ABB acquires France-based process automation company Cellier Engineering Group

<%=company1%> (Zurich, Switzerland) plans to strengthen its industrial IT offering by acquiring process automation company Cellier Group S. A., a unit of Groupe ICBT of France. Cellier, based in Aix-les-Bains, employs about 175 people and designs and installs complete production units and industrial process and control systems for the paper, lubricants, paint, oil, and chemical industries.

Cellier also delivers software that allows control systems made by different companies to communicate easily with one another.

This open communication is a key element of ABB's Industrial IT concept to create the fully integrated enterprise, in which all systems - from order processing, material supply and production scheduling through to delivery and administration - are linked together, can communicate with each other, and can be easily monitored and controlled from a single work station.

ABB said the acquisition will be integrated within its Automation segment. Apart from its contribution to the Industrial IT business, Cellier also broadens ABB's product range and opens new market opportunities for other ABB products. ABB said it intends to market Groupe Cellier's engineering expertise worldwide.

"This acquisition fits well with our existing automation business and technology portfolio," says Jörgen Centerman, executive VP and head of ABB's Automation segment. "This is a company with solid IT expertise that will bolster our Industrial IT offering and build our position in a number of important industry markets."

Edited by Jim Lardear
Managing Editor, PlantAutomation.com