Curtiss-Wright acquires designer of OEM solenoids

Curtiss-Wright Corporation on October 1 announced that it has acquired Mechetronics Ltd for $2.8 million. Mechetronics develops and supplies solenoids and solenoid valves for industrial markets. The business will become part of Curtiss-Wright's Motion Control segment.

"The addition of Mechetronics expands Curtiss-Wright's leadership in the supply of OEM solenoid design and manufacturing. Mechetronics brings extensive experience in the design of industrial solenoids, including manufacturing in China, and complements our aerospace and defense solenoid businesses in North America and Europe," said Curtiss-Wright chairman and CEO Martin R. Benante.

Mechetronics is a global supplier of solenoids and solenoid valves to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). A solenoid is an electromagnetic actuator used as a mechanical switch or integrated with a valve to provide control in pneumatic or hydraulic systems. The Mechetronics products are used in a variety of applications including business machines, switchgear and vehicle braking systems.

Originally founded in 1918, today Mechetronics is a leading solenoid supplier in the United Kingdom, with expected sales of $11 million in 2008. Operations are headquartered in a 27,000 square-foot facility in Bishop Auckland, U.K., and include a new production facility opened in Zhuhai, China, in 2007. Mechetronics employs 65 people.

About Curtiss-Wright

Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a diversified company headquartered in Roseland, N.J. The company designs, manufactures and overhauls products for motion control and flow control applications, and provides a variety of specialized metal treatment services. The firm employs approximately 7,600 people worldwide.

About Curtiss-Wright Motion Control

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Curtiss-Wright Controls is the Motion Control segment of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. With manufacturing facilities around the world, Curtiss-Wright Controls is a leading technology-based organization providing niche motion control products, subsystems and services internationally for the aerospace and defense markets.