CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, MARCH 31, 2008 - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, and MTL Instruments Group plc, signed an agreement for GE Fanuc to acquire the assets of the MTL Open Systems Technology (MOST) product lines including the MTL8000 general purpose I/O, intrinsically safe I/O, SafetyNet system, and process control technologies. MTL is headquartered in Luton, Bedfordshire, U.K.
“This acquisition illustrates GE Fanuc’s commitment to the process market segments and will further enhance our offerings by providing customers with a superior line of SIL2 controls, intrinsically safe rated I/O modules and process control technologies,” said Bill Estep, Vice President of GE Fanuc’s Control Systems Business. “Customers with the need for Intrinsically Safe Field Mounted I/O will benefit from this new offering.”
With the addition of a line of redundant capable SIL2 Certified controllers and intrinsically safe I/O to its Process Solutions, GE Fanuc is now able to fully address the safety system needs of key process industries including Oil & Gas, Chemical & Petrochemical, Water/Wastewater, Natural Gas, and Pulp & Paper. Allowing the I/O to be mounted directly in Division 2/Zone 2 or Division 2/Zone 1 hazardous areas provides a cost-effective intrinsic safety solution.
The MTL8000 I/O and its proven technologies are deployed around the world by process system OEMs, system integrators, and end users to solve their most demanding process control applications. It is built to withstand the extremes of temperature and vibration as well as the hazardous and corrosive gases that rule out the use of conventional I/O in unfriendly environments.
Included in this product line is a comprehensive solution for safety-related applications, including: process shut down (PSD), emergency shut down (ESD) systems and burner management systems. It is a SIL2 safety system in compliance with IEC 61508, and is built on the same platform that is already widely used in process control applications.
“When GE Fanuc launched its Proficy Process Systems last year, we took an open approach toward supporting fieldbus technology and I/O,” said Steve Ryan, Director of Process Solutions for GE Fanuc. “The addition of the MTL8000 line of I/O re-emphasizes our commitment to providing our customers with the freedom to choose the I/O, Safety and process control strategy that best meets their needs.”
“GE Fanuc is serious about process as shown by this acquisition along with organic developments and our other technology partnerships,” continued Estep. “Like MTL, a key part of our strategy for process solutions is based on working closely with System Integrators to provide value added domain expertise and flexibility for a wide array of customer solutions. GE Fanuc looks forward to working with the many integrators who have worked with the MTL products in the past to provide superior process solutions to our extended, customer base.”
“MTL Open Systems Technology solutions have been proving themselves around the globe and across many industries for the past 10 years,” said Graeme Philp, CEO for MTL. “Combining them with the global reach of GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms and their new GE Fanuc Process Solutions will provide OEMs and end users with highly competitive choices at a great value. MTL will continue to invest in key process related infrastructure such as wireless, fieldbus communications and intrinsic safety.”
The transaction is expected to close in the near future, subject to customary closing conditions.
About GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a joint venture between General Electric (NYSE: GE) and FANUC LTD of Japan, is a high-performance technology company and a global provider of hardware, software, services, expertise and experience in automation and embedded computing, with products employed in virtually every industry, including manufacturing automation, defense, automotive, telecommunications, healthcare and aerospace. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms is a worldwide company headquartered in Charlottesville, VA and is part of GE Enterprise Solutions.
