Kobe Steel Ltd. acquired Quintus Technologies AB, a manufacturer of isostatic presses (IP) based in Sweden, for $115 million. Quintus, which is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Kobe Steel, specializes in the design, manufacture, installation and support of high-pressure systems for sheet-metal forming and densification of advanced materials and critical industrial components. The acquisition enables Kobe Steel to broaden its lineup of IP products and enter new growth markets.

Isostatic presses apply high pressure from all directions at high temperature or room temperature to press-sinter and form metal, ceramic and carbon materials. The presses are widely applicable in the manufacture of high-performance products such as aircraft parts, power-generation turbine blades and semiconductor materials. Quintus has a strong presence in Europe, the U.S. and China, primarily in the aerospace sector.