Maxima, headquartered in Lancaster, Pa., is a global electronics company specializing in custom-engineered and standard vehicle instrumentation, controls, components and systems for low-to-medium volume severe-duty applications. The company serves a diverse array of end-user markets, including marine, agricultural, off-highway, industrial, specialty vehicle, and automotive aftermarket. Maxima’s high-quality brand names include Datcon, Stewart Warner and AST. It employs approximately 500 people, primarily in the United States, with smaller operations in Mexico and Spain, and it has revenues of approximately $65 million.
Commenting on the transaction, Actuant executive vice president Bill Blackmore stated, “We have been interested for some time in adding electronic controls capabilities internally, as we primarily use third parties for this important component of our actuation systems. Maxima achieves this objective, and it provides us access to a number of new markets, increasing our diversification. Similar to Actuant, Maxima is focused on continuous improvement and utilizing Six Sigma tools. It has a demonstrated track record of growth in sales and profitability under the leadership of Oddie Leopando, president and CEO, and we are pleased that he and his team will be joining Actuant.”
“The acquisition is a major boost for us,” said Leopando. “Actuant’s diversified and fast–growing business has a culture similar to Maxima’s in that they are committed to Six Sigma and lean principles. I am personally excited about leveraging our combined capabilities and global reach in a way that strengthens our relationships with customers, and sustains a leading position in our core market segments.”
Maxima will be included in Actuant’s Engineered Products business segment, and Leopando will report directly to Bill Blackmore.
