The Timken Co., which makes engineered bearings and power-transmission products, last week announced that it has acquired Intelligent Machine Solutions Inc. The company said Intelligent Machine Solutions' industrial automation will expand and complement its Rollon linear-motion product line.
“The acquisition of iMS builds upon our established engineering expertise in power transmission and will enable us to compete more effectively and win new business in the heavy-duty linear-motion space,” stated Rüdiger Knevels, CEO of Rollon. “This deal expands our product line and creates new opportunities for us in the growing and global $700 million robotic transfer unit industry.”
Norton Shores, Mich.-based Intelligent Machine Solutions (iMS) was founded in 2008 and has about 20 employees. The company designs and manufactures floor-mounted, overhead, rotary, and seventh-axis robotic transfer units (RTUs) and gantry systems used by manufacturers across industries.
Timken expands industrial automation offerings
North Canton, Ohio-based Timken has designed and sold a growing portfolio of engineered bearings and power transmission products. With more than a century of experience, the company posted $3.5 billion in sales in 2020 and employs more than 17,000 people in 42 countries.
Timken said it is recognized among America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek, the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere, and America's Best Midsize Employers, Best Employers for New Graduates, and Best Employers for Women by Forbes.
Timken entered the linear motion product space in 2018 with the acquisition of Europe-based Rollon, a leader in engineered and specialized linear motion products, including linear guides, telescopic rails, and linear actuators and systems used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
The companies said iMS will increase Rollon's leadership in robotics and automation and in new and growing market sectors, such as packaging and marine, as well as aerospace and automotive production plants.
In addition, the iMS acquisition will expand Rollon's operational footprint in the U.S., which Timken said is a key strategic objective.
iMS's revenues for the 12 months ended June 30 were approximately $6 million. Other terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
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