Micromech buys Unimatic`s motors and drives division

Essex-based Micromech has bought Unimatic Engineers` motors, drives and linear division for an undisclosed sum. The sale will allow London-based Unimatic to concentrate on what it regards as its core activities — prototyping and CNC machining. Two of Unimatic`s salesmen — Terry Gibbins and Jim McPhail — are joining Micromech.

Unimatic was founded more than 40 years ago to supply motion control and automation products. In recent years, it has shifted its focus to offer products and services aimed at helping UK designers and manufacturers to bring their products quickly to market, and to manufacture short runs flexibly. Unimatic has also become a major supplier of equipment to secondary schools, colleges and universities.

The company now has two divisions: a machines division, which supplies CNC machines, laser scanning, cutting and engraving equipment, rapid prototyping machines, and CAD/CAM software; and a microtechnology division, which specialises in piezo motors and actuators, as well as piezo-motor-driven systems.

Braintree-based Micromech, established more than 25 years ago, supplies controls, servo and stepper motors and drives, and associated motion products. It says that there is a considerable overlap of products and expertise between its existing business and the newly acquired operation, adding that the acquisition will give its customers access to a wider range of products and services.

Last year, Siemens Automation & Drives appointed Micromech as a technology partner for its servomotors, drives and controls portfolios. Micromech has recently signed a co-operation agreement with Underwoods to supply complete Siemens motion packages.