IDEC acquires APEM

Industrial automation and control device manufacturer IDEC Corporation has announced the recent acquisition of APEM, a manufacturer of HMI solutions. Together, IDEC and APEM are now one of the world’s largest manufacturers of human machine interface (HMI) components, panels and systems. With more than US$500 million in total sales, the combined entity has a broad portfolio of industrial automation and HMI products, and access to markets across Europe, North America and Asia.

IDEC has four main lines of business: Industrial & Safety, Electronics & Automation, Explosion-Proof and LED. Products within these lines of business are supplied to various industry segments including manufacturing, public transportation, agricultural and energy. These products include industrial controllers, HMIs, sensors, switches, power supplies, LED lighting and others.

“This acquisition is a major step for IDEC to establish solid foundations for global growth. It provides us with access to new customers, new markets and a greater range of products and services. Combining the two companies, we are a much bigger enterprise with a global reach,” said Toshi Funaki, president of IDEC. “Together we have 3500 people worldwide, sales subsidiaries in 15 countries and factories in 10 countries. Thanks to the complementary product offerings, business models and geographical presence of the two companies, we expect significant synergies as we combine the two companies together.”

APEM’s products are primarily HMI interface components such as panel switches, joysticks, keypads and LED indicators. These components are assembled into HMI panels by their customers, or by APEM as semi-custom and full-custom HMI panels. APEM’s primary markets include agricultural, materials handling, medical, aeronautics, defence and transportation. These products and markets complement IDEC’s standard HMI systems and industrial automation products. APEM’s ability to design and deliver semi-custom and full-custom HMI panels extends IDEC’s product portfolio into this fast-growing area.

APEM’s strong historical presence and reputation will help accelerate IDEC’s growth in Europe. IDEC’s leadership position in Japan and across Asia will open new markets for APEM products and help to support existing APEM business across Asia. The strength of the combined APEM and IDEC sales teams in the United States will provide unique opportunities for selling high-quality products and solutions to each company’s customer base. IDEC and APEM together will be primarily focused on growing sales, with a huge potential of geographical and product offering synergies.

“With the acquisition by IDEC, a new page of APEM history starts,” said Grégory Sachnine, the president of APEM. “Our product offerings are complementary, which creates a unique opportunity to develop further sales and new products for our existing customers and new ones.”

APEM will keep its product branding, and will maintain strategic development priorities under the leadership of the current management team. APEM and IDEC share many of the same values including high-quality products, excellent customer service and a commitment to the long-term development of their employees. The combined entity will continue to serve customers worldwide in keeping with its longstanding reputation for customer satisfaction.