The Netherlands: IHC Lagersmit Changes Name to IHC Sealing Solutions

IHC Lagersmit BV, a subsidiary of IHC Merwede, has changed its name to IHC Sealing Solutions BV. This change, which came into effect on 6 July, is the result of the continued international growth that the company has experienced in recent years.

Additionally, the company’s focus has shifted in past decades from the manufacture of bearings to the production and marketing of seals for rotating shafts.

The origins of the company date back to 1856, when the machine factory DLS was established in Kinderdijk, The Netherlands. From 1956 onwards, the company – which produced bearing bushes and stern tubes – changed its name to Lagersmit, to which IHC was later added.

From that time on, the company increasingly focused on manufacturing seals for, among other things, stern tubes, thrusters and pumps. Two years ago, the company moved from Kinderdijk to Alblasserdam, where a fully automated production facility operates in brand new premises to further develop, produce and market innovative products.

Mr Willem Steenge, Managing Director of IHC Sealing Solutions, says: “It is important that we use our name to let people know what we are good at, which is specifically finding the right solution for the customer as far as seals are concerned. Also, IHC Lagersmit was difficult to pronounce – let alone understand – for our international business partners.”

“I am very pleased with our new name and I cannot emphasise enough that the provision of our service will continue to revolve around the same high level of quality, dedication and reliability as before. From our location in Alblasserdam, the organisation will continue to serve the same group of customers and work with the same business partners.”

Company profile IHC Merwede

IHC Merwede is focussed on the continuous development of design and construction activities for the specialist maritime sector. It is the global market leader for efficient dredging and mining vessels and equipment – with vast experience accumulated over decades – and a reliable supplier of custom-built ships and supplies for offshore construction.

IHC Merwede has in-house expertise for engineering and manufacturing innovative vessels and advanced equipment, as well as providing life-cycle support. Its integrated systematic approach has helped to develop optimum product performance and long-term business partnerships.

The company’s broad customer base includes dredging operators, oil and gas corporations, offshore contractors and government authorities.

IHC Merwede has over 3,000 employees based at various locations in The Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, France, India, Malaysia, the Middle East, Nigeria, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Technological innovation will remain the company’s underlying strength through its continuous investment in research and development. Moreover, it helps to safeguard a sustainable environment.

[mappress]

Dredging Today Staff, July 9, 2012; Image: IHC Merwede