Process Automation Capabilities Expanded After Acquisition

Pepperl+Fuchs (Germany) has acquired Walsall Ltd., a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. With this acquisition, Pepperl+Fuchs intends to expand the Process Automation Division to include expertise in the development and manufacture of electromechanical equipment for use in hazardous areas.

In December 2009, Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH acquired Walsall Ltd. Walsall’s headquarters is located in the West Midlands region of England and specialises in the development, certification and production of electromechanical products for use in hazardous areas. The company’s hundred plus year heritage dates back to the early days of Walsall Conduits PLC, which once dominated the world in electromechanical explosion protection equipment.

Walsall’s main products are based around enclosures in the increased safety, intrinsic safety and flameproof protection classes with approvals for the integration of a wide range of electrical apparatus. Enclosures are available in a variety of materials, including stainless and mild steel, fiberglass reinforced plastic, aluminum, and cast metal. All product ranges are certified for use as a combination if more complex system solutions are required. As a complement to the core products, other product ranges include lighting, signaling equipment, emergency shutdown equipment, and installation accessories such as cable glands, thread conversion adaptors, stopping plugs and breather drain devices, which can all be used in hazardous areas.

In order to ensure continued market growth, Walsall was delighted to enter into cooperation with Pepperl+Fuchs, a company having a well-established distribution organisation. Through the acquisition of Walsall Ltd., Pepperl+Fuchs will expand its existing process automation product range and enter the electromechanical explosion protection market.

By combining the product and manufacturing strengths of Walsall with the expertise and sales network of Pepperl+Fuchs, this vertical integration will allow us to respond to our customers’ requirements faster and with more comprehensive components and solutions.