Japanese multinational conglomerate Hitachi Ltd. has signed a deal to acquire all shares of MA Micro Automation GmbH (MA Micro Automation), which is headquartered in St. Leon-Rot, Germany, from MAX Management GmbH, a subsidiary of MAX Automation SE.
The acquisition, valued at €71.5m (£61.5m), is anticipated to conclude in the latter half of 2024, pending regulatory approvals.
MA Micro Automation is a provider of robotic and automation technology, specialising in high-speed linear handling systems, precision assembly lines, advanced vision inspection technology and micro-assembly solutions.
Its customers span across Europe, North America and Southeast Asia, with a stronghold in the burgeoning med-tech automation sector.
Established in 2003, MA micro automation has continuously showcased its prowess in micro-assembly automation, particularly in medical and optical component manufacturing.
The integration of MA micro automation into JR Automation Technologies, LLC (JR Automation), a prominent player in robotic system integration across North America, Europe and Southeast Asia, underscores Hitachi’s strategic aim to improve its global presence in this sector and expand associated service offerings.
On the acquisition, Kazunobu Morita, vice president and executive officer, CEO of Industrial Digital Business Unit, Hitachi, Ltd. said: “We are very pleased to welcome MA micro automation to the Hitachi Group.
The team is based in Europe, providing robotic SI to global medical device manufacturing
customers with its high technological capabilities and will join forces with JR Automation and
Hitachi Automation to strengthen our global competitiveness.
“Hitachi aims to enhance its ability to provide value to customers and grow alongside them by leveraging its strengths in both OT, IT, including robotic SI, and “Total Seamless Solution” through Lumada*3’s customer co-creation framework.”
Through collaboration, the companies aim to leverage MA Micro Automation’s expertise in complex vision applications and high-precision automation alongside JR Automation’s established footprint.
Dave DeGraaf, CEO of JR Automation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, which will offer additional capabilities to deliver solutions to global customers worldwide, especially those in medical market segment.
Hitachi’s acquisition also aligns with its overarching strategy of providing a “Total Seamless Solution” to seamlessly integrate factory operations with digital platforms, facilitating real-time decision-making and optimisation.
Joachim Hardt, CEO of MA Micro Automation GmbH, added: “Following the successful
establishment and growth of MA micro automation within the attractive automation market for
medical technology products, we are now opening a new chapter.
“Our partnership with Hitachi will not only strengthen our global competitive position, but we will also benefit from joint technological synergies and a global market presence. We look forward to a synergistic partnership with Hitachi and JR Automation”
