IDEC Acquires APEM to Expand Position in the HMI Hardware Market

IDEC Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial automation and control devices, announced its recent acquisition of APEM to expand its position in the human machine interface (HMI) components, panels and systems market.  With over $ 500 million USD in total sales, the combined entity now has a broader portfolio of industrial automation and HMI products, and access to markets across Europe, North America and Asia.

APEM’s products are primarily HMI interface components, such as panel switches, joysticks, keypads, and LED indicators.  These components are assembled into HMI panels by their customers, or by APEM as semi-custom and full custom HMI panels.  APEM’s primary markets include agricultural, material handling, medical, aeronautics, defense, and transportation.  These products and markets complement IDEC’s standard HMI systems and industrial automation products.  APEM’s ability to design and deliver semi-custom and full custom HMI panels extends IDEC’s product portfolio into this area.

APEM’s historical presence will help to accelerate IDEC’s growth in Europe.  IDEC’s position in Japan and across Asia will open new markets for APEM products, and help to support the existing APEM business across Asia.  IDEC and APEM together will be primarily focused on growing sales, leveraging the potential of geographical and product offering synergies.

APEM will keep its product branding, and will maintain strategic development priorities under the leadership of the current management team.

Keywords: Industrial Automation, Control Devices, Human Machine Interface (HMI), Control Technology, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), ARC Advisory Group.