Evendale, OH - GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) has completed its acquisition of the Agfa-Gevaert Non-Destructive Testing (Agfa NDT) business unit, following receipt of all required regulatory approvals. Agfa NDT will be combined with GEAE's Non-Destructive Testing business unit and will be renamed GE Inspection Technologies.
GE Inspection Technologies offers radiographic, ultrasonic, eddy current and other inspection solutions that test the structure and tolerance of materials without damaging them. It aims to be a global leader in inspection technologies across several industries, including aerospace, energy, chemical/petrochemical and automotive.
The use of NDT is widespread. It ranges from ensuring the quality of newly manufactured components in the automotive, aerospace and locomotive industries to assessing the operational condition of oil and gas pipelines, commercial and military aircraft and petrochemical facilities.
Based in Hurth, Germany, GE Inspection Technologies will have 1,000 employees at more than 25 facilities in 25 countries worldwide. Visit online at: www.GEInspectionTechnologies.com.
"GE has a strong history in the development of non-destructive inspection technology and equipment to support its businesses," says David Calhoun, president and CEO of GE Transportation. "For example, GEAE has been using GE Medical Systems' technology to enhance the productivity of our operations for years. The purchase of Agfa NDT provides GE with a platform on which to become a global leader in technology-driven inspection products that will deliver customer productivity, quality and safety."
Concurrently, Jeff Nagel has been named president of GE Inspection Technologies. Nagel most recently served as general manager of Business Development at GEAE since 2001 and previously served as president of GE Home Electric Products.
"GE Inspection Technologies combines the strength of Agfa's NDT products and support network with GE's leading-edge inspection technologies and manufacturing expertise," said Jeff Nagel, president of GE Inspection Technologies. "The new business will offer solutions that improve the productivity of the manufacturing and service operations of customers across a wide range of businesses."
The purchase agreement also includes a supply agreement for GE Inspection Technologies to become the exclusive seller of Agfa NDT X-ray film. Agfa will retain its NDT X-ray film production. Details of this agreement have not been disclosed.
The Agfa-Gevaert Group, a leading imaging company, develops, manufactures and markets analog and digital systems for the graphics, healthcare, micrographics, motion picture and photography industries. Product and company information can be found on Agfa-Gevaert's home page at: www.agfa.com.
GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE), a division of GE Transportation of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications.