Rockwell adds Swiss optoelectric products firm

London - Rockwell Automation Inc. is to acquire CEDES AG’s Safety and Automation business — a Landquart, Switzerland-based supplier of safety and measuring light curtains, as well as other safety and non-safety optoelectronics, control units and related accessories.  The companies did not disclose terms of the deal, which is due to be completed early in the second calendar quarter of 2008. The CEDES business will be included in the Architecture and Software operating segment, said Rockwell.

The acquisition will enhance a strategic segment within our product portfolio,” said Steve Eisenbrown, senior vice president of Rockwell Automation. “Optoelectronic safety sensors, which include light curtains, are one of the largest product segments of the machine safety market. This acquisition will expand our comprehensive breadth of competitive machine safety solutions for our customers worldwide.”

CEDES chairman and founder Beat De Coi added: "For 20 years, we have specialized in developing innovative optical sensor technologies for a wide range of applications including industrial safety and automation markets. Combining these capabilities with Rockwell Automation's global leadership in industrial automation control and information systems will enable more manufacturers around the world to help protect their workers from machinery and equipment accidents."

After the acquisition is complete, customers can continue to purchase products through the current distribution network of CEDES' Safety and Automation business, according to Rockwell. As products become available under the Allen-Bradley brand, customers will also be able to purchase them through the Rockwell Automation distribution network, the company added.