In 2008 Mr. Hardy and Mr. Vroemen were presented the opportunity to enter the Acrylic Foam Tape business. Mr. Vroemen’s specific tape knowledge, combined with Mr. Hardy’s experience and knowledge of raw materials turned out to be a match made in heaven. The acquisition of a South-Korean production facility was secured mid 2008 called AFTC Production Korea Ltd.
In May of 2008 the AFTC Group opened their offices in Maastricht, the Netherlands and Luxemburg. All of the pieces to the puzzle were in place now and as a result, the active search for customers began.
After AFTC’s first two years, an economic crises hit creating a another set of challenges for AFTC. However, the AFTC Group showed their resolve by successfully navigating the process to have their high quality Acrylic Foam Tape products tested and approved by several OEM’s like Volkswagen, Porsche, Ford, BMW and Daimler.
AFTC Group’s first real significant commercial success came in 2010 where the AFTC Group supplied our AFT to Porsche for the production of the Porsche Cayenne. Soon after, the Volkswagen Passat and several Audi models coupled with various Ford models started to utilize the AFTC line of AFT’s creating a “buzz” in the European automotive industry. Today, you can find parts with AFTC Group’s AFT’s being used in most new the new vehicle platforms with every major Automotive manufacturer.
2011 was highlighted with the signing of AFTC Group’s 100th distribution contract. With this significant milestone achieved, AFTC is active in 60 countries worldwide. The AFTC distributors serve many different markets with their own speciality, such as automotive, building & construction, electronics and transportation. This structure has enabled AFTC Group to a global presence with local support.
Due to AFTC Group’s success and with demand from the US, India and Russia, AFTC Group’s next step was to expand by opening AFTC locations in these strategic markets. These new locations support their respective markets by through their own offices and warehouses with inventory of the AFTC line of products to support customer’s requirements. This enables AFTC to continue to provide customers with the high level of customer support and service according to AFTC standards.
In 2012, the AFTC Group has over 200 employees within several divisions worldwide. With branches all over the world, AFTC’s aim is to offer, the customer the highest level of support that you have come to expect from AFTC.
Dealers & Converters:
To offer our end-customers the best possible service, AFTC formed an elaborate distribution network reaching over 60 countries worldwide. Working closely together with these partners, we are able to offer our customers custom made solutions to all of their enquiries.
In February 2017 Velcro Group took a share close to 49,9%
In March 2018 Velcro Group took control of the company by displacing Mr. Guy Vroemen and other shareholders and managers.