CIE Components in Electronics
HUBER+SUHNER has acquired the assets of Astrolab Inc. based in Warren, New Jersey at a non-disclosed price. With its patented minibend and microbend cable assemblies Astrolab is mainly active in high tech niche markets like space & defence and offers high end radio frequency solutions for industrial markets.
In 2012 Astrolab recorded net sales of around $20 million and a profit margin well above the industry average. The company’s flexible microwave cables and assemblies are known for their electrical properties and performance. Besides its operations in Warren, NJ, Astrolab also operates a second production site in Costa Rica. Thanks to the strong market position in North America the company generated over 80% of its sales in the home market.
According to Urs Kaufmann, CEO of HUBER+SUHNER, Astrolab is strategically a perfect match for the company as it complements the RF portfolio and the position of the company in North America.
“We are taking an important step in the implementation of our strategy by enhancing our US presence and our access to very important high tech niche markets”, said Mr. Kaufmann. “We are building Astrolab into a lead competence centre for tape wrapped microwave cable design as well as production centre for space, defence and aviation applications within the HUBER+SUHNER Group. There is little overlap of the product portfolios and the access to HUBER+SUHNER’s global sales force will unlock true growth potential for Astrolab products”.
“We are beginning a new chapter in our company history and we are convinced that HUBER+SUHNER is the ideal strategic match for Astrolab”, said Steve Toma, President of Astrolab, Inc. “HUBER+SUHNER possesses the strength and the reach to tap into new geographical markets for our world class products, and HUBER+SUHNER’s engineering depth will help foster our innovative power. Furthermore, HUBER+SUHNER has a proven track record in promoting a positive company culture with a long-term business perspective, which is important for our personnel”.
Founded in 1961 Astrolab currently employs some 100 people and will operate as a subsidiary of HUBER+SUHNER, Corp. under the name HUBER+SUHNER Astrolab.
