Page 65 - RB-74-15-3

NEWS EXTRA
ZEISS Acquires Majority Interest in Steinbichler
The ZEISS Industrial Metrology business group has announced the planned acquisition of a majority interest in Steinbichler Optotechnik GmbH, the Neubeuern, Germany based manufacturer of shearography equipment.
As well as being a global leader in the supply of interferometric tyre inspection systems, Steinbichler is also a leading player in the field of car body metrology, an area where it has co-operated closely with ZEISS in the past, most recently in the joint development of ZEISS’s EAGLE EYE II triangulation laser scanner.
In a press release ZEISS commented; “The interaction of the Steinbichler portfolio with the ZEISS software line, such as the ZEISS PiWeb platform and the surface measuring programmes, will generate synergies and potential that we will be able to offer through the ZEISS global distribution and service organisation for the benefit of our customers in the
future.”
Commenting on the acquisition Dr. Marcus Steinbichler, Managing Partner of Steinbichler Optotechnik GmbH said: "The competencies and positioning of Steinbichler Optotechnik GmbH and ZEISS Industrial Metrology are the perfect match. Access to the ZEISS global distribution and service organisation will now enable us to reach more customers and enter additional sectors. The interaction of the Steinbichler portfolio with the ZEISS software line will generate synergies and potential for the benefit of the customers. As we have already been collaborating closely on developments for many years, we know ZEISS ver y well indeed and are now evolving the solid, proven partnership into a joint company with its focus firmly on the future."
Dr. Rainer Ohnheiser, Head of the ZEISS Industrial Metrology business group added: "This will further strengthen the ZEISS Industrial Metrology business group in the field of optical
measuring technology, promote digitisation and position it as a solutions provider in the area of quality processes in car body production. As a result, ZEISS will cover the entire process from the CAD data model and digitisation right up to body shell inspection. With the extremely fast ZEISS EAGLE EYE triangulation sensor on the measuring machines of the PRO series, we have already presented a jointly developed product. It has already proven its excellence in several
benchmark studies. This development underscores the joint capabilities of ZEISS and Steinbichler in the interest of our customers." Steinbichler Optotechnik GmbH was founded more than 28 years ago and has been managed by Marcus
Steinbichler as the sole shareholder and CEO since 2005. The acquisition, which is subject to approval by committees and authorities, is expected to be concluded by mid-summer this year. Steinbichler Optotechnik GmbH will remain as an independent company within the ZEISS Group with locations in Neubeuern and Pilsting/Langenargen in Germany.