Penn Elcom Continues Steady Expansion with Acquisition of Flightware BV

	Thomas Mostert

Penn Elcom GmbH has acquired Netherlands-based flightcase manufacturer Flightware BV in a very amicable agreement which will strengthen and diversify the Penn Elcom Group's flight case product design capabilities and ranges yet further.

The agreement was reached between Thomas Mostert CEO of Penn Elcom GmbH, the distribution arm of the Penn Elcom Group in Continental Europe, and Marcel Vlot, managing director of Flightware, who is now planning to leave the industry to pursue other interests.

Roger Willems, Chairman of the Penn Elcom Group comments, "Marcel is delighted that his business has been delivered into good hands, and that the innovation and standing that he's built up over the last 30 years of dedication to the industry will be continued."

He adds that Flightware's history of producing high quality hardware and accessories for flightcase construction is a natural match with Penn Elcom's core business. The operation was also extremely well connected and respected, the company says.

Flightware had a number of exciting new designs in the pipeline that Penn Elcom will now bring to the market, and these, plus existing Flightware products will be available worldwide through the Penn Elcom distribution network.

The move is part of a steady on-going expansion strategy by Penn Elcom geared to consolidating its worldwide operation and enhancing the brand's reputation.

The company recently gained a majority shareholding in Chinese based 19" rack manufacturer, Forsight. It has also ramped up its general production capacity in Hastings, UK.

Over a million pounds worth of investment last year has boosted the floor space in Hastings, accompanied by a complete tooling upgrade and addition of the latest Trumpf machinery to the existing suites -- making it the largest concentration of Trumpf technology in Europe.

This is all very timely, as Penn has just landed a major OEM deal from Latin America worth £1.8 million, so the newly revamped Hastings plant will be busy for the next two years.