Siemens acquires Preactor

Siemens has acquired the Preactor Group headquartered in Chippenham in the UK, further expanding its international presence in the industry software market. Preactor's APS software solutions will add significant new components to the Siemens Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) portfolio. Preactor has been developing software solutions for efficient automated production planning processes for over 20 years. Once the deal is complete, the UK-based company will be assigned to the Siemens Industry Automation Division. The relevant agreement was signed today. The purchase price will not be disclosed.

The Preactor Group was founded in 1992, and currently employs a workforce of 70. Alongside its base in the UK, the company is also represented in North America, India, France, Spain and China. Preactor's APS planning software has been installed by over 4,500 small, medium and large multinational companies in 75 countries, and is used to drive down production costs, boost productivity and improve adherence to delivery deadlines.

"By acquiring the Preactor Group, we are further extending our position as an industry software supplier in the field of production and logistics," said Anton S. Huber, CEO of the Siemens Division Industry Automation. "The solutions supplied by Preactor ideally complement our MES product portfolio. We will be extending our industry software offering to include APS as a key component in the field of Manufacturing Operations Management. With the Preactor Group, we are gaining a team of specialists with a proven track record as a preferred supplier and service provider for APS solutions the world over".

The Preactor Group's President and CEO Mike Novels adds: "We have no plans to divert from our existing successful course. With our highly qualified workforce and Siemens behind us, we will be in a position to supply our future-oriented APS software solutions as a global partner backed by worldwide presence and support. We will be making a major contribution to the ability of companies the world over to fully utilize their resources and adhere to confirmed deadlines."

Since the end of 2011, Siemens has acquired industrial software providers across every branch of industry, including: Active Tecnologia em Sistemas de Automação Ltda. (pharmaceutical and biotech production), Vistagy Inc. (design of composite materials), IBS AG (quality and production management), Innotec do Brasil Ltda. (holistic plant management), Perfect Costing Solutions GmbH (cost management), VRcontext International S.A. (3D plant visualisation) and LMS International (mechatronic simulation).