Omron Adds Motion Control Products, Expands Services with Acquisition of IDM

Schaumburg, IL-based Omron Electronics Inc. today announced the acquisition of IDM Controls Inc., a Houston-based supplier of custom-engineered control and motion control systems. The acquisition, a cash purchase of IDM assets, will enable Omron to expand its broad line of industrial automation control equipment, which currently includes programmable controls, sensors, vision systems, and operator interfaces, with a full line of motion control products. These products will include servo drives and motors and large and small AC and DC inverters.

The agreement also enables Omron to expand its service offerings to include systems integration, custom control systems design/manufacturing and repair and maintenance services via IDM's team of motion control and control systems engineers. The two companies will continue to operate independently, but both will have access to a wider customer base and product offering.

Frank Newburn, president and COO of Omron Electronics, said the IDM acquisition is part of Omron's long-term plan to expand its commitment and presence in the North and South American market. "The rapid pace of technical innovation in the industrial automation arena has required manufacturers to depend more heavily on suppliers for engineering and support expertise," said Newburn. "This acquisition, together with our earlier major investment in an independent industrial software development group, positions Omron to better support its customers with more comprehensive solutions to their control, motion control, sensing, operator interface, inspection, networking, and manufacturing information management needs."

IDM is a 150-person firm with approximately $30 million in sales in 1998. The company will continue to operate independently but will change its name to Omron IDM Controls Inc., effective April 9, 1999. Established in 1973, IDM specializes in the manufacturing, maintenance and repair of variable speed drives and custom control systems for such industries as pulp and paper, plastics, metals, synthetic fibers, textiles, oilfield, converting, packaging, and materials handling.

Omron Electronics Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Omron Corp., a $4.6 billion global electronics company based in Tokyo.

For more information: Omron Electronics, Tel: 847-843-7900.