ZF Fortifies Product Line, Business Plan
Consolidation of manufacturing and service entities is perhaps the world's worst kept secret. Marine propulsion manufacturers, in particular, have been rapidly consolidating companies, lines and capabilities in order to broaden their organizations to be truly global, while filling any holes in the power range along the way. ZF, a renowned maker of marine transmissions, has done this and more in becoming a single source propulsion supplier. The expansion of the product line includes a complete propulsion systems was part of ZF Marine's strategic plan established in January 1999. It has now become a reality, with the founding of the Propulsion Systems division, based at ZF Padova.
ZF Has New Products On The Way
At a strategic planning meeting hosted in Italy this month, ZF Marine CEO Roland Heil reaffirmed the marine group's intention to take a leadership role in developing advanced propulsion systems. Stephane Jacquemond, appointed last year to head up a new propulsion systems division, expects ZF Marine to introduce some dramatic new products. "We have gathered together the best talent this industry has to offer," he reported. Recent acquisitions and joint ventures have given ZF Marine a wider range of technical expertise and manufacturing capabilities. A joint venture with Fabio Buzzi's FB Design company and the foundation of ZF-Trimax to market surface-drive systems first signaled ZF Marine's intention to enter new markets.
