Velcro Industries N.V. is a technically-driven, global organization and the industry leader. The company, through its worldwide subsidiaries, offers hundreds of different hook and loop products and fastening systems. Offerings range from standard fastening tapes of woven and knit construction, through custom-designed specialty fasteners featuring a range of performance characteristics, materials, sizes and shapes.
Velcro Industries employed more than 2,800 people overall. Velcro Industries posted revenues of $261.20 million for the fiscal year ended September 2003. The Americas accounted for 73 percent of sales, with Europe making up 22 percent.
Income slipped in 2004 due to increased competition and unfavorable exchange rates, reported Business Week. There was new speculation of Velcro Industries going private. The family of Chairman Robert W.H. Cripps, son of Sir Humphrey Cripps, then owned 82 percent of the company.
Principal Subsidiaries: Velcro Hong Kong Ltd.; Velcro Australia Pty. Ltd.; Zhangjiagang Velcro Fastening Systems Co., Ltd. (China; 90%); Velcro Europe S.A. (Spain); Velcro GmbH (Germany); Velcro Industries France S.A.; Velcro Italia, S.R.L.; Velcro Limited (United Kingdom); Addey Milner Limited (Great Britain); Velcro Holdings B.V. (Netherlands); Velcro USA Inc.; Velcro Canada Inc.; Velcro Group Corporation (United States); Velcro de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.; Velcro do Brasil LTDA.; Velcro Industries B.V. (Netherlands Antilles).
Principal Competitors: APLIX S.A.; Kuraray Co., Ltd.; YKK Corporation.