Highlights

On January 1, Munich-based MVTec Software opened a division in the US. Based in Cambridge, MA, the new division (MVTec LLC) will support the company's distribution partners in North America.

MVTec Software products include Halcon and ActivVision Tools. Halcon provides a library of operators for blob analysis, morphology, pattern matching, and metrology. ActivVision Tools helps engineers develop machine-vision applications without the need for programming.

“Primarily, MVTec LLC will assist our distributors in their customer support, but at the same time it will impart knowledge about this complex technology,” says Dr. Heiko Eisele, president of the new company.

"We received a lot of inquiries from US system integrators looking for standard solutions in 3-D robotics for on-site production,” said Dr. Olaf Munkelt, managing director of MVTec Software in Munich. “Thus, it is high time to expand our customer base in the USA and Canada.” www.mvtec.com.

GKS Inspection Services has enhanced its Detroit-area dimensional inspection and metrology services with the addition of a third Faro portable CMM articulated arm. With the new arm, GKS can better handle the increased interest from customers for on-site inspection and reverse engineering services. GKS selected the largest Faro model to be able to measure large parts, which are common in the area’s automotive industry. The 12-ft platinum Faro arm is equipped with both a touch probe and a 3-D laser scanner. www.gks3d.com.

Thermal imaging supplier RedShift Systems has moved its headquarters to Northwest Park in Burlington, MA, to accommodate anticipated growth. The company’s new headquarters include significantly expanded laboratory space for thermal camera testing, as well as dedicated facilities for RedShift’s advanced characterization and calibration systems. www.redshiftsystems.com.

Nordson, a producer of precision dispensing equipment that applies adhesives and coatings to products during manufacturing, has agreed to acquire Britain’s Dage Holdings, a manufacturer of test and inspection equipment used in the semiconductor and printed-circuit-board industries.

Dage’s digital x-ray systems and bond testers analyze the integrity of electronic connections in semiconductor packages and printed-circuit-board assemblies and ensure quality and process control during the manufacturing process. The company employs more than 200 people and had revenues of approximately $59 million during the 12-month period ending October 31, 2006.

“The purchase of Dage fits Nordson’s strategy of acquiring companies with above-average growth in markets currently served by Nordson companies,” said Edward P. Campbell, chairman and CEO of Nordson. “Over the three-year period ending April 30, 2006, Dage revenues and operating profit grew at annual rates of 24% and 69%, respectively. These growth rates are nearly identical to those of Nordson’s Advanced Technology Systems segment, which since 2003 has grown revenues and operating profit at annual rates of 23% and 59%, respectively.” www.nordson.com.