Azbil Corporation acquires a stake in U.S. company VorTek Instruments, LLC, which becomes an azbil Group company
Azbil will broaden its flow meter product portfolio and strengthen its global product development functions

January 30, 2013 

Guided by the “human-centered automation” philosophy, the azbil Group has been redefining its businesses and reforming business structures in its drive for global growth. Even in Japan, with a mature economy and continuing structural change, the group has secured a growth model by combining the characteristics of its three core businesses (Building Automation business, Advanced Automation business, Life Automation business). Furthermore, by strengthening ties with global partners, it is planning to globally deploy this model to enhance growth and business efficiency. Azbil’s capital participation in U.S. company VorTek Instruments, LLC is one such tangible development. 

Azbil North America President Gary Johnson (left), 
VorTek Instruments President Jim Storer (center),
Azbil Corporation President and CEO Hirozumi Sone (right).

TOKYO, January 30, 2013 – Azbil Corporation has announced that to globally strengthen and expand its flow meter business, it has decided to make a capital participation in VorTek Instruments, LLC, a U.S. manufacturer and supplier of vortex flow meters with a proven track record worldwide. Azbil Corporation’s U.S. subsidiary, Azbil North America, Inc., acquired a 70% stake in VorTek Instruments on December 31, 2012. The company became an azbil Group company and will change its name to Azbil VorTek, LLC. 

VorTek Instruments is a global company engaged in the development, manufacture, and sale of vortex flow meters with temperature and pressure compensation. It features a lineup of vortex flow meters with integrated temperature and pressure compensation, including insertion meters for large pipe applications. Its main applications are utility steam measurement/control of building HVAC and food processing plants, steam measurement/control of town gas manufacturing plants, and steam and supply measurement/control of various processes. 

This capital tie-up will augment and strengthen Azbil’s flow meter product lineup, which will enable the company to provide solutions with higher added value and to expand the development of its global business. Furthermore, by strengthening flow calibration and product development functions in North America, Azbil aims to establish a globally optimal and efficient business structure. 

Sales for VorTek Instruments is forecast to be 3 billion Japanese yen in four years. 

Hirozumi Sone, President and CEO of Azbil Corporation:
“Since our start as the new azbil Group in April 2012, we have been pursuing “human-centered automation” more aggressively and carrying out business reforms for further global growth. This partnership brings together Azbil and VorTek Instrument’s flow measurement and control technologies and know how, which I believe will complement and broaden the azbil Group’s lineup of flow meters and enable us to provide new value to customers. We have high expectations for Azbil’s product development base in North America.” 

Jim Storer, President of VorTek Instruments, LLC:
“Since its founding in 1995, VorTek Instruments has focused on developing and continuously improving flow meters based on vortex shedding technology. Our products range from single-variable volumetric flow meters to multi-variable mass flow meters with temperature and pressure compensation. Our goals have always been to make rugged equipment that works in the field without issue and provides our customer with true value. I believe that we have found the perfect partner in the azbil Group and together we will be able to bring new and exciting products to market. Azbil’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction through human-centered automation exactly matches our own corporate culture. Together we create what I believe to be the perfect team to tackle the challenges and requirements of the global marketplace.” 

VorTek Instruments, LLC
Location:Longmont, Colorado, U.S.A.
President:Jim Storer
Business:Development, manufacture, and sale of vortex flow meters with temperature and pressure compensation, and related engineering
Founded:1995
Employees:16


Source: http://www.azbil.com/press/20130130.html