MTL Instruments Group today announced it has acquired the GECMA group of companies, a manufacturer of operator display units for use in hazardous industrial areas. The acquisition of GECMA, based in Kerpen, Germany, is part of an active expansion strategy, helping MTL leverage its existing sales channel while offering its customers a more complete solution in Open Control components for hazardous environments.

GECMA's specialist operator displays are often used in hazardous areas, such as chemical, petrochemical plants and pharmaceutical factories, that MTL already targets with its range of remote I/O and surge protection products. As Graeme Philp, MTL's chief executive commented, “This is an excellent acquisition which is a first-rate fit with MTL's existing operations. GECMA sells to the same customers that we are selling to with our interfaces and fieldbus and MOST products.”

The acquisition expands MTL's product offerings for companies joining the widespread move to the open systems environment, which requires more control equipment to be located on the plant floor close to the process or in the field, and streamlines the role of the central control room.

Frank Kellershohn, who founded the GECMA business, will join the MTL management team as business unit director of the newly formed Visualisation Business Unit. Frank Kellershohn said: “I am proud to be part of the MTL Group, and I believe we share a common vision for the future of our industry. I look forward to playing a part in the MTL senior management team.”

The acquisition enables GECMA to extend its existing international customer base by using MTL's strong global presence and widespread sales operation. GECMA's display units encompass a flat screen VDU, a rugged keyboard and other peripheral equipment, such as track balls and fingerprint scanners. Hermetically sealed, they are safe for use in all hazardous environments, for instance those exposed to harsh chemicals or explosive gases and dusts.

GECMA also has a strong customer base in the pharmaceutical sector, as its display units can be safely hosed down for cleaning purposes.

Both MTL and GECMA will be present at the 2005 Interkama fair, Hannover in hall 7 / F25 from April 11th to April 15th .