Hima buys UK’s Sella Controls and plans to expand the business
The German safety-related automation specialist, the Hima Group, has acquired the UK systems integrator Sella Controls with effect from 1 February 2023. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
The two companies plan to maintain their focus on safety-related automation, control systems and the digitalisation of functional safety.
Sella’s previous owners, John Blackwell and Eddy Turnock, will continue to lead the company as CFO and CSO. Chris Parr, who previously led the process division, will join the management board as CTO.
Sella Controls’ 118 employees will stay with the company and there are plans to expand the workforce. Sela will also keep its three locations. The company has two divisions: a Centre of Excellence Rail Solutions, located in Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Coalville; and a Process Solutions division, in Stockport. The company will continue to trade under the Sella Controls name, with the addition of “a Hima company”.
“The acquisition of Sella Controls is an important milestone in our Hima growth strategy,” says Hima CEO, Jörg de la Motte. “By joining our forces, we will enhance our global position as a leading supplier for safety-related automation solutions for the process and rail industries.”
“Hima has had a long-standing and close relationship with Sella Controls and shares the same vision and values,” adds Hima shareholder, Steffen Philipp. “With Sella Controls, the Hima Group will accelerate its international expansion and strengthen its global competitiveness.”
Hima Group CFO, Dr Michael Löbig believes that the Sella acquisition as “a clear signal that growth by acquisition is an important element of the Hima growth strategy”.
Hima regards Sella Controls’ rail sector expertise and portfolio, in particular, as an good addition to its capabilities, which it intends to market internationally. Sella’s activities in the UK and Ireland process sector will also be expanded, with a focus on the digitalisation of functional safety.
Hima says that its existing customers will benefit from more intensive support as a result of the acquisition, while Sella Controls’ customers will have access to a larger service portfolio.
Sella Controls CSO Eddy Turnock describes the acquisition as “a win-win situation” for the two parties, adding that it will offer multiple synergies. “Hima will benefit from the long-term experience of Sella Controls in the development of solutions for the rail industry, and we at Sella Controls will be able to utilise Hima’s global sales and service to boost our international business.”
“As a family-owned company, the Hima Group is long-term oriented and stands for customer orientation, sustainable growth and people-focus,” adds Sella Controls CFO, John Blackwell. “That’s why Hima is offering great opportunities for further development of the Sella Controls team.”
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