The future acquisition of this state-of-the art welding equipment supplier, is set to drive the Exceptional Workplaces initiative

KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Balder d.o.o.

Founded in 1997, and based in Ljubjana in Slovenia, Balder is renowned for its work in developing auto-darkening welding filters based on patented electro optic LCD technology.  In addition, it has developed and produced a range of cutting-edge welding helmets and filters.

The company was created out of the Josef Stefan Institute, Slovenia’s leading scientific research institute, and retains strong links with this organisation which will be preserved post-acquisition.

Balder is to be integrated into KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL*.  The close relationship Balder enjoys with its current portfolio of valued customers will continue.

Gil Madrid, VP Global Safe Workplaces at KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL*, said: “This is a highly significant decision to sign this agreement and we welcome Balder’s workforce to the KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* family.  Balder offers unique and highly differentiated products based on proprietary technology that set the standard throughout industry.  They will complement our existing range of JACKSON SAFETY* products for the welding industry, enabling us to deliver on our customer promise to change the welding experience for the better by offering superior eye and face protection.”

Miha Pesek, Sales and Marketing Director of Balder, added: “It’s great news that Balder is to become part of KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL*.  Joining forces with such a major player in the welding safety industry means it’s now possible to reach a far greater number of customers and potential customers than was previously possible.  We’re proud of our position as a technology leader in the welding safety market which is underpinned by our close ties with the Josef Stefan Institute.  We are delighted that being part of KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* will enable us to expand our footprint quickly and effectively.”

Balder’s flagship offering is the BH3 concept.  This comprises BH3 welding helmets which provide market-leading standards of comfort and protection, combined with its state-of-the art auto darkening filters.  These offer a range of benefits, including improved visibility in open state and better colour recognition.  They are the world’s first auto-darkening filters to be rated 1/1/1/1 and the world’s first to be rated Class 1 for angular dependence.  Creating the ultimate TH3 class certified welding package was achieved by combining the BH3 Air helmets with its strategic partner Clean-air’s powered air purifying respirator.

Gil Madrid said: “Joining forces in the future offers us an immediate ‘technology leap’ into the best-in-class in the welding safety category, giving us greater strength in R&D and enabling us to create a product pipeline for distinctive growth globally.  The global welding market is worth an estimated $1 billion a year.  Balder will play a critical part in reinforcing our position of strength within this category.  It will also help us to drive forward our Exceptional Workplaces strategy which is now at the heart of our company-wide corporate vision.  We are delighted that Balder will be part of this vision now and in the future.”

‘Exceptional Workplaces’ is a radical new approach designed to transform the way KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* serves its customers.  It will cover everything from product development to how products are taken to market.

The Exceptional Workplaces strategy will be implemented via a series of platforms, each of which is based around the idea of partnering with individual businesses to create healthier, safer and more productive workplaces for their employees and patrons  It will be delivered in co-operation with the KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* distribution partner network.

Gil Madrid said: “The Exceptional Workplaces strategy is underpinned by a recognition that the hygiene & safety products industry is not just about products, but people too. It will prioritise a focus on end users’ real needs and will result in innovations that are truly differentiated from other products and services within the marketplace.  We believe Balder’s superb range of welding safety products are a perfect fit for this strategy.”

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