Hexagon Enters Formal Agreement To Purchase Sheffield CMM Business
As a result of the Hexagon acquisition of Sheffield Automation's CMM business, a new company named Sheffield Measurement Inc. will be formed. It will remain headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and will be operated as a separate business unit reporting to Hexagon Metrology North America, based in North Kingstown, RI.
Bill Gruber, President and CEO of Hexagon Metrology North America, states "The Sheffield brand has been a leader in providing advanced automated metrology solutions to customers since 1965. We are pleased to have Sheffield join the Hexagon Metrology family. This is a key milestone in the Hexagon Metrology strategy to develop a strong organization that is both technically and commercially dedicated to excellence in the field of metrology. Sheffield Metrology Inc. will contribute to the continued worldwide success and growth of our organization."
Douglas B. Vonderhaar, formerly Vice President and General Manager of Sheffield Automation, has been named General Manager of Sheffield Measurement Inc. According to Vonderhaar "Joining Hexagon Metrology will strengthen our business on a global basis and will provide many opportunities for growth as part of a core business involved in the science of metrology". Vonderhaar added that "Hexagon has made a number of strategic acquisitions in the past several years and we feel that Hexagon is a best-fit parent for the Sheffield business. Our strategy is growth-oriented and we are excited about the opportunities that this acquisition will enable. Combined with Hexagon's resources we look forward to a bright future for our employees, customers and channel partners throughout the world".
In addition to Brown & Sharpe and Sheffield Measurement Inc. other prominent CMM manufacturers in the Hexagon Metrology organization are Italian based Digital Electronic Automation (DEA), and German based Leitz. General Administration for all of these businesses in North America as well as those of TESA hand tools and WAI software will be headquartered in the new facility being built in Keifer Park, located in the Quonset Point Development Park in North Kingstown, RI.
Hexagon AB is a multinational engineering technology group with the long-term ambition of positioning itself as number one or number two within its strategic sectors. Annual sales are $909 Million. Hexagon AB is divided into four business areas: Automation, Engineering, Metrology and Polymers. Hexagon Metrology consists of supplying measuring technology, which is essential for producing products consisting of more than one component. Metrology equipment measures components used in a product to ensure that they fit together. Metrology allows a producer to assure the quality of his product. Primary users of metrology are the automotive industry including its sub-contractors, the aerospace and defense industries, the engineering industry, electronics, IT and the medical sector. Hexagon Metrology's revenues are approximately $333 Million.