Weidmuller gets some colour

Previously seen as a run-of-the-mill 'grey box' manufacturer of components for electrical connection technology, Weidmuller is determined to change its hue, according to managing director Andrew Finch.

Since the company was set up in Australia in 1972, says Finch, it was determined to promote new concepts and create original products, although he admits, in the beginning their electrical components manufacturing and assembly production was somewhat of a "cottage industry". But, Finch says, things have turned around 180 degrees. So much so, that just recently the company was given a "top rating with industry analyst IDC," according to Finch.

This change in the perception of the company is not only due to its own expansion, but also due to the changes within the industry. "The automation industry has changed", says Finch, adding, "from hard wired to bus systems there has been a conscious move to computer-based industrial control."

This, Finch says, has resulted in an "automation-driven shift in the market, particularly for process driven systems".

Along with this shift, there have been other accompanying changes, Finch says, including, "a need for higher levels of accuracy, resolution, efficiency, and not to mention a change in standards, time requirements, KPI's and most of all customer expectations".

In line with this, he says the company is moving with the times, as well as targeting a number of core industries such as oil, gas, chemicals, utilities and brewing.

A major acquisition for the company has been the buyout of Mann Industries, which Finch says will enable Weidmuller to "double its research and development, allowing the company to quickly provide solutions in any segment of the market that requires them".

This fusion of Mann and Weidmuller, Finch says, will give the new entity a much stronger presence in the market place. "Mann Industries will be seamlessly integrated with Weidmuller by June 1. This will see us manufacturing and exporting their products and expertise to the world."

Accordingly, he says, these changes will give the company in the next five years a "stepping stone to become the market leader in process instruments and not just for grey boxes, but the total interface solution".