CLEVELAND, Aug. 26, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Electrolux Group (Nasdaq:ELUX) today announced that Lennart Gustafsson has been named President of the new Dimas North America Company, the North American leader in diamond tools, saws and equipment for the construction and stone industry.
Dimas North America Company combines the operations of Diamant Boart, Dimas and Partner Industrial Products following the acquisition of Diamant Boart by Electrolux Group. The new company is based in Olathe, Kansas with manufacturing and distribution operation in Columbia, South Carolina, Torrance, California, North Bay, Ontario and Itasca, Illinois. Dimas North America Company is also the parent of Dimas Canada operations.
According to Anders Stroby, Senior Vice President for Electrolux Professional Outdoor Products, responsible for construction and stone products business, the combination of Diamant Boart and the existing Electrolux Group operations creates the opportunity to expand the Group's position in the growing construction diamond tool and equipment market and to add additional product and service activities in the future. "Lennart Gustafsson, has significant experience in the industry with the Group's Partner and Dimas businesses. He is particularly well-suited to lead the development of the combined operations and to assure that our customers get even better products and services in the future."
Gustafsson, who most recently served as President of the Group's Partner Industrial Products Company, has been in the industry for more than 20 years.
Diamant Boart International was acquired by Electrolux Group in July 2002. Its international headquarters is in Brussels, Belgium.
Combined, the new Dimas North America Company offers some of the most prestigious brand names and most desired and extensive range of professional cutting equipment in the industry. Brands include Target, Partner, Felker and Dimas. Products consist of handheld power cutters, specialized cutting machines and equipment, and Diamond tools for surface concrete, masonry and stone cutting.
Gustafsson replaces Bernard Goblet as head of Diamant Boart North America. Goblet, who has led Diamant Boart internationally for four years, is leaving the company. "We appreciate the fine job Bernard Goblet has done in building Diamant Boart to the position of international leadership that the company now enjoys," said Anders Stroby. "We wish him well as he moves on to other opportunities."
About Electrolux
Electrolux North America has 22,000 employees operating in 19 states, Canada and Mexico, representing 39 percent of global Electrolux Group sales of over $13 billion. The Electrolux Group is the world's largest producer of appliances and related professional products for kitchen, cleaning and outdoor use combined. Electrolux companies include famous consumer brands such as Frigidaire, Eureka, Poulan, Weed Eater, AEG, Electrolux and Zanussi. Professional brands include Dimas, Partner, Target, Felker, Husqvarna, Blue Bird, Therma, Molteni and others.
About Electrolux Professional Outdoor Products
The Group's Professional Outdoor Products sector is the global market leader in chain saws and equipment for lawn and garden, forestry and turf care use under the Husqvarna Company. It is also the world leader in concrete, stone and masonry cutting blades, saws and equipment for the construction industry.
Further information
The Electrolux Press Hotline is available at 614-761-2633 in the USA or +46 8 657 65 07 internationally.