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ACE develops its brands

Learn more about how we have adapted our offerings for single-use hospital drapes and gowns, and limited wear protective clothing

Our way of life is changing.
The way we do business is changing.
Social distancing has become the norm, as has wearing masks for most of our working day.

Whilst Covid-19 maintains its grip on daily life, companies have necessarily transformed their business models to serve the growing need for products and protection.
If you have already read our news article from 23rd of June 2020, you will know that see ourselves as smart, flexible, and professional – and simply the best at what we do. And so, we adjust ourselves to the new demands from our markets and customers, at the same time as improving our service to our customers.
Read on to learn how we have adapted our offerings for single-use hospital drapes and gowns, and limited wear protective clothing.

ACE introduces Medicace® Ultra and Medicace® Classic

ACE offers a broad range of standard films and laminates which are used in infection prevention. From patient drapes and surgeons’ gowns, to table covers and mayo-stand covers, from super absorbent patches to gown reinforcements, the ideal laminate is in our portfolio.

Our customers want to understand at first glance whether they are making the right choice for their product. Describing the final application, and the benefits of a particular laminate is one thing. However, determining whether this solution fits the EN13795 performance category is another.

So, to improve its service to its customers and potential business partners, ACE has renamed its HIGH-performance laminates as Medicace® Ultra and its STANDARD performance laminates as Medicace® Classic.

ACE-introduces-Medicace

Medicace® Ultra continues in the tradition of the brand, presenting laminates for surgical drapes that meet the strictest conditions in EN13795.

Medicace® Classic laminates meet the conditions set out for STANDARD performance, critical area.

“Opening up the Medicace® brand to make the range more understandable means that we reach our audience more efficiently, and the whole process of testing and trials is shortened.” says Christoph Lentz, Business Development Director. “At ACE, we never, ever, compromise on quality. We are in the business of infection prevention. Critical area. By linking Ultra and Classic to the performance categories in the EN13795 norm, we make the product positioning clear from the beginning. This is an important step change in the evolution of our well-known brand”.

Read more

Gownace goes ULTRA

In response to demands from the hospital and healthcare market, ACE is introducing G71 Ultra. A sister to the 2-ply laminate of breathable film and spunbond nonwoven G71, this new addition to the Gownace family is used to produce single-use gowns and addresses the question of heat sealing or ultrasonically bonding a 2-ply laminate. This new fabric meets the criteria of affordability as well as protection. G71 Ultra is planned to be officially launched on the market before December 2020.

G72, is a robust, impermeable, and breathable three-layer laminate whose structure makes it the perfect choice for all-round ULTRA protection in the operating theatre. It can be heat sealed or ultrasonically bonded, which helps to ensure that the seams of the finished garment are air-tight and present a perfect barrier to bacteria.

ace-Gownace-goes-ULTRA

Progace responds to the market

ACE - Scientist carrying tray of test tubes in laboratory

Meanwhile, ACE’s Progace assortment of laminates is now extended to cover a variety of needs in single-use workwear. From lightweight impermeable laminates, to heavier breathable laminates, Progace is a flexible range that adapts to the customer requirements. Our team realized that standard products for the protective workwear market do not necessarily fit with new needs during this COVID-19 period. Comfort and noise of course. However, these are of somewhat lesser consideration than correct protection levels combined with ease of handling and convertibility, availability, and cost. These important elements are considered in the product design process, which also addresses the application, the technology we use to create the laminate, and choice of nonwovens. The latest additions to the family are Progace 29 and Progace 30, which are suited perfectly to lighter weight single-use protective garments. Both are being widely used in the battle against COVID-19.

“Whilst nonwovens remain difficult to obtain at short notice, the extended range that we have developed helps in improving agility in the supply chain. The team can offer a wide range of alternatives that match the final application and customer expectations” says Frédéric Paule, Product Development Manager.

Read more

Discover more about our range of films and laminates!

Call or email our sales team to find out how we can help you make the right choice

Anna Wellander

Anna Wellander

+32 4 349 86 83
+32 475 27 00 31
Anna.Wellander@ace-films.be

Thierry Pieteraerens

+32 4 349 86 99
+32 485 72 81 18
Thierry.Pieteraerens@ace-films.be

About ACE:

ACE, established in 1973, manufactures cast embossed films, laminates of film to nonwoven, and apertured films. The company is located in Liège, Belgium. ACE has the distinction of being one of the very first film producers for the nascent hygiene market back in the ‘70s and was one of the founder members of EDANA, the global trade association for the nonwovens industry.

For many years ACE has specialised in the manufacture of films and laminates for the medical and hygiene single-use market, whilst using the same technologies to create leading edge products for the construction and industrial applications

With high quality, best service and trail-blazing innovation at the heart of the company, ACE is arguably one of the global leaders in its field of expertise.

Contact:

Christoph Lentz
Business Development Director

ACE srl
Rue de Renory, 499
B-4031 Angleur | Belgium
TVA BE 0413.199.511
RPM Liège

Phone: +32 4 349 86 65
Mobile: +32 472 45 00 90
Email: Christoph.Lentz@ace-films.be


ACE NEWS Interview

Interview with our shareholder, Standard Investment – represented by Alain Biebuyck and Martijn van den Berg

FIRST HUNDRED DAYS INTERVIEW WITH ALAIN AND MARTIJN

It has been 3 months now since Standard Investment took over ACE.
What are your first impressions?

Alain: “Well, the business is more complex than we first thought. The superior quality levels required in our markets here require a profound knowledge of chemistry, materials and processes coupled with high professional standards from our employees. What we have seen is exceptional levels of professionalism and quality delivered in everything people here do. It is obvious that this is appreciated by all our customers.”

Martijn: “We were very happy to discover a lot of strong people in the company. During our first months we have spent time with operators on the production lines and every single one of them made a good impression on us. The management group is robust and complementary – so all in all, a great team.”

What challenges do you see ahead?

Alain: “We want to maintain our leadership position in our core markets. Whilst holding a n° 1 position, our customers expect a gradual transformation of the company along Industry 3.0 standards. Standard Investment will actively support that transformation.”

Martijn: “The carve-out of ACE from RKW brings its own day-to-day challenges, not least of which is implementing our own ERP system. Then the transfer of the roofing membrane business to ACE will require focus and dedication from both operations and sales. In the longer term, we really want to implement a more entrepreneurial culture in the company which will bring its own benefits.”

How does this acquisition compare to others in your portfolio?

Alain: “You know, actually ACE fits in well with other portfolio companies. It might be a very different business from others in the portfolio, however, as a carve-out of a production entity that was non-core for their former parent – it suits our core strengths in building successful standalone entities.”

Martijn: “I agree with Alain. ACE is a typical Standard Investment portfolio company. At Standard Investment we focus on companies with €20-200M revenue that require a hands-on approach. As a carve-out and with a new business that needs to be successfully integrated, ACE is fitting very well with these criteria.”

ACE is a market leader in the field of plastic based fabrics for the manufacture of surgical drapes and gowns. This is a new departure for SI. What are you learning about this market?

Alain: “There is so much to learn in this market. The most important and immediate lessons that I learned are that a surgical drape or gown is more complex than first meets the eye, and that there can be no compromise on quality.”

Martijn: “During due diligence we understandably investigated the surgical drapes market thoroughly. Nonetheless, nothing beats hands-on learning. During the first months at ACE we learned a lot more about important trends. One thing that impressed me is that the sales process in this market requires technical experience and product knowledge, much more than in some other markets we are involved in. And the norms and certifications are quite different from other businesses.”

Innovation and Entrepreneurship are stalwarts of your strategy and credo. How do you plan to drive these at ACE?

Alain: “By acting as a sounding board, by letting people learn from their mistakes and by avoiding stepping in too directly ourselves. This is how we have operated in other companies, and it has proved a very successful strategy. We are looking forward to living the results in this culture step change.”

Martijn: “Investments in innovation are necessary to keep our position as market leader. In the coming years we mainly want to focus on innovations that can bring value to our customers and innovations that will create more sustainable end products.

I can certainly echo Alain’s comments here. We plan to bring in more entrepreneurship by giving greater ownership to ACE’s employees, and by bringing in talented people with an entrepreneurial mindset.”

What plans do you have for the company in the near term?

Alain: “First up, we will be making targeted strategic investments alongside fostering cultural change. This lays solid ground for the future of the company.”

Martijn: “In the near term we will be focusing on the successful carve-out of the company. So not only the new ERP system and implementation of the roofing membrane business, but also own sourcing of raw materials. For us to realize our future growth ambitions we also plan to further reinforce the organization.”

Do you have new specific aims for the medium to long term for ACE?

Alain: “Further improving both employee and customer satisfaction is a specific aim for me personally – and the whole Standard Investment team involved with ACE.”

Martijn: “In the medium to long term we plan to further grow the company together with the employees of ACE.”


About ACE:

ACE, established in 1973, manufactures cast embossed films, laminates of film to nonwoven, and apertured films. The company is located in Liège, Belgium. ACE has the distinction of being one of the very first film producers for the nascent hygiene market back in the ‘70s and was one of the founder members of EDANA, the global trade association for the nonwovens industry.

For many years ACE has specialised in the manufacture of films and laminates for the medical and hygiene single-use market, whilst using the same technologies to create leading edge products for the construction and industrial applications

With high quality, best service and trail-blazing innovation at the heart of the company, ACE is arguably one of the global leaders in its field of expertise.

Contact:

Christoph Lentz
Business Development Director

ACE srl
Rue de Renory, 499
B-4031 Angleur | Belgium
TVA BE 0413.199.511
RPM Liège

Phone: +32 4 349 86 65
Mobile: +32 472 45 00 90
Email: Christoph.Lentz@ace-films.be


ACE - NEWS COVID 19 200529

ACE plays a critical role in combatting Covid-19 across the world

Since the on-set of Covid-19, ACE is experiencing unprecedented levels of interest and record sales of its GOWNACE range of laminates.

Fact: The terrible virus that has invaded our world and changed our way of life has triggered a boom in demand for safe single-use protective clothing for healthcare workers in the thick of the crisis.

It is of no great surprise then that demand for the Gownace range of laminates has rocketed – and forecasts show that this will continue way past year-end.

Traditionally, surgical gowns are reinforced in critical areas, leaving the rest of the fabric ‘as is’. Gownace 72, is an impermeable yet breathable three-layer laminate that is designed for the manufacture of a gown that needs no additional reinforcing. As a fabric that meets the norm EN 13795 (high performance critical area), it naturally delivers a secure barrier throughout the entire garment, whilst providing excellent comfort via its intrinsic breathability.

“The demand for Gownace is global,” says Christoph Lentz, Business Development Director at ACE. “The challenge is now keeping up supplies whilst nonwoven capacities are tight around the world due to increased mask manufacturing for the general public. However, our team is doing a great job in securing the supply chain and we are confident that Gownace will continue to play an important role in the protection of healthcare workers on the front line of Covid-19”

For further information, please contact our Technical Sales Managers or use the contact form here.


About ACE:

ACE, established in 1973, manufactures cast embossed films, laminates of film to nonwoven, and apertured films. The company is located in Liège, Belgium. ACE has the distinction of being one of the very first film producers for the nascent hygiene market back in the ‘70s and was one of the founder members of EDANA, the global trade association for the nonwovens industry.

For many years ACE has specialised in the manufacture of films and laminates for the medical and hygiene single-use market, whilst using the same technologies to create leading edge products for the construction and industrial applications

With high quality, best service and trail-blazing innovation at the heart of the company, ACE is arguably one of the global leaders in its field of expertise.

Contact:

Christoph Lentz
Business Development Director

ACE srl
Rue de Renory, 499
B-4031 Angleur | Belgium
TVA BE 0413.199.511
RPM Liège

Phone: +32 4 349 86 65
Mobile: +32 472 45 00 90
Email: Christoph.Lentz@ace-films.be


ACE - about ace

New board members for ACE

ACE announces the appointment of Régis Lamoline and Hendrik Jan ten Have to the Board of Directors.

With acquisition of ACE by Standard Investment bv, changes have been made to the Board of Directors.

Harald Biederbick, CEO RKW SE, and Jörg Achhammer, Director Treasury, Tax, Legal & Governance RKW Group step down. Hendrik Jan ten Have , partner at Standard Investment joins the Board, as does Regis Lamoline, from the Senior Management team at ACE.

Guy Pinchard, CEO ACE, and Christoph Lentz, Business Development Director ACE, remain on the Board.

“We have a dynamic team here.,” says Guy. “Regis has proved a huge asset to the company management team over recent years with his excellent Controlling skills and is a great and worthy addition to the Board.  And of course, I welcome Hendrik warmly to the team that is  leading ACE into its new and bright future”

Read the full press release on the acquisition of ACE here.


About ACE:

ACE, established in 1973, manufactures cast embossed films, laminates of film to nonwoven, and apertured films. The company is located in Liège, Belgium. ACE has the distinction of being one of the very first film producers for the nascent hygiene market back in the ‘70s and was one of the founder members of EDANA, the global trade association for the nonwovens industry.

For many years ACE has specialised in the manufacture of films and laminates for the medical and hygiene single-use market, whilst using the same technologies to create leading edge products for the construction and industrial applications

With high quality, best service and trail-blazing innovation at the heart of the company, ACE is arguably one of the global leaders in its field of expertise.

Contact:

Christoph Lentz
Business Development Director

ACE srl
Rue de Renory, 499
B-4031 Angleur | Belgium
TVA BE 0413.199.511
RPM Liège

Phone: +32 4 349 86 65
Mobile: +32 475 2754 53
Email: Christoph.Lentz@ace-films.be


ACE - NEWS New Look 200529

New look, new brand, new focus

RKW ACE under new ownership

Standard Investment takes over production site in Liège, Belgium.

Frankenthal (Germany), Liege (Belgium) – For more than 60 years, RKW has committed itself to improving the daily life of consumers all over the world. Customer-focused solutions based on sustainable products are a vital part of our DNA. To tap into this vast potential, RKW has implemented a strategy focusing on core products and international growth markets, with a particular emphasis on the hygiene, packaging and agricultural sectors. In this context, RKW has decided to sell its production of embossed films and laminates for the medical industry RKW ACE S.A. (“ACE”) in Liège, Belgium.

Read more (Press release RKW Group)

Like the new website?

As ACE separates from RKW after many happy years together, it is time for a new lease of life for the company. So a new logo and a new look to take us forward into a fresh new era.

How do our customers see us? That is easy to answer: dependable, consistent, strong – and becoming ever more green. We believe that our new logo echoes this perception and that our customers will be proud to be associated with the new look.

And how do we see ourselves? Smart, flexible, professional – and simply the best at what we do. Our new look certainly reflects this and we identify with it whole-heartedly.

So, what changes along with the look? Well, not much in the short term – it is business as usual. However, as we move forward, we will be introducing new products for new applications – all based on our current technology but with a new twist. The difference is that we are focusing more and more on sustainable processes and resins, and reducing the overall carbon footprint of our products’ life.

Join us on the continuation of our successful journey towards a bright and green future!


About ACE:

ACE, established in 1973, manufactures cast embossed films, laminates of film to nonwoven, and apertured films. The company is located in Liège, Belgium. ACE has the distinction of being one of the very first film producers for the nascent hygiene market back in the ‘70s and was one of the founder members of EDANA, the global trade association for the nonwovens industry.

For many years ACE has specialised in the manufacture of films and laminates for the medical and hygiene single-use market, whilst using the same technologies to create leading edge products for the construction and industrial applications

With high quality, best service and trail-blazing innovation at the heart of the company, ACE is arguably one of the global leaders in its field of expertise.

Contact:

Christoph Lentz
Business Development Director

ACE srl
Rue de Renory, 499
B-4031 Angleur | Belgium
TVA BE 0413.199.511
RPM Liège

Phone: +32 4 349 86 65
Mobile: +32 472 45 00 90
Email: Christoph.Lentz@ace-films.be