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GE Fanuc buys process assets from MTL Instruments Group

03/31/2008

Charlottesville, Va., March 31 --GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms and MTL Instruments Group plc, announced today that the two companies have signed an agreement for GE Fanuc to acquire the assets of the MTL Open Systems Technology (MOST) product lines, including the MTL8000 general purpose I/O, intrinsically safe I/O, SafetyNet system and process control technologies. MTL is headquartered in Luton, Bedfordshire, U.K.

“This acquisition illustrates GE Fanuc’s commitment to the process market segments and will further enhance our offerings by providing customers with a superior line of SIL2 controls, intrinsically safe rated I/O modules and process control technologies,” said Bill Estep, vice president of GE Fanuc’s Control Systems Business. “Customers with the need for Intrinsically Safe Field Mounted I/O will benefit from this new offering.”

With the addition of a line of redundant, capable SIL2-certified controllers and intrinsically safe I/O to its process solutions, GE Fanuc is now able to fully address the safety system needs of key process industries including oil & gas, chemical & petrochemical, water/wastewater, natural gas, and pulp & paper. Allowing the I/O to be mounted directly in Division 2/Zone 2 or Division 2/Zone 1 hazardous areas provides a cost-effective intrinsic safety solution.

Included in this product line is a comprehensive solution for safety-related applications, including process shut down (PSD), emergency shut down (ESD) systems and burner management systems. It is a SIL2 safety system in compliance with IEC 61508 and is built on the same platform that is already widely used in process control applications.

“When GE Fanuc launched its Proficy Process Systems last year, we took an open approach toward supporting fieldbus technology and I/O,” said Steve Ryan, Director of Process Solutions for GE Fanuc. “The addition of the MTL8000 line of I/O re-emphasizes our commitment to providing our customers with the freedom to choose the I/O, Safety and process control strategy that best meets their needs.”

“MTL Open Systems Technology solutions have been proving themselves around the globe and across many industries for the past 10 years,” said Graeme Philp, CEO for MTL. “Combining them with the global reach of GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms and their new GE Fanuc Process Solutions will provide OEMs and end users with highly competitive choices at a great value. MTL will continue to invest in key process- related infrastructure such as wireless, fieldbus communications and intrinsic safety.”

The transaction is expected to close in the near future, subject to customary closing conditions.