Stronger Global Presence and Accelerated Smart Factory Automation Innovations
Sweden’s Atlas Copco Group has acquired the American technology specialist Perceptron. With the signing of the acquisition agreements on December 18 Atlas Copco further expands its Machine Vision Solutions business unit.
“The first step in this machine vision strategy was the strategic partnership struck with ISRA VISION in early 2020. The combination of the two businesses creates an incredibly well positioned and powerful specialist for 3D machine vision and robot based industrial automation” states the recent press release from ISRA VISION titled “ISRA VISION and Perceptron begin strategic partnership”.
ISRA VISION is the global market leader for surface inspection systems for web materials, and is one of the world’s leading providers of image processing programs. It specializes in 3D machine vision, particularly for 3D robot vision. Perceptron is the global leader in automated 3D measuring solutions and coordinate measurement systems. Top players from the automotive, aerospace and forestry industries have been using its laser-based systems for quality assurance in complex production processes for over 30 years.
“We are pleased to have completed the merger with Atlas Copco, maximizing value for our shareholders, providing our customers with access to a broader array of technology and products, and offering our employees exciting new growth opportunities,” stated Jay Freeland, Chairman, and Interim CEO of Perceptron. “The path forward for our combined organizations is bright and the team is well-prepared for a seamless transition.”
Perceptron has approximately 300 employees. In the fiscal year 2020, ending June 30, Perceptron had revenues of 62.3 MUSD (51.1 MEURO).
Following the completion of the closing, Perceptron becomes part of Atlas Copco’s newly created division Machine Vision Solutions within the Industrial Technique business area. The common stock will no longer be publicly traded and will be delisted from the Nasdaq Global Market.
As a result of the partnership, the products from ISRA VISION and Perceptron combine to offer a unique and comprehensive portfolio for automating key applications along the entire automotive production line. At the same time, both companies will expand their market coverage for machine vision applications around the world. Their globally unique and highly advanced product portfolios will complement each other, offering customers a one-stop shop for all products and image processing applications for production in future.
Together, these pioneers in 3D measuring technology and 3D robot guidance are taking the next step in Industry 4.0, with the aim of making smart factory automation even smarter. To do so, they will combine their technologies for the new generation of 3D products with the integration of Industry 4.0 standards for in-line, at-line and off-line applications.
The new strategic partners have a clear goal: expand market share in America and the Asia Pacific region to over 50 percent. This will involve exploiting cross-selling opportunities and expanding their local presence with service, technical support and sales resources. Moving into new markets will also lead to accelerated growth.
The Atlas Copco Group will as owner provide with financial and strategic support in order to continue long term investments within R&D and sustainable development.
For more information: www.atlascopcogroup.com
