LINKINGUP European Commission approves giant LindePraxair merger
Mitsubishi Electric acquires ASTES4 SA in Switzerland
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ased in Switzerland, ASTES4 SA (ASTES4) is engaged in the development, production and sale of patented automated sorting solutions for sheet metal laser processing machines. As a wholly owned subsidiary, customers can now benefit from integrated solutions available across the global market with ASTES4’s automated sorting systems embedded into Mitsubishi Electric’s sheet metal laser processing machines. Sheet metal laser processing involves loading the material, laser cutting, unloading cut materials as well as removing and sorting cut parts from the frame. A shortfall of skilled human resources in production facilities around the world, combined with the ability of fibre laser machines to produce
higher volumes of work, has escalated worldwide demand for sorting solutions. A significant increase in productivity is made possible by automating sheet metal laser processing, including pre- and post-processing. ASTES4 provides flexible automated sorting solutions for various materials using its own patented technology with high-quality system engineering capabilities that can integrate the entire automation system. With this acquisition, Mitsubishi Electric will further strengthen its portfolio of automation systems together with sorting solutions for sheet metal laser processing machines. Visit: www.mitsubishielectric.com
Atlas Copco acquires niche machine vision solutions provider
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tlas Copco, a leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions, has acquired German QUISS Qualitäts-Inspektionssysteme und Service AG. The company specialises in machine vision solutions for quality inspection and robot guidance, mainly used in the automotive industry. QUISS is based near Munich in Germany. Its core competence is image processing, algorithms, as well as system design including hardware and software. The products are mainly used for quality inspection of adhesive dispensing applications within the automotive industry. “The increased competence in vision systems for robot guidance and quality inspections will
allow us to provide even more customer value in the world of automation,” said Henrik Elmin, Business Area President Industrial Technique. The acquired business will become part of Atlas Copco’s Industrial Assembly Solutions division in the Industrial Technique business area. Visit: www.atlascopco.com
Hadley Group takes over sheet metal specialist EWS
struction sector, both in the UK and internationally. Stewart Towe, CEO of Hadley Group, said of the news: “I am delighted to confirm the addition of EWS into the Hadley Group. The company greatly complements our wide range of value added construction products. We look forward to supporting EWS as they continue to progress in the markets they serve.”
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adley Group, a world leader in advanced cold rolled steel technology, has acquired EWS (Manufacturing) Ltd, a UKbased specialist in the production of components and profiles using cold rollforming technology. The acquisition confirms the Hadley Group’s commitment to the con-
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he European Commission has given the goahead for the $80bn merger between German chemicals group Linde and its US rival Praxair. The landmark deal would form the world’s largest industrial gas supplier. However, US approval is still needed. The approval from Brussels was reached following various concessions from the two parties, in order to address concerns that the merger would increase prices and limit consumer choice. It has been agreed to sell Praxair’s European assets to Japanese rival Taiyo Nippon Sanso for €5bn, transfer the American company’s stake in SIAD to joint venture partner Flow Fin and divest any helium sourcing contracts beyond what it needs to supply the European market. Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s competition commissioner said: “With this decision, we make sure that the merger of Praxair and Linde will not result in further concentration in Europe and that customers will continue to benefit from competition in these markets.” Furthermore, in order to secure US approval, the companies have committed to selling $3 billion worth of Linde’s US assets to German rival Messer and private equity group CVC. Visit: www.linde.com
EWS produces in excess of 25 million metres of cold rollformed sections annually and is the market leader in Window and Door Steel Reinforcement with core strengths in other construction market products. The Wolverhampton, UK-based manufacturer will now form part of Hadley Group’s global chain of manufacturing locations. Visit: www.hadleygroup.com Industry Europe 21
