Zeiss Industrial Metrology to Acquire Majority Stake in Steinbichler

Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology GmbH is set to acquire a majority interest in Steinbichler Optotechnik GmbH of Neubeuern, a move it says will make it a complete provider of optical metrology products for auto body manufacturing.

The deal is subject to regulatory approval but should be finalized by midsummer, according to Zeiss. Steinbichler's headquarters will remain in Neubeuern, and Marcus Steinbichler will continue to head the new company as managing director.

"This will further strengthen the Zeiss Industrial Metrology business group in the field of optical measuring technology, promote digitization and position it as a solutions provider in the area of quality processes in car body production," business group head Rainer Ohnheiser said of the acquisition. "As a result, Zeiss will cover the entire process from the CAD data model and digitization right up to body shell inspection."

Founded in 1987, Steinbichler has a global workforce of more than 200 people.

The company provides systems for digitization with optical 3-D sensors, and in surface inspection on car body and sheet metal parts. These include mobile photogrammetry and laser scanning systems such as interferometric tire-inspection systems. The company also produces surface inspection systems used in robots and software.

Zeiss and Steinbichler have already collaborated on a triangulation laser scanner for horizontal measuring machines.