Hitachi Ltd. (TSE: 6501) has recently announced that it has signed a stock purchase agreement to acquire MA micro automation GmbH from MAX Management GmbH, a subsidiary of MAX Automation SE, for EUR 71.5 million. Subject to regulatory approvals, the acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2024. Following the acquisition, MA micro automation will become part of JR Automation Technologies, LLC, enhancing Hitachi’s global presence in the automation sector.
About MA micro automation GmbH
MA micro automation, headquartered in St. Leon-Rot, Germany, specializes in high-speed linear handling systems, high-precision assembly lines, and high-speed vision inspection technology. The company is a leader in micro-assembly automation for med-tech markets, producing and testing medical and optical components, including contact lenses, IVD and diabetes diagnostics consumables, and medical-use injection molding. Established in 2003 as a Siemens carve-out and part of the MAX Automation group since 2013, MA micro automation has a strong reputation for its advanced automation solutions.
About JR Automation
JR Automation provides intelligent automated manufacturing technology solutions globally across various industries, including automotive, life sciences, e-mobility, consumer, and industrial products. With over 20 locations in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, JR Automation offers nearly 2 million square feet (185,806 sq. m) of build and engineering space. The acquisition of MA micro automation will expand JR Automation’s geographical footprint and support capabilities within Europe and the medical market vertical.
Strategic Benefits
“MA micro automation provides engineering, build and support expertise with established capabilities in complex vision applications, high-speed and high-precision automation technologies. When integrated with JR Automation’s uniform global process and digital technologies, this partnership will further enhance our ability to deliver added value and support to all of our customers worldwide and continue to grow our capabilities in the medical market.”, says Dave DeGraaf, CEO of JR Automation. “As we integrate this new dimension, impressive talents and abilities of the MA micro automation team we further enhance our ability to serve our customers, creating a more robust and globally balanced offering.”
Hitachi’s Vision for the Future
Hitachi aims to enhance its “Total Seamless Solution” strategy, connecting manufacturers’ factory floors with their front office data to achieve total optimization and bring Industry 4.0 to life. This strategy links operational activities such as engineering, supply chain, and purchasing to the plant floor, enabling real-time, data-driven decision-making.
Kazunobu Morita, Vice President and Executive Officer, CEO of Industrial Digital Business Unit, Hitachi, Ltd. says “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 cocreation framework.”
Joachim Hardt, CEO MA micro automation GmbH says “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.”
This acquisition represents a significant step for Hitachi in expanding its capabilities in the automation sector, particularly within the medical technology market. By integrating MA micro automation’s expertise with JR Automation’s global operations, Hitachi aims to deliver enhanced value and innovative solutions to its customers worldwide.
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About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries.
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