According to Martin Buck, co-CEO at ifm, the acquisition will secure the innovative strength and growth of both companies for the future: “Together with our future colleagues, we want to take advantage of the great opportunities offered by the market for the further growth of HMT and ifm.” For Martin Buck, it is important to emphasize that the takeover of HMT is not motivated by economic considerations alone: “For ifm, the takeover of HMT is about securing component availability for the future and supporting ifm’s innovative strength through HMT’s expertise in ASIC design.” However, the takeover by ifm also makes sense from HMT’s perspective as one of its largest customers. GĂĽnther Hoheisel, CEO of HMT, states that “HMT will benefit significantly from the growth dynamics of the ifm Group and the support in implementing its own growth ambitions.” HMT will continue to operate fully independently on the market. For this reason, the systemic integration of HMT into the ifm Group will be kept to a minimum.
The HMT brand will be retained
Nicole Reber, President of the Board of Directors and previous majority shareholder of the Hi-Density Group, is convinced that this step is a promising option and a constructive path for the future of HMT: “As part of this takeover, we are doing justice to all stakeholders. The site and the jobs will be retained and our employees will continue to have a shareholder who cares about the further development and growth of HMT. This was a very relevant factor for me in the takeover process. Our customers and suppliers can also continue to count on a reliable partner. The fact that HMT will continue to operate independently on the market made the takeover by ifm positive and comprehensible for me overall.”
This is also important to Martin Buck: “At no point was it an option to let the HMT brand disappear from the market. Rather, we are interested in supporting the growth plans and expanding HMT’s technology offering. So I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome all customers, suppliers and employees. We at ifm will do everything we can to ensure a seamless transition and support HMT in its growth ambitions.”
In particular with regard to HMT’s customers, Martin Buck emphasizes that HMT will continue to be a reliable and competent partner for all customers in every respect.
No change in HMT’s business concept
HMT has always consistently pursued a European strategy and is therefore ahead of the industry: it has continuously created new jobs in Biel and invested around ten million Swiss francs in the company’s own test center since 2012. When it comes to partners and suppliers, the company relies heavily on European companies. HMT is thus proving that it is perfectly possible in Europe and Switzerland to keep up with the cost structure from the Far East if the higher level of training of the employees is taken into account and deployed correctly and automation is consistently driven forward.
“ifm has a positive influence on HMT’s operating business, particularly with regard to current and future projects for our entire customer base,” emphasizes GĂĽnther Hoheisel, CEO of HMT microelectronic AG. “On the basis of a balanced customer portfolio, we as a Swiss company will know how to utilize the strengths of our location. In the triumvirate of cost, quality and design, we continue to offer customers the right balance.”
Asic design since 1978
HMT microelectronic AG develops ASIC designs on a contract basis. Founded as a spin-off from the Swiss watch industry, HMT has brought well over 500 ASIC developments into series production since 1978.
ASICs are application-specific microelectronic circuits, colloquially known as microchips. In today’s automated world, ASICs developed by HMT for sensors and actuators are used in all market segments – from industry to automotive and medical technology to aviation. HMT specializes in particular in mixed-signal ASICs (circuits that process analog and digital signals), modules and microelectronic systems for sensors and actuators.
The Biel-based company has 42 employees and generates sales in the double-digit million range.
– – – – – –
Further links
👉 www.ifm.com
Photo: pixabay
