Creaform
3D scanning device manufacturer Creaform has been acquired by global manufacturer of electronic devices AMETEK.
The American company announced the deal today (October 29th) and revealed the buyout of Creaform - which makes innovative portable 3D measuring technologies and provides 3D engineering services - is worth approximately $120 million (£74.7 million, €87.2 million).
Based near Quebec City in Canada, the privately-held company has annual sales of around $52 million and is considered an industry leader in stand-alone, portable 3D scanners.
3D scanning is a key technology in creating accurate 3D models and measurements of objects and Creaform's product range includes numerous families of handheld 3D scanners, portable coordinate measuring machines and related accessories that are widely used in reverse engineering, dimensional inspection, precision manufacturing, non-destructive testing, automated quality control and 3D printing.
The Handyscan 3D, a handheld laser scanner used to perform non-contact measurement, leads the market in capability and portability.
CEO at AMETEK Frank S. Hermance said: "Creaform is an outstanding acquisition. It has an impressive research and development base and an industry-leading position across a number of high growth market applications. Creaform significantly expands the range of non-contact metrology products offered by our Ultra Precision Technology business.
"Creaform’s innovative, optically-based product line and excellent customer base will expand our metrology sales into attractive segments closely adjacent to those of our existing Taylor Hobson and Solartron Metrology businesses."
Creaform operates innovation centers in Lévis and Grenoble, France, and has direct sales operations in the United States, France, Germany, China, Japan and India. It joins AMETEK as part of its Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) - a recognised leader in advanced monitoring, testing, calibrating, and display instruments with 2012 sales of $1.9 billion.
