GF Machining Solutions to Acquire Software Specialist

In line with their strategy to digitalize their offering, GF Machining Solutions (Lincolnshire, IL) has agreed to purchase 100 percent of the shares of Symmedia GmbH (Bielefeld, Germany), a privately-owned company that has been specializing in software for machine connectivity solutions for the past 20 years.

The secure interconnection of machines is the basis of the future development of industrial processes, commonly described as Industry 4.0. Symmedia has developed and offers these interconnections as a key player in factory digitalization. Their SP/1 software is used as the “internet of machines” in over 100 countries. Leading machine manufacturers and operators use the software as a convenient service portal with remote service, parts, maintenance and monitoring being proactively offered directly at the machine. The performance figures of the service organization on facility availability, productivity and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) are available to management everywhere, wherever they are.

Symmedia was established in 1997 and today employs 60 people. More than 15,000 machines in various industries worldwide have been equipped with their software. The company will continue to support and develop connectivity solutions for all types and all brands of machines and factory equipment. In addition, GF Machining Solutions will use this technology to accelerate their digital transformation by offering complete systems for factory connectivity in industrial environments.

Symmedia will continue to operate under their current management from their Bielefeld base. Both parties have agreed not to disclose any financial details. “We warmly welcome them to our family and look forward to supporting the further development of their connectivity solutions for a whole range of clients,” stated Yves Serra, the chief executive officer of Georg Fischer, the parent company of GF Machining Solutions. “This new partnership will also allow us to speed up and widen the range of the digital solutions we offer to our customers.”

“Our users are machine manufacturers who provide services in textiles, pharmaceuticals, food, electronics, plastics, printing, tooling and other industries,” added Peter Barkowsky, the co-founder and managing director of Symmedia. “As a member of the GF family we will be able to deepen the cooperation with our global customers, but also to help GF accelerate their digital transformation.”

“Leading shareholders Gundlach Group and Oetker Group are grateful to the management and team of Symmedia for a truly innovative and very successful buildup of a niche market leader,” noted Dr. Albert Christmann, the chief executive officer of the Oetker Group and chairman of the board of Symmedia. “We also thank our customers for outstanding relations and wish all stakeholders a prosperous next stage.”

www.gfms.com