Dépêches

deSter Invests in 'Green' Machine

Dépèche transmise le 19 mai 2010 par PRNewswire

HOOGSTRATEN, Belgium, May 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- deSter, a member of gategroup and the world's leading supplier of onboard service equipment to airlines and railroads, today announced that it will invest in state-of-the-art equipment capable of using recycled plastic to create food contact items to meet growing demand in its core business.

The investment in a new plastic extrusion machine at its Hoogstraten manufacturing facility will enhance deSter's position as an innovator and one-stop-shop supplier committed to providing "green" solutions to its customers. Extrusion is the process used to form plastic sheets from small plastic granules. These various sheets are then formed into a wide assortment of lightweight onboard service products such as tray set-ups, hot meal service equipment and contemporary food boxes.

The decision to acquire the new machinery was taken after labor unions representing hourly and management employees reached a partnership agreement with the company to justify the long-term investment and keep the facility cost competitive.

"We are very excited and proud to be bringing this modern equipment to Hoogstraten, where deSter has built a global reputation for quality, cutting-edge products," said Blaine Blanchard, deSter CEO.

"We salute our employee groups for their forward-thinking commitment to maintain deSter as the industry's benchmark for creative and technical innovation, quality and reliability at a competitive total cost. This partnership agreement and the new extruder is a quadruple-win -- for our employees, the company, our customers and the environment," said gategroup CEO Guy Dubois.

About gategroup:

gategroup is the leading independent global provider of onboard services to companies that serve people on the move. gategroup comprises 11 member companies, which are deSter, eGate Solutions, Elan, Gate Aviation, Gate Gourmet, Gate Safe, Harmony, Performa, potmstudios, Pourshins and Supplair.

Shares of Zurich-based gategroup are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the symbol GATE. Please visit .

CONTACT: John Bronson, gategroup Corporate Communications,+41-43-812-2048,