As a result of a management buy-out, Peter Abel GmbH takes over the vacuum metallurgy systems division of what was then Arthur Pfeiffer Vakuumtechnik Wetzlar GmbH (now: Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG) and establishes PVA-Pfeiffer Vakuum Anlagenbau GmbH (subsequently: PVA Vakuum Anlagenbau GmbH). The company focuses on the construction of systems for manufacturing and refining materials subjected to high temperature, vacuum, and pressure.