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Danish mine-producing companies
Aldrig mere Krig - VåbenArkivet
By Tom Vilmer Paamand 27/04-95
After the wars landmines continue to kill. Even about half of the so called
"smart" mines are known to forget to self-destruct.
The governments try to distinguish between anti-tank mines and anti-personnel
mines. The mines don't. They just kill.
Many countries use, produce, sell and export mines. Denmark is not one of the
worsts, but has never decided to say no. There is no export for the moment, but
it is only due to lack of orders. The companies are just waiting.
Danish companies do not produce or export anti-personnel mines today. No private
company has a license to produce parts for such weapons since 1983.
Neither has no private company a license to produce anti-tank mines. But a few
companies have a license to produce parts for anti-tank mines.
Denmark has one company owned by the government, Ammunitionsarsenalet, who do
not need licenses. They are, for the moment, not producing mines.
This information is confirmed by the Danish Ministry of Justice.
The mines used by the military in Denmark are mostly made in other countries.
They are technically very old, the oldest is from 1947, and are planned to be
replaced by newer ones from year 2000-2010.
The Danish government discussed November 95 a proposal to ban anti-personnel
mines in Denmark. Everybody gave it sweet words - and no support.
The Danish Airforce bought a new mine from Sweden in 1993, Fordonsmina 13 or
FFV-013. Since then the export of that mine is stopped while the Swedish
government discusses if it is anti-tank or anti-personnel.
The enclosed list of Danish landmine-producing companies is compiled by the
Danish peace-organisation "Aldrig mere Krig".
This list does not distinguish between the producers of anti-personnel mines and
anti-tank mines since anti-personnel mines have not been produced in Denmark
since the 70'ies - but in 1980 some were renovated for the Danish Army. One
company produced parts for anti-personnel mines until 1983.
The list is in no way complete, and a number of the names are only suspects. We
keep on working to collect new material and the mine-producers keeps on doing
their work. Some of the companies are closed now, some have changed name or
owners and some have stopped producing mines. Others might have started.
Danish landmine-producing companies
"Danish mine-producing companies" includes companies, who in the last two years
are known to have made and exported mines and mineparts.
Suspected landmine-producing companies:
"Suspected mine-producing companies" includes companies, who has made mines
before or has a close connection to mine-producing companies. They do not have
a license to produce mines.
Suspected landmine-producing companies,
who do not produce landmines (!):
"Suspected mine-producing companies, who do not produce mines". I have enclosed
them, because those companies often are exposed in the press under
suspicion.
The main reason is, that most of their names was in an official list made by the
Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Danish exporters" as:
Manufacturer and dealer of military weapons, other than revolvers, pistols and
swords, bayonets and the like - bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines and similar
munitions of war and parts thereof; cartridges and other ammunition. Export
area: Europe and USA. (DEX 95).
Former Danish landmine-producing companies:
"Former Danish mine-producing companies" are enclosed, because those companies
still are exposed in the press - but they are closed now.
In the following text the sources are put like this: (DEX
95). There is a special list of sources in the end of the text, where all the
abbreviations are translated.
Danish mine-producing companies:
ALUTOP 9000 Aps
Industrivej 6
4241 Vemmelev
Tlf: +45 53 582 900
Fax: +45 53 582 925
(FOLSP) Alutop A/S got a licence dated 08/11-90 to do
surface coating of mechanical parts for anti-tank mine fuze M/15.
The license has been repealed when the company was closed 25/11-92.
The new company on the same adress is called ALUTOP 9000 Aps and has 16
employees.
Ammunitionsarsenalet
Tuenvej 120, Elling
9900 Frederikshavn
Tlf: +45 98 481 100
Fax: +45 98 480 425
The last anti-tank mine was produced here in 1992, the "Pansermine M/88".
Anti-personnel mines have not been produced since the 50'ies, but in 1980
they renovated the "Personelmine M/47" for the Danish army.
They are, for the moment, not producing mines. This information is confirmed
by the Danish Ministry of Justice.
But they have not given up producing mines and have recently delivered Anti-tank
Mine Fuzes to the Swedish Army.
The filling plant at the Ammunition Arsenal is now being renovated and they are
installing new equipment for filling of bombs and mines.
The above information is confirmed by Søren Hansen fg. produktionschef
(acting chief of production) from Ammunitionsarsenalet and the Danish Minister
of Defence Hans Hækkerup.
The Ammunition Arsenal is owned by the Danish government and does not need a
license to produce arms - but for export. It is a part of the Danish Army
Material Command. Employees: 270.
Further information can be found in (DDPRO 92 and MAY 94),
(JANIW 91 and 94), and (JDW 040890).
DEMEX Consulting Engineers A/S
Godthåbsvej 104
2000 Frederiksberg
Tlf: +45 31 108 970
Fax: +45 38 331 317
DEMEX Consulting Engineers A/S is not producing mines, but is developing both
anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. The company is also involved in clearance
of mines after the Gulf-war. They do not have a license to produce mines.
(DDICM 91) ... Product development of anti-invasion mine
and measurement of velocity of detonation. Dimension of booster charge,
development of explosives train for landmines, for The Royal Danish Ordnance
Factory. ... Design and testing of fuze trains ...
DDICM 94) ... SA Marine AB Sweden (owned by Bofors.).
Development of test programme for a combination of NATO and Swedish safety
acceptance demands for anti-personnel mine. Safety analysis and risk management
of computerised
cable sea mines and related safety critical software. ...
The company compromises in 1994 a total of 20 employees, including 15 engineers.
The annual turnover was approx. DKK 13 mio. About 25% is export.
Further information can be found in (DDICM 91 and 94) and
(JDW 061193).
HAI Aluksering Horsens A/S
HAI Aluksering Korsør A/S
Færøvej 2-4
8700 Horsens
Tlf: +45 75 622 288
Fax: +45 75 627 178
(FOLSP) ApS HAI Aluksering got a licence dated 11/01-91 to
do surface coating of mechanical parts for anti-tank mine fuze M/15.
The license was prolonged until 25/11-92 and returned to the Danish Ministry of
Justice 2. marts 1995.
The company has more than 100 employees.
Korona Plast ApS
Ellegårdsvej 6
6400 Sønderborg
Tlf: +45 74 421 170
Fax: +45 74 421 170
(FOLSP) Korona Plast ApS got a licence dated 31/1-95 to
produce small parts of plastic material for the Danish Army Material Command
until 1/2-97. The product is injection moulded end covers for anti-tank mine
fuze M/15. The
company has 3 employees.
Lindys Maskinfabrik A/S
(Lindys Maskinfabrik af 1987)
Mejerivej 1, Flemløse
5620 Glamsbjerg
Tlf: +45 64 723 435
Fax: +45 64 723 599
(FOLSP) Lindys Maskinfabrik A/S got a licence dated 4/10-90
to produce mechanical and electronical parts for anti-tank mine fuze M/15.
Later, 14/12-90, they got a license to produce mechanical and electronical parts
for the Danish Defence, and the other license was returned.
The company has 14 employees.
Nea-Lindberg A/S
Postbox 226
Industriparken 39-43
2750 Ballerup
Tlf: +45 42 972 200
Fax: +45 44 660 910
Nea-Lindberg A/S has proprietary technology in relation to production of
Electronic Mine Fuzes and is the biggest factory of that kind in Denmark. The
fusez is also exported, many of them to Germany.
Nea-Lindberg's electronic Anti-tank Mine Fuze M/88 can be fitted to the M19
anti-tank mine, which is license-produced in Turkey by MKEK, in South Korea by
the Korea Explosives Company (qv) and the Daewoo Corporation, and in Chile
(Industrias Cardoen). It is also in service with the US Army.
The M/88 was developed in cooperation with the Royal Danish Army Material
Command. Nea-Lindberg is now developing new demining equipment, again together
with the Royal Danish Army Material Command.
(FOLSP) Nea-Lindberg got a license to produce parts for
anti-tank mines. 13/1-89 they got a license to produce parts for 150 prototypes
of anti-tank mine fuze M/88.
Later, 24/5-89, they got a license to produce 21.160 anti-tank mine fuzes M/88.
This license was renewed and extended 28/2-91 and the other license was
returned.
Nea-Lindberg is using subcontractors, and right now the Danish Ministry of
Justice is inspecting those companies, who do not have licenses.
(DDICM 91) Customers (also to the companies other
products): Bofors, DMT, Ericsson Radar Electronics, General Dynamics, Hughes
Aircraft Co., Kaiser Electronics, McDonnell Douglas, Philips, Raytjeon Company,
Royal Ordnance, Short Brothers, Sperry, The Singer Company, Thomson CFS, Thorn
EMI Electronic Ltd., Westinghouse Electric Corp., Wegmann & Co. GmbH, Danish
Defense Material Commands.
(JANMV 92) ... The electronic Anti-tank Mine Fuze M/88 was
developed in co- operation with the Royal Danish Army Material Command. It is
offered as a cost-effective alternative retrofit solution for existing
non-metallic mines. The fuze is licence-produced by Royal Ordnance as the RO
150.
The M/88 can provide most existing non-metallic mines with a full width
capability. It can be fitted to the Bar Mine using two plastic straps with snap
locks and without using tools. ...
The fuze has an advanced electronic sensor which ensures correct functioning
regardless of target speed. The sensors can be preset to disregard light
targets and the fuze has a built-in anti-tilt device. It is also protected
against electronic mineclearing measures.
The 7.8 g transfer charge of TNT/RDX 45:55 is integrated into the fuze bottom
and can be fitted without having to open the fuze. ...
The M/88 has a 15 min arming delay and will self-neutralise after 90 days.
Burying depth is up to 150 mm in earth. ... Minimum shelf life is 10 years
although the battery may have to be changed after 5 years. Weight of the M/88
is 835 g including the battery. Dimensions are 218x97x54 mm... In production.
In service with the Royal Danish Army. Licence-produced in the UK by Royal
Ordnance.
Nea-Lindberg A/S is a Danish high technology company in the defense sector. The
company has about 130 employees, of whom a high percentage are engineers. The
annual turnover in 1993 was approx. DKK 53 mio. Nea-Lindberg is 100% owned by
FLS Industries.
Further information can be found in (DDICM 91 and 94),
(DEFPRO), (JANMV 92- 94) and (JDW
040890, 220990 and 020291).
Suspected mine-producing companies:
ABB Scandia A/S
Toldbodgade 39
8900 Randers
Tlf: +45 86 425 300
Fax: +45 86 415 700
(DDICM 88) In recent years the development of the company's
train production has ... formed the basis for Ascan Scandia's serious
concentration of effort on military production. We have recently manufactured
and submitted tenders for carriage body structures, mines...
ABB Scandia does not have a license to produce mines and maybe they never really
did - but they would have liked to.
Ascan Scandia A/S has changed its name to ABB Scandia A/S, when they were bought
by Asea Brown Bowery A/S in 1988. It is a train-factory with more than 500
employees and an annual turnover above 630 mio DKK.
Honeywell A/S
Lyngby Hovedgade 98
2800 Lyngby
Tlf: +45 45 935 656
Fax: +45 45 937 173
Honeywell A/S is owned by Honeywell in USA, who is a defence contractor.
In the Danish magazine "Militærteknisk Forenings Meddelelsesbrev nr. 4,
1991" was an advertisement for "Honeywell Sonder Tecknik" and "Honeywell
Elau-Nautik GmbH" - both from Germany. They want, among other military
equipment, to sell "mine sensors/mine neutralization" and are asking customers
to contact B. Rishøj Christensen, who was director for Honeywell A/S in
Denmark. The company has 155 employees. Honeywell ELAC A/S shares the address of
DEMEX, who is also involved in mines.
Quitzau Industri A/S
Herningvej 1, Karup Air Base
Postbox 53
7470 Karup J
Tlf: +45 99 626 262
Fax: +45 99 626 364
(DDICM 91) Customers (also to the companies other
products): United Technologies (Hamilton Standard Div.) F-16, Westland
Helicopters Limited., Nea-Lindberg A/S, Racal Defense Electronics (Radar)
Limited, The Danish Armed Forces - navy/air force, Royal Norwegian Air Force,
Aerospatiele S.A.
Quitzau Industri Sønderborg A/S has a license to produce weapons, but not
mines. They announced in (DDICM 91) with "mine shells" and
the mine-company Nea-Lindberg A/S is a customer. They are now both owned by FLS
Industries.
Quitzau employees between 10-19 persons and the annual turnover in 1993 was
approx. 17 mio DKK.and was founded in 1931.
Suspected mine-producing companies,
who do not produce mines:
DISA TECHNOLOGIES
Dansk Industri Syndikat A/S
Herlev Hovedgade 17
2730 Herlev
Tlf: +45 44 945 211
Fax: +45 44 945 225
DISA (Dansk Industri Syndikat A/S) is owned by the well-known Danish A.P.
Møller Group with a long world-wide military past. DISA was in the 80'ies
involved in all big contracts for the Danish Army, but in 1994 the defence
division of DISA, Disa System Group, was bought by Nea-Lindberg A/S.
According to a Danish newspaper Disa produced landmines for the Army from
1984-87. DISA did not have a license to produce mines and according to DISA
they never produced landmines or parts to them.
Eimepar A/S
Borsholmvej 45
3000 Helsingør
Eimepar A/S was on an official list made by the Danish Ministry of Foreign
Affairs: "Danish exporters" as a possible mine-producer.
They say themselves, that they don't have anything to do with the defence
industry and it is all a mistake.
But they do have the Danish agency for Olin Ordnance and tried to sell 25 mm
Target Practice Discarding Sabot to the Danish Army (DDPRO
94).
There is no evidence of mines.
H. Brüsch Maskinfabrik A/S
Islevdalen 138
2610 Rødovre
H. Brüsch Maskinfabrik A/S was on an official list made by the Danish
Ministry of Foreign as a possible mine-producer.
They are producing target practice grenades, but here is no evidence of
mines.
Niro-Bola A/S
Sydmarken 46
2860 Søborg
Niro Bola A/S was on an official list made by the Danish Ministry of Foreign as
a possible mine-producer.
They are producing parts for deep-sea naval mines, but here is no evidence of
landmines.
A/S Wejra
Anker Egelundsvej 3
9200 Aalborg SV
Wejra A/S was on an official list made by the Danish Ministery of Foreign as a
possible mine-producer.
The company is claiming, that they for the last five years not have been
involved in the defence industry.
Before that Wejra A/S has an interesting history involving illegal transport of
grenades on passenger ferries and selling the company to an Israeli spy. Since
Wejra A/S was founded they have done nothing but weapons, but there is
no evidence of landmines.
Former Danish mine-producing companies:
Danish Aerotechnology Systems A/S
Ravnsbjergvej, Søsum
3670 Veksø
The company bought in 1983 Jørgen Høyers former factory.
Jørgen Høyer A/S
was known as a producer of landmines and the new factory is in many sources
mentioned as a producer of mines.
They were, among other military equipment, producing a cable controlled sea mine
system (DDICM 1988). Danish Aerotechnology Systems A/S was
closed in 1990.
Jørgen Høyer Enterprise in Machining ApS
Ravnsbjergvej 8, Søsum
3670 Veksø
(FOLSP) Jøgen Høyer A/S got a licence dated
18/3-75 to produce:
Anti Tank Mine Fuze M606 and Electric Cap M4, Wire M4 and Firing Device M57 for
M18-mine (CLAYMORE mine/horisontal anti-personnelmine).
The license has been repealed when the company was closed in 1983.
In 1975 Jørgen Høyer A/S was selling mines to Iran, who was
fighting with Oman. It is illegal for Danish companies to sell arms to
countries actually using them in a war.
Jørgen Høyers armsexport was discussed in the Danish parliament,
and it was said to be of 105.000 Fuze Mines M606 and Firing Devices M57, which
should be around 50 tons.
According to the Danish Statistic Bureau Denmark exported 241 tons of bombs to
Iran and one of the freight companies had moved at least 700 tons.
It was never made clear what was right and wrong but it is suspected,
that Jørgen Høyer A/S secretly was smuggling mines for another
Nordic factory, which was not allowed to do this transport self.
SOURCES AND ABBREVIATIONS:
(Mostly in Danish)
-
DDICM
- Sørensen, Tom (ed)
- Danish Aerospace and Defence Industry Capabilities Manual
- Udgivet af Industrirådet. 1. udgave 1988, 3. udgave 1991 og 4. udgave
1994.
-
DDPRO
- Forsvarskommandøn i Vedbæk
- Danish Defence Procurement Bulletin
- Udgivet af Forsvarschefen, Material Division i Vedbæk. 1990 - 1994
-
DEX
- Udenrigsministeriet
- Danish Exporters
- Udgivet af Tele Danmark
-
FOLSP
-
- Question nr. S 2248 by Frank Aaen (Enhedslisten) to the Ministry of
Justice 27/10-95.
- HRN512
-
- Landminetjeneste. Bind 2. Tillæg. HRN-4/2
- Udgivet af Chefen for Hæren Maj 1977. Opdateret til 1992
- INTFOR
-
- Et internationalt og nationalt forbud mod anti-personel miner
- Udgivet af Folkeretsudvalget & Dansk Røde Kors.
København, okt. 95
-
JANIW
-
- Jane's Infantry Weapons 1991-92
- Udgivet af Jane's Information Group 1991.
-
JANMV
-
- Jane's Military Vehicles and Logistics 1992-93 og 94-95
- Udgivet af Jane's Information Group 1992.
-
JDW
-
- Jane's Defence Weekly
- Udgivet af Jane's Information Group.
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