German technology company Continental AG’s merger of Benecke-Kaliko and Hornschuch has created a strong corporate brand that will be used to tap into new sales markets for surface materials and to expand awareness in existing markets.
“With this new image, we are ensuring we have a consistent identity across the world, generating a high level of recognition among our customers and reinforcing the common identity of our employees without losing sight of our long-standing traditions. At the same time, we are consistently expanding the image of the Continental brand outside of the automotive industry,” explains Dr. Dirk Leiß, head of the newly renamed Benecke-Hornschuch Surface Group business unit.
The integration of Hornschuch began on March 1 after approvals were received from the antitrust authorities and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. More than 90 employees are driving a smooth and effective merger of all the company divisions.
Although integration in the brand world of Continental is changing the market image, with the use of Continental yellow to characterise the merger’s corporate design and image, well-known product brands, such as Acella, d-c-fix, laif and skai, will remain unchanged.
“This will be an extremely positive step for our business partners and employees alike. Our new unified image reflects the combined high performance and sovereignty of a company that has evolved from a variety of cultures,” emphasises Leiß.
The global team of researchers and developers, engineers, sales employees and designers understands the markets and requirements of the customers, thereby laying the foundations for innovative, intelligent and environmentally friendly surface solutions in high-quality and creative designs.
After all, innovation and progress have been tradition at Benecke-Kaliko and Hornschuch for almost 300 years.
Independently of each other, both companies have enjoyed success on a global level in the technical implementation and design of surfaces, as well as an image that stands for technological competence, design, quality and service in the furniture, construction, automotive, commercial vehicle and DIY industries.
With a strong network comprising 11 production locations, 20 sales offices and joint representatives in more than 80 countries, the surface specialist is based locally for customers across the world, allowing it to provide the best possible services for globally operating customers.