Metris acquires Krypton and MetricVision

Leuven, April 14th 2005 – Metris, the market leader for CMM based laser scanning applications today announces the simultaneous acquisition of Krypton N.V. (Leuven, Belgium) and MetricVision, Inc. (Virginia, Washington, USA). Total funds in excess of 20 million euro have been raised to finance the acquisition and integration of the two privately held companies.

“We are proud to position Metris through these acquisitions as a center of excellence for optical metrology,” says Bart Van Coppenolle, Metris’ President and CEO. “The synergies in our respective customer bases, product mix and organizational structures will further drive our rapid growth. The Krypton and MetricVision products are also fully complementary with our existing CMM OEM distribution network.”

Krypton (Leuven, Belgium), is a high-tech product company developing and producing solutions for quality control and testing, based on highly accurate linear camera technology. The Krypton K-systems are portable, hand-held optical coordinate measuring machines, with a proven track record in engineering and pre-production applications. Major Automotive OEM customers, such as BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM, PSA, Toyota, Volkswagen etc. have already recognized the value of this new technology that combines high dynamic accuracy with portability and ease of use.

“We are glad to become part of the growing Metris organization that becomes by these acquisitions a market leader in optical dimensional quality control.” says Dr. ir. Alex Van den Bossche, CEO of Krypton. The acquisition of Krypton by Metris will push the rapid expansion of the Krypton product technology around the world.

Johan Van den Bossche, CEO of Krypton adds, “We will actively continue our role as high-tech company builders. We will further contribute to the new dynamics in the Flemish knowledge economy".

Beside the portable CMM business, Krypton is also the market leader for robot-cell calibration and robot performance testing, enabling enhanced accuracy in robotic applications. The Krypton solution turns off-line programming into an easy and accessible task, enabling tremendous savings on robot programming and thus manufacturing down time.

MetricVision (Virginia, USA) develops and manufactures unique precision 3D measurement laser radars based on its patented coherent laser radar technology.  Laser radar is the only solution available that provides automated, non-contact measurement capability for large-volume applications of up to 60 meter radius. These portable or fixed installation systems are currently in use by companies around the world in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive and power generation. Applications range from the inspection and in-process control of aircraft and spacecraft components to the inspection of large automotive and heavy vehicle parts and molds. 

“This is an exciting moment for all the stakeholders associated with MetricVision^®”, comments Tom Bouchard, former CEO – MetricVision, Inc. “Being an integral part of the dynamic Metris team will maximize the value and opportunities we can deliver to our customers, employees, shareholders and business partners.” 

About Metris

Metris designs, develops and markets world-class solutions for optical metrology including downstream applications such as full part to CAD inspection and reverse engineering. Metris primarily focuses on the automotive and aerospace design and manufacturing community.

Metris is the market leader for CMM based laser inspection, with the Metris LC and XC laser scanners for full part and feature measurement. With the recent acquisitions, the core products now include the Metris Krypton portable CMM and MetricVision laser radars. Metris also develops a full range of complementary software solutions for inspection and reverse engineering applications.

Metris has its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium complemented with a development center in California, United States and a network of sales and support offices located in Germany, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, United States, France and Canada.

Metris customers include companies such as Ford, Toyota, GM, DaimlerChrysler, VW, BMW, Honda, Opel, Nissan, KIA Hyundai, Johnson Controls, Lear, Faurecia, Rolls- Royce, Siemens, GE, Hewlett Packard, etc.

Metris has alliances with most important CMM manufacturers such as Mitutoyo, Brown & Sharpe, DEA, LK, Wenzel, etc.