Siemens to acquire MES provider Camstar

Siemens has entered into an agreement to acquire Camstar Systems, a provider of enterprise manufacturing execution systems (MES) software.

The acquisition will build on Siemens’ industrial digitalization strategy by broadening its integrated product development and production automation solutions for the electronics, semiconductor and medical device industries.

Camstar’s MES solutions will complement Siemens’ existing vertical industry offerings. Camstar will become part of Siemens’ product lifecycle management (PLM) business. The transaction is expected to close during the second half of November 2014. Terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

Camstar’s enterprise MES portfolio delivers scalable, flexible, enterprise-wide solutions for centralized or distributed multi-site manufacturing environments.

Today’s complex product development environment is driving strong demand for enterprise MES solutions among manufacturers in discrete industries. The Camstar portfolio includes high-performance analytics to gain insight into the operations of complex and global processes.

This cloud-based capability leverages state-of-the-art, big data technology across the operations and global supply chain of the enterprise.

“The addition of the Camstar team and products represents the latest step in Siemens’ focus on delivering industry leading, comprehensive functionality and the deep expertise needed to support our customers’ digital enterprises,” said Chuck Grindstaff, president and CEO of Siemens PLM Software.

“The addition of Camstar’s solutions will further accelerate our integration of PLM with the Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) domain. In the integrated digital enterprise, we are enabling PLM, MOM and industrial automation to work together to help customers realise innovation in their products and processes throughout the value chain.

“Camstar’s unique value and industry-centric approach complements the Siemens strategy for the MOM domain and will be a welcomed addition to our premier MES brand, SIMATIC IT.”

“Camstar has established a long-standing reputation as the industry standard in MES capabilities and value delivery to the medical device, semiconductor and electronics segments,” said Scott Toney, CEO, Camstar.

“Siemens clearly recognizes the value we bring to these segments, and the natural fit we are for their industry strategy. We view this as a great benefit for our customers, and we welcome the expanded opportunities that will result from being a part of Siemens.”

“Siemens’ acquisition of Camstar is a smart move that aligns well with their industry strategy,” said Greg Gorbach, vice president, ARC Advisory Group.

“It enhances their capabilities in important industry segments, adds powerful technology and expertise to their solution offering, and enables their customers to realise innovation.”