Xtech Embedded Computers Acquires Kontron Elektronik
Xtech Embedded Computers today confirmed the acquisition of the German-based company, Kontron Elektronik GmbH. Xtech Embedded Computers develops industrial single board technology for CompactPCI and PICMG standards. Kontron Elektronik designs rackmount, portable and mobile industrial computer systems. Together, the companies will now be able to provide comprehensive industrial computer systems with unparalleled performance and reliability for the OEM, systems integration and end-user markets.
"Kontron's industrial computer systems provide the perfect complement to Xtech's line of industrial board-level products," says Dr. Rudi Wieczorek, Kontron's new executive VP of engineering.
Originally founded in 1962, Kontron manufactures a broad portfolio of industrial computer systems including industrial rackmount, portable and mobile computers as well as customer specific systems. Since its inception, Kontron has established itself as a leader in the European marketplace with a series of industry firsts including the development of the portable industrial PC, the 19-in. rackmount PC, the industrial laptop and the industrial notebook. Their most recent development is the E-PAC, or Electronic Packaging Concept, that serves to reduce integration costs and MTTR (mean-time-to-repair), a particularly valuable asset in those applications which mandate zero downtime. Kontron's customer list includes companies such as BMW, ABB, Thomson CSF, Schlumberger and Siemens.
In addition to their engineering technology, Kontron's manufacturing facility includes an in-house EMC and TUV laboratory, making it possible to certify its systems for adherence to these standards. These certification capabilities are now combined with the technology developments at Xtech to provide integrated industrial computer systems fully compliant with industry standards and the latest technology advancements.
Kontron will continue to operate from its present location in Munich, Germany, as an independent wholly owned subsidiary of Xtech Embedded Computers. It will maintain an international presence with offices located throughout Europe. To service North American customers, the company will establish a U.S.-based sales, service and support center and operate under the name Kontron Inc.
Xtech and Kontron will merge manufacturing facilities in Munich, enabling increased manufacturing capabilities and a proactive stance with respect to meeting market demands.
"Kontron is able to integrate the latest board-level technology into their industrial systems and Xtech increases their manufacturing capabilities thereby improving the time-to-market equation for customers seeking an integrated solution," says Joseph F. Marullo, Xtech's VP of sales for North America
Xtech Embedded Computers (Montreal) was recently formed with the merger and consolidation of the operations of Boards AG, Micron AG and Xtech Inc. Key areas of development for Xtech solutions include single board computer design, low power/mobile computers, MPEG video development and industrial image processing.