Schweiter Technologies is selling its Ismeca Automation division to the Dierikon-based Komax Group (Switzerland). Ismeca Automation generated the bulk of its 2004 revenues of CHF 41.5 million in the medical technology sector. It posted an operating result of CHF 1.7 million and has a headcount of around 120. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
The sale is going ahead despite the fact that Ismeca Automation has built up a substantial position in the field of medical technology in a brief space of time and is set for further successes going forward. The disposal is, however, in line with the Schweiter portfolio strategy of selling a division if more suitable owners can be found. Together with Komax, Ismeca Automation will enjoy a significant level of competence in the area of assembly automation that on its own it would first have had to build up. This is especially true in the USA, where Komax has a strong presence. What is more, efforts to establish an enhanced centre of medtech excellence will boost the importance of the La Chaux-de-Fonds site for Ismeca Automation.
Following the sale of Ismeca Automation, operations at Schweiter Technologies will focus entirely on machine construction in the textiles, semiconductors and optics sectors. The latter was expanded considerably in November 2004 with the acquisition of the LOH Group (revenues approx. CHF 110 million).