”

In June, several revisions to the US NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code were approved at the National Fire Protection Association general assembly in Las Vegas. One change was the definition of a multifunction valve for forklift applications.

Morten said: “It was created primarily for Ragasco’s conviction in a one hole connection. The valve has the service connection, pressure relief device and stop-fill bleeder all in one piece and is designed for horizontal use and either horizontal or vertical filling of the cylinder.

“The valve is currently undergoing the listing process by Underwriters Laboratories. As soon as the required testing and subsequent listing has been approved and received, Ragasco North America will offer the composite forklift tanks as an alternative to the existing aluminium tanks currently dominating the market. The same multifunction valve and cylinder is already available in a TPED (π) version in Europe and other areas that TPED is acknowledged.”

From September 29 to October 1 in Madrid, Ragasco will again participate at and sponsor the World LP Gas Forum. Ragasco will exhibit on stands 32 and 37, and Composite Scandinavia on stand 36.

Morten said: “We look forward to welcoming our old friends and meeting many new associates. Please come and see us there!”

Contact Ragasco AS on +47 61 151600 www.ragasco.com

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