Sandvik to acquire metrology and inspection company DWFritz Automation
July 13, 2021
Sandvik AB, Stockholm, Sweden, has signed an agreement to acquire DWFritz Automation Inc., Wilsonville, Oregon, USA, a provider of precision metrology, inspection, and assembly solutions for advanced manufacturing. The company will become part of the Metrology Division within the business area segment of Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions. The transaction is expected to close during the second half of 2021, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Established in 1973, DWFritz Automation designs, builds and supports high-speed, non-contact metrology solutions and automation systems. The company has developed complex precision automation and metrology systems for some of the world’s most well-known brands. Several products constitute the company’s product portfolio – including the ZeroTouch® product family, which is based on a patented, high-speed, non-contact metrology platform architecture with micrometre precision.
“This is in line with our strategic focus to grow organically and through acquisitions in the advanced manufacturing space, with special focus on industrial software, industrial metrology and Additive Manufacturing solutions,” stated Stefan Widing, president and CEO of Sandvik.
Through acquiring DWFritz Automation, Sandvik explains that it will expand its current metrology offering and take a leading position in in-line metrology, including a broader position in high-speed, high-volume, non-contact inspection and assembly automation.
Kim Hansen, president of the Metrology division in Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions, commented, “By acquiring DWFritz Automation, we will be able to expand our metrology and automation offering further. This will not only strengthen our position, but will also enable us to offer full metrology solutions to our customers – which will reduce cost and improve quality significantly in their broader value chain. I look forward to welcoming the DWFritz team to Sandvik.”
Mike Fritz, CEO of DWFritz Automation, said, “We are truly excited with the opportunity to become part of the Sandvik family. Since our founding, we have continuously advanced the interests of our customers by being innovative and investing in new technology to help accomplish their critical missions. This synergy will allow us to add even more value to customers and partners, in addition to expanding our footprint across key markets through Sandvik’s global presence. This agreement is a game-changer in the world of metrology and automation and we are thrilled to be part of it.”
