Hitachi Completes Acquisition of MA micro automation of Germany, a Leading Provider of Robotic and Automation Technology

MA micro automation will be under operation of JR Automation.

The acquisition expands JR Automation's reach into global automation markets in medical, advanced battery and other fields.

HOLLAND, Mich.,Sept. 30, 2024/PRNewswire/ -- Hitachi Ltd. (TSE: 6501,"Hitachi") has completed the acquisition of MA micro automation GmbH ("MA micro automation", headquartered in St. Leon-Rot,Germany), a leading provider of robotic and automation technology. MA micro automation will be under operation of JR Automation Technologies, LLC ("JR Automation") to grow the company's reach in the global advanced automation market, such asEurope,North America, andSoutheast Asia.Hitachi and MAX Management GmbH (the seller, a subsidiary of MAX Automation SE) signed a stock purchase agreement in April, 2024, and pursuant to this agreement finalized the deal onSeptember 30, 2024. Both JR Automation and MA micro automation have strong, recognized brands and will continue to do business under their existing names.

"MA micro automation's capabilities are a perfect complement to JR Automation's plans for growth in the medical segment,"saidDave DeGraaf, CEO at JR Automation."We have been impressed not only by their solutions and R&D capabilities, but also by their strong culture and shared values."

The acquisition of MA micro automation adds value for customers worldwide with diversified offerings in medical and high-precision automation. The deal also expands sales opportunities for JR Automation inEuropeand for MA micro automation in the U.S. as well as business portfolio for theAsia Pacificmarket with a stronger presence inSingapore.

"This collaboration is poised to deliver increased value and support to our customers worldwide, particularly in the medical market vertical where MA micro automation has established a strong foothold,"saidJoachim Hardt, CEO at MA micro automation.

The field of robotic SI, which involves a massive amount of data, is playing a central role in connecting shop floor and top floor to achieve overall optimization. With this acquisition of MA micro automation, Hitachi is globally expanding and strengthening its capabilities in the robotic SI field and develop"Total Seamless Solution^*1"that solve issues between shop floor and top floor to create new value."By welcoming new colleagues, Hitachi Group aims to be a global leader in the robotic SI business, and strive to increase the productivity of frontline workers and maximize customers'corporate value by utilizing the strength in IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products through Lumada^*2's customer co-creation framework,"saidKazunobu Morita, Vice President and Executive Officer, CEO of Industrial Digital Business Unit, Hitachi, Ltd.

With the deal closed, JR Automation and MA micro automation are carrying out post-merger integration plans and reaching out to key stakeholders including customers and suppliers. The companies are also planning a celebration at MA micro automation's headquarters inGermanyonOctober 22.

^*1"Total Seamless Solution"is a registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. in the U.S., andJapan.

^*2Lumada: A collective term for solutions, services and technologies based on Hitachi's advanced digital technologies for creating value from customers'data accelerating digital innovation.https://www.hitachi.com/products/it/lumada/global/en/index.html

About MA micro automation

Founded in 2003, MA micro automation is headquartered in St. Leon-Rot,Germanyand has locations inSingaporeand the U.S. The company employs about 200 people and specializes in automation equipment and specialty machines for the medical industry. Examples include production and testing systems for contact lenses, diagnostic consumables, insulin pens, auto-injectors and several other medical devices. More athttps://www.micro-automation.de/en/

About JR Automation

Established in 1980, JR Automation is a leading provider of intelligent automated manufacturing technology solutions that solve customers'key operational and productivity challenges. JR Automation serves customers across the globe in a variety of industries, including automotive, life sciences, aerospace, and more. 

In 2019, JR Automation was acquired by Hitachi, Ltd. in a strategic effort towards offering a seamless connection between the physical and cyber space for industrial manufacturers and distributors worldwide. With this partnership, JR Automation provides customers a single-source solution for complete integration of their physical assets and data information, offering greater speed, flexibility, and efficiencies towards achieving their Industry 4.0 visions. JR Automation employs over 2,000 people at 21 manufacturing facilities inNorth America,Europe, andAsia. For more information, please visithttps://www.jrautomation.com.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers'and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of"Digital Systems& Services"– supporting our customers'digital transformation;"Green Energy& Mobility"– contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and"Connective Industries"– connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company's revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (endedMarch 31, 2024) totaled8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website athttps://www.hitachi.com.

SOURCE JR Automation