Allied Vision Technologies (AVT), a provider of Gigabit Ethernet and FireWire digital industrial cameras, has acquired 100 per cent of the shares of the camera producer VDS Vosskühler, based in Osnabrück, Germany.
Effective immediately, the acquisition increases AVT's portfolio with the addition of near infrared (NIR) and long wave infrared (LWIR) camera technologies, as well as extensive competencies in the area of active camera cooling. The acquisition further strengthens AVT's overall market position in the area of industrial cameras.
'We have been following the NIR and the LWIR markets for a long time already and see large growth potential,' commented Frank Grube, CEO of AVT. 'With VDS Vosskühler we found a perfect fit – a company which focuses on OEM customers and their specialised requirements and needs for customisations. Now we are extending our product portfolio into the non-visible spectrum of infrared and can offer our customers this type of camera in the same high product quality as our other cameras.'
Established in 1985, VDS Vosskühler develops, produces and markets industrial cameras in the NIR (0.9-1.7µm) and LWIR/Thermography (8-14µm) spectrum range. The company also has a wide portfolio of CCD cameras for visible light.
Through the acquisition, Allied Vision Technologies – a 100 per cent affiliate of the technology company Augusta Technologie – gains immediate access to these important technologies and increases its customer base substantially.
To grow the company, including the extensive expansion of the sales force, Jürgen Vosskühler, founder of VDS Vosskühler, was looking for a strong partner. Allied Vision Technologies is widely represented in America, Asia and Europe. In addition, the infrared products of VDS are a complementary expansion of AVT's product portfolio.
Vosskühler has handed over his position as CEO to Grube, CEO of AVT, but will continue to support and advise the company, especially during the integration phase.
'We are happy to have found a strong partner for the further growth of our business,' said Vosskühler. 'We not only have access to a technically experienced global sales organisation but also we will work closely together when developing new products. Our technological competencies match extremely well.'
Grube is convinced of the success of the acquisition: 'More technologically leading product developments of infrared cameras and the ramp up of the business in this growth market can be expected,' he commented.
