News

SMA Solar Technology Acquires Electromagnetic Component Supplier

June 14, 2011 by Jeff Shepard

SMA Solar Technology AG signed a purchase agreement to acquire dtw Sp.z o.o., one of Poland’s largest manufacturers of electromagnetic components, in Krakow today. The transaction is expected to be closed in July 2011 under the usual reserves. In acquiring one of its long-time suppliers, SMA states that it is securing its position as a technology leader in the area of solar inverters. dtw specializes in making technologically innovative core components for manufacturing inverters, such as inductors, coils and toroidal transformers.

"The acquisition of dtw is an important strategic step in expanding the technology leadership of SMA," explained CEO Pierre-Pascal Urbon. "It allows us to more effectively coordinate the development processes of mechanics, electromagnetic components and power electronics while also significantly reducing development times. The acquisition provides a great way to further distinguish ourselves from competitors in the future."

dtw and SMA have been close business partners for about 10 years now. As one of the main suppliers of electronic components, dtw has always succeeded in facilitating the technological development of SMA with components of extraordinary quality and setting new technological standards. Within the SMA Group, dtw will operate as an independent subsidiary and global competence center for electromagnetic components.

"We have worked on building and expanding dtw with great passion over the years. Our acquisition by SMA will help ensure a stable future for the company. We are very happy that our management board stands in full support of the transaction and will play a major role in the continuing development of dtw," said company founder Stefan Domagala. "With SMA as an internationally established partner at our side, we will be able to expand our successful business on a global scale."

Stefan Domagala will continue to drive the research and development efforts of dtw and work in close cooperation with SMA developers. A number of development projects will focus on magnetic materials that are based on new types of alloys and high-frequency transformers that are optimized for high performance and low weight. Wife and co-founder Izabella Domagala will assist the integration of dtw and SMA in an advisory role.

"Stefan and Izabella Domagala have built a great company with highly-motivated employees," added Pierre-Pascal Urbon. "We are very much looking forward to working together even closer with this outstanding team."

SMA will continue the complex manufacturing of electromagnetic components in the modern production facilities of dtw in Zabierzów. The SMA inverter production will stay exclusively at its headquarters in Niestetal/Kassel as well as at its international sites in Denver, Colorado, and Ontario, Canada, for the North American market.

SMA is planning a number of smaller acquisitions with the goal of optimizing the value and supply chain and advancing its position as a technology leader in the future.