ALTANA's headquarters
German chemical company ALTANA has acquired ultrasonic measuring equipment manufacturer Imaginant Inc. The move will expand its BYK division, while also providing ALTANA with the ability to enter the growing semiconductor industry.
Key information:
- ALTANA acquires ultrasonic measuring equipment manufacturer Imaginant Inc.
- The New York-based company will form part of ALTANA's BYK division.
- Through the move, the speciality chemicals group hopes to expand into the semiconductor industry.
Based in New York, Imaginant provides test and measurement instruments for quality assurance that covers a variety of industry applications. An example of how the American company’s solutions can ensure quality control is through its ability to determine the thickness of multilayer automotive and other coatings through non-destructive testing. Specifically in the semiconductor industry, Imaginant’s instruments can complete scans of acoustic microscopes to detect delamination, cracks, and cavities inside electronic components.
“The acquisition of Imaginant by BYK-Gardner will enable us to develop new and innovative test and measurement instruments that realise the full potential of our ultrasound technologies,” said Dr Todd Jackson, CEO of Imaginant. “This will be beneficial to both our customers and our employees.”
ALTANA is hoping to expand the BYK division through Imaginant Inc’s patented technology for handheld and robotic measuring instruments. Imaginant’s PELT coating thickness gauges claim to detect and measure the thickness of each layer in a multilayer coating system. And with ultrasound-based technology, it is possible to be used on metallic and non-metallic materials.
Following the acquisition, BYK will take over Imaginant’s production facility in Rochester, New York. The American company was first founded in 1986, currently employs 34 people, and has a global customer base.
“Imaginant’s technological expertise in the development and manufacturing of high-frequency ultrasonic measuring instruments complements BYK-Gardner’s strengths as a specialist in innovative high-tech instruments for testing colour, gloss, and physical properties,” says Dr Tammo Boinowitz, a member of the Management Board of ALTANA AG and the President of the BYK division. “By integrating these measurement technologies into our software and services, we intend to further simplify our customers’ production processes and drive the digitalisation of the industry."
Shasta Partners LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Imaginant during the transaction, which is still subject to customary closing conditions. The acquisition price has not been disclosed at this time.