Emerson is acquiring Swiss-based factory automation specialist Afag. The acquisition expands Emerson’s factory automation served market by $9 billion and expands its presence in discrete and hybrid manufacturing sectors. Afag specialises in development of electric linear motion, feeding and handling automation solutions.

Emerson will combine Afag’s electric linear motion solutions with Emerson’s pneumatic motion technology in a new portfolio.

Afag serves customers in high growth segments including battery manufacturing, automotive, packaging, medical, life sciences and electronics. The electric linear motion segment is expected to grow mid-single digits annually.

“Afag brings exciting technology that will enable Emerson to accelerate growth in our existing $900 million factory automation business,” said Ram Krishnan, chief operating officer of Emerson. “As discrete and hybrid customers continue to accelerate electrification across their manufacturing processes, Afag’s technology is ideally suited to provide improved energy efficiency and performance gains. We look forward to combining Afag’s motion capabilities with our existing pneumatic leadership, creating a unique and differentiated solution for our customers. Afag and its employees will play an important role in enhancing Emerson’s strength and innovation in factory automation.”

“We are excited to join Emerson and build on its existing factory automation leadership, while further expanding our global reach,” said Adrian Fuchser, chief executive officer of Afag. “Our customers rely on Afag for essential, customised systems and we are energised by this opportunity to create a more comprehensive and holistic solution for their motion needs. We share Emerson’s vision of providing complete solutions in essential industries and we look forward to driving continued success as part of Emerson.”

The transaction is expected to close by the end of Emerson’s fiscal 2023, subject to customary closing conditions. Afag will be reported in Emerson’s Discrete Automation segment.