SMS Demag announced the formation of a new joint venture with Tippins Technologies, Inc.

SMS Demag said the new joint venture — SMS Demag Tippins LLC — will enhance the organization’s technological expertise in the area of Steckel and heavy-plate mills. John E. Thomas, owner and Chairman of the former Tippins Technologies, will contribute his trademark rights, as well as the company’s patents and process know-how developed through the installation of 23 Steckel mills worldwide.

The new company’s registered office will be located at the SMS Demag offices in Pittsburgh.

SMS Demag AG forms part of the Metallurgical Plant and Rolling Mill Technology Business Area of the SMS group. SMS GmbH is the holding for a group of companies internationally active in plant construction and mechanical engineering relating to the processing of steel, non-ferrous metals and plastics. The group is divided into the Business Areas of Metallurgical Plant and Rolling Mill Technology, Tube, Long Product and Forging Technology and Plastics Technology. In the year 2004 some 9,500 employees worldwide generated a turnover of about EUR 2.20 billion.