- Weidmüller invests in R&D of communication electronics specialist
- Center of excellence for communication electronics is key element of new corporate strategy
With retroactive effect from June 1, 2008, Weidmüller has acquired all remaining shares in Heyfra Electronic GmbH, Eisleben, Germany. At the same time, the company has been renamed as Weidmüller Heyfra. Weidmüller has thus underlined its decision to develop Heyfra into a center of excellence for communication electronics, focusing on Industrial Ethernet. Dietmar Franke will continue to lead Weidmüller Heyfra GmbH and also remains head of the Weidmüller Group's "Communication Electronics" business unit.
"The takeover represents a further step in our strategy of becoming the preferred partner for seamless solutions in electrical connectivity and the transmission, conditioning and processing of power, signals and data," says Weidmüller CEO Dr. Joachim Belz. After acquiring a majority shareholding in Heyfra Electronic in 2005, all Weidmüller activities concerning the development and manufacturing of Industrial Ethernet products for decentralized automation were pooled at the Eisleben location. "Weidmüller Heyfra is a leading technological company with great expertise in industrial communication systems, which we intend to extend further. In addition to data network security, we shall also offer workplace security in future," explains Dr. Belz.
Weidmüller will make considerable investments in its center of excellence over the coming years. This will include enhancing the facility's R&D capabilities. The current buildings for the production of electronic components and communication systems will also be expanded. "Our customers will benefit from a significant improvement in the breadth of services offered. This applies both to service and technology, as well as to OEM know-how for the development and production of systems and devices," states General Manager Dietmar Franke.
A key objective of Weidmüller Heyfra Electronic is to integrate its strengths in traditional electrical connectivity with electronics hardware and software. Weidmüller can thus offer a complete product portfolio for power, signal and data networks between the PLC or IPC on the control side and sensors / actuators on the field side. The control and field level itself is not the focus of Weidmüller's activities.