Automation & IIoT

SICK AG, Endress+Hauser Join Forces to Drive Process Automation for Cleaner Industries

Oct. 31, 2023

The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on developing technologies and solutions for achieving sustainability targets.

Sharon Spielman

SICK AG and Endress+Hauser announced a strategic partnership in process automation to support the global energy transition. The companies signed an MoU, according to a press release, that they aim to combine their expertise and resources to develop new technologies and solutions for cleaner industries.

Need for Sustainable Process Automation

Driven by the urgency of climate protection and the shift toward non-fossil fuels and resources, industries across the globe are undergoing a transformative phase to achieve a CO2-neutral global economy. SICK and Endress+Hauser say they have identified opportunities to contribute to a sustainable power supply while assisting customers in meeting sustainability targets.

The venture will jointly market and enhance SICK’s flow and analyzer technologies as well as provide customers with support throughout the value chain concerning climate and environmental protection, energy transition and the hydrogen economy.

Key highlights of the collaboration include:

Shareholding and Management—The joint venture will be composed of equal shares from both companies, with each contributing half the members of its senior management.
Financial and Technological Contributions—Endress+Hauser intends to provide financial support, share its technological expertise and open new sales channels globally. SICK will contribute the product-generating units of its Cleaner Industries Business Cluster, including a range of development and production sites in Germany.
Sales, Service Staff Transfer—Sales and service staff focused on cleaner industries at SICK will be transferred to Endress+Hauser’s sales centers.
Contract and Integration—The companies plan to conduct a thorough review of the relevant business fields and draft a contract, which is expected to be signed in Q1 2024. Closing is expected mid-2024, according to the release.

Synergies for Success

The two companies have complementary product and solution portfolios in the field of process automation. SICK specializes in the development, manufacturing and sales of analyzer applications, including emissions monitoring for conventional fuels.

The ultrasonic flowmeters also provide measurements for natural gas/hydrogen mixtures, supporting the transition to non-fossil fuels. The company’s intelligent solutions cater to waste incineration plants, power plants, steel works, cement works, oil and gas, and chemical/petrochemical plants, contributing to environmental preservation.

Endress+Hauser supports customers worldwide in the process industry seeking sustainable transformation. Its products, solutions and services promote energy and resource efficiency, energy transition and the circular economy.

About the Author

Sharon Spielman | Technical Editor, Machine Design

As Machine Design’s technical editor, Sharon Spielman produces content for the brand’s focus audience—design and multidisciplinary engineers. Her beat includes 3D printing/CAD; mechanical and motion systems, with an emphasis on pneumatics and linear motion; automation; robotics; and CNC machining.

Spielman has more than three decades of experience as a writer and editor for a range of B2B brands, including those that cover machine design; electrical design and manufacturing; interconnection technology; food and beverage manufacturing; process heating and cooling; finishing; and package converting.

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