On course for expansion: Kappa optronics acquires Schmid Engineering GmbH

With the acquisition of all shares in the renowned Schmid Engineering GmbH from Erlangen, Kappa optronics GmbH, world market leader in highly integrated vision systems in safety-critical aviation and defense applications as well as high-class mirror replacement systems for the automotive sector, is expanding its successful technology portfolio. The acquisition was completed on May 1, 2022. The addition will be merged into Kappa optronics GmbH as a new "Innovation Center". Michael Schmid, founder and managing director of Schmid Engineering GmbH, takes on a driving role at Kappa as Director Innovations with immediate effect. The entire workforce has been employed and the site will be further expanded. There is great pleasure in working together on innovative ideas, implemented with the latest technology for international customers. Michael Schmid: "Behind technological excellence are people – in this case, two strong teams who have been working together on projects for some time with great success and can’t wait to bring their know-how together across the board."

Johannes Overhues, co-shareholder & CEO Kappa optronics, sees the merger as a logical step. Kappa optronics and Schmid Engineering GmbH strategically complement each other 100 percent in terms of product portfolio. Kappa has extensive manufacturing competencies and exceptional experience in the development of highly qualified vision systems according to the standards for safety-critical systems, Schmid Engineering brings key know-how and its existing partner network in the field of smart sensors, highly integrated System on Chips (SoC) for embedded vision as well as its expertise in ISP tuning and numerous, efficiently implemented, modular IP cores. The merger unlocks tremendous potential. Cost-effectively aligned projects can be implemented e.g., with edge computing SoC solutions for demanding Kappa target markets. At the same time, Kappa will take over some volume projects for typical Schmid engineering applications through Kappa Manufacturing.

A welcome side effect of the deal: Overhues makes no secret of the fact that Kappa Recruiting is also benefiting greatly from the company’s diversification, which now includes several attractive development locations in Spain and Germany. The new Kappa Innovation Center, located in the Nuremberg-Erlangen technology region with a top-class industrial and research environment, is perfectly positioned to attract specialists to Kappa to join in shaping and further accelerating the company’s successful growth trajectory.

With this acquisition, Kappa optronics is continuing the process of consistent realignment. Further promising steps are already in the pipeline, announces CEO Overhues.