Foxboro, MA 10/24/16—Applied Instrument Technologies (AIT), a supplier of spectroscopy- and chromatography-based online process analyzers, has been acquired by publicly held French firm Schneider Electric, a specialist in energy management and automation. Financial details were not released. AIT joins Schneider’s Process Automation business, whose products include Foxboro plant instrument and process automation systems. AIT and Schneider announced a partnership in 2015. “As a trusted partner, AIT enabled us to offer one integrated solution for enhanced process analysis, control and asset protection, improving efficiencies and adding significant value for our customers,” commented Chris Lyden, senior vice president, Process Automation, Schneider Electric. AIT’s executive team will remain in place.

A Schneider spokesperson told IBO that AIT has 48 employees. She stated, “The acquisition fortifies Schneider Electric’s position in the petrochemical, chemical, gas processing, refining, pharmaceutical and steel-making industries.” In 2015, Schneider recorded revenues of €26.6 billion ($29.6 billion = €0.90 = $1). The acquisition provides Schneider with process GC, MS, FTIR, NIR and Raman technologies, including lab-based systems for FTIR, NIR and Raman analysis, adding to its process analytical portfolio, which also includes sensors, analyzers and transmitters for online liquid analysis. In expanding its process analysis portfolio, Schneider can now offer a range of measurement and instrumentation similar to competitors such as ABB, Emerson and Siemens.