Schneider Electric Expands in Sensing Technology With Purchase Of Kavlico Corp.

April 9, 2004
Schneider Electric has acquired California-based Kavlico Corp., a Solectron Corp. company.

Schneider Electric has acquired California-based Kavlico Corp., a Solectron Corp. company.

Kavlico, Moorpark, Calif., is a major player in the sensing technology market with sales of $156 million for the fiscal year ending August 2003.

Components for repetitive machine builders is one of the growth platforms identified by Schneider Electric in markets adjacent to its core historical offering in electrical distribution and automation and control. The platform already includes Crouzet Automation.

Both companies will strongly benefit from their respective market positions and technologies, the company said.

The global sensors market is estimated at $35 billion, of which $21 billion is sold to machine builders for repetitive applications such as cars, trucks, vending machines and elevators.

Henri Lachmann, chairman and chief executive officer of Schneider Electric, said, “This acquisition of a company with an outstanding track record and advanced technology is a significant breakthrough for us in a growth area adjacent to our core business, as defined in our strategy. The sensors market is a natural expansion of Schneider Electric’s competencies in repetitive machines and a perfect complement to the existing sensing activities of Schneider Electric and Crouzet.”