On Course for Expansion
With the acquisition of all shares in the renowned Schmid Engineering GmbH, headquartered in Erlangen, Kappa optronics GmbH, world market leader in highly integrated vision systems in safety-critical aviation and defence applications, as well as high-class mirror replacement systems for the automotive sector, is expanding its successful technology portfolio.
Completed on 1 May, the acquisition will result in Schmid being merged into Kappa optronics as a new ‘Innovation Centre’. Michael Schmid, Managing Director of Schmid, takes on the role of Director, Innovations at Kappa, with immediate effect. The entire workforce has been employed and the site will be further expanded. “Behind technological excellence are people – in this case, two strong teams who have been working together on projects for some time with great success and can’t wait to bring their know-how together across the board,” Schmid stated.
Johannes Overhues, CEO at Kappa optronics, sees the merger as a logical step. The two companies complement each other 100% strategically, in terms of product portfolio. Kappa has extensive manufacturing competence and exceptional experience in the development of highly qualified vision systems for safety-critical systems, while Schmid brings key know-how and its existing partner network in the field of smart sensors, highly integrated system-on-chip (SoC) for embedded vision as well as its expertise in ISP tuning and numerous, efficiently implemented, modular IP cores. The merger unlocks tremendous potential. Cost-effectively aligned projects can be implemented e.g. with edge computing SoC solutions for demanding Kappa target markets. At the same time, Kappa will take over some volume projects for typical Schmid engineering applications through Kappa Manufacturing.
A welcome side effect of the deal: Overhues makes no secret of the fact that Kappa Recruiting is also benefiting greatly from the company’s diversification, which now includes several attractive development locations in Spain and Germany. The new Kappa Innovation Centre, located in the Nuremberg-Erlangen technology region with a top-class industrial and research environment, is perfectly positioned to attract specialists to Kappa to join in shaping and further accelerating the company’s successful growth trajectory. With this acquisition, Kappa optronics is continuing the process of consistent realignment. Further promising steps are already in the pipeline, says Overhues.
