In November 2012, Renishaw plc completed a programme started in 2010 to acquire a 100% shareholding in Measurement Devices Ltd. (MDL).
Renishaw is a global company with core skills in measurement, motion control, spectroscopy and precision machining. Renishaw develop innovative products that significantly advance their customers’ operational performance – from improving manufacturing efficiencies and raising product quality, to maximising research capabilities and improving the efficacy of medical procedures.
Renishaw fundamentally believes that success comes from patented and innovative products and processes, high quality manufacturing, and the ability to provide local customer support in all its markets around the globe. Throughout its history Renishaw have made a significant commitment to research and development (R&D), with around 15 to 18% of annual sales invested in R&D and engineering.
The company retain a strong commitment to in-house manufacturing, both to assure quality and protect valuable know-how. The majority of manufacture and assembly is centred on four sites in Gloucestershire and South Wales with further facilities in Ireland and India. The UK sites are truly ‘state of the art’, with highly automated processes that cover machining, surface finishing, assembly and inspection of parts. Renishaw manufactures and sells additive manufacturing (3D printing) machines and so is at the forefront of this and other advanced technologies. Their main assembly plant also boasts an extensive PCB production line that has won industry awards in direct competition with household name electronic device manufacturers.
As you would expect of a company that counts medical devices and healthcare products within its range, Renishaw put a heavy focus on product quality assurance. Day to day activities are underpinned by extensive procedures and audited, third party registration of Renishaw’s QA system.
Renishaw have a strong global presence, with more than sixty offices in thirty two countries with some 94% of their sales made outside the UK. Revenue for the six months ended 31st December 2012 was £174.2 m.
At MDL we now have access to all of Renishaw’s engineering, production and commercial resources (covering staff, systems and facilities) and are now using these to accelerate our own business expansion. The benefits of Renishaw’s investment in MDL can already be seen on our new premises in York, UK which centralises previously separate MDL engineering, production and sales activities on a single site. Staff numbers have been increased and Renishaw is investing heavily in MDL’s product development and in a greatly expanded commercial presence for MDL’s products and services worldwide. Many components and sub assemblies for MDL products are now manufactured within Renishaw.
Like Renishaw, we share a position as innovators within our respective industries, with proven products and high levels of pre- and post-sales service. Renishaw strongly believes that the new relationship with MDL will enable continued growth and further enhancement of our reputation as we take advantage of the significant and growing markets for all our product ranges in quarrying, mining, marine positioning, aviation, civil engineering and traffic control.
More details are available at www.renishaw.com and www.mdl-laser.com