Spectris plc, the expert in providing insight through precision measurement, has announced the acquisition of Piezocryst Advanced Sensorics GmbH (“Piezocryst” or the “Company”) from AVL List GmbH (AVL). Based in Graz, Austria, Piezocryst has been a leading provider of piezoelectric sensors since the 1950s, specialising in high-precision pressure sensors and accelerometers for demanding applications. The Company’s sensors are known for their quality, durability and precision, helping optimise engines, machines and processes in the harshest of environments. Piezocryst will be integrated into the HBK business, expanding HBK’s existing product range.
Piezocryst sensing technology will enhance HBK’s customer offering across the automotive, aerospace & defence, energy and industrial markets. Piezocryst will also benefit from leveraging HBK’s global sales and service network. The acquisition is strongly aligned with the strategy for HBK to create the leading, premium pressure and vibration sensing offering for the most advanced applications, building on the acquisitions of Dytran and MicroStrain over the past two years. The acquisition is subject to customary completion conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close around the end of the year. Ben Bryson, president of HBK, said: “I’m extremely excited to welcome the Piezocryst team into Spectris Dynamics and HBK.
Piezocryst has a wealth of prestige and technical know-how for precision sensing in the Automotive and Energy sectors. With our combined capabilities, we will be market leaders in piezoelectric sensing, advancing our position as physics experts in R&D and in-process solutions. Together, we will serve the Automotive, Aerospace, Space and Machine Manufacturing markets with best-in-class precision sensing whilst having a customer-focused approach to configurable solutions, harnessing the growth potential in support of the key megatrends of Electrification of Mobility and Automation. Exciting times ahead as we Empower the Innovators.”
About HBK–Hottinger Brüel & Kjær
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK)’s testing and measurement solutions give engineers around the world the accurate, up-to-date data they need to bring higher-quality products to market faster. HBK bridges the physical and virtual worlds with robust, flexible hardware and precise, powerful analytics software. Giving design, test and measurement engineers complete confidence in every reading and every data-driven decision–across the entire product development lifecycle. Backed by decades of experience and deep expertise, HBK’s sensors and software transform testing and measurement in a huge range of use cases, from building more aerodynamic aircraft to testing the safety of automotive vehicles and monitoring assets throughout their production cycle.
HBK empowers the innovators by providing exceptional sensing and insights to help create solutions for a cleaner, healthier and more productive world.
About Piezocryst
Piezocryst, based in Graz, Austria, specializes in high-precision pressure sensors, force sensors and accelerometers for demanding applications. Established in 2004 as a spin-off from AVL List, the company has roots in the piezoelectric sensor business dating back to the 1950s. Known for their precision, quality and durability, Piezocryst’s sensors optimise engines, machines and processes while preserving global resources. They maintain their own crystal growth and process it into their high-precision products. Fully owned by AVL, Piezocryst employs 175 people from over 10 nations.
They manufacture the smallest and most powerful piezoelectric sensors at their Graz facility, serving industries such as Formula1, gas turbines and industrial applications.
