Veyance Technologies Inc., Fairlawn, Ohio, is exploring the possible sale of its Belt Concepts of America lightweight conveyor belt subsidiary in order to focus on heavy-duty conveyor belt markets. Located near Raleigh, N.C., Belt Concepts of America has 60 employees and generates annual sales of about $22 million.

Tim Toppen, president of Veyance Technologies, says that although Belt Concepts is performing well, Veyance is focusing its resources on manufacturing heavy-duty industrial products, including Goodyear-branded conveyor belts. “We recently purchased a U.S. heavy-duty conveyor belt fabric plant, created a China joint venture that is the country's largest heavy-duty conveyor belt producer, and acquired a central Appalachian heavy-duty conveyor belt service operation,” he explains. “And we will continue to strengthen our position in heavy-duty markets.” Toppen says that Veyance seeks a buyer that will recognize the value of the lightweight belt business.

Veyance operates 35 facilities worldwide and has 9,000 employees. It operates heavy-duty rubber and PVC conveyor belt manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, South Africa, China and Australia. The company also manufactures Goodyear-branded industrial power transmission products, hose, hydraulics and rubber track. It purchased Belt Concepts in 1996.