Drive Systems Acquisition Extends Electrification Capabilities

A worldwide supplier of drivetrain, sealing, and thermal-management technologies, based in Maumee, Ohio, recently announced that it has completed the acquisition of the Drive Systems segment of a leading global technology and engineering group providing solutions and services for surfaces and drive technologies in diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, tooling, energy, and general industries.

Dana Incorporated’s acquisition of the Drive Systems segment of the Oerlikon Group, including the Graziano and Fairfield brands, expands the company’s capabilities in electrification, including:

  • extending Dana’s current technology portfolio, especially in the area of high-precision helical gears for the light- and commercial-vehicle markets, as well as planetary hub drives for wheeled and tracked vehicles in the off-highway market;
  • growing Dana’s electronic controls capability for transmissions and drivelines through the acquisition of VOCIS, a wholly owned business of Oerlikon Drive Systems, and further expanding its motors technologies through Ashwoods Electric Motors;
  • increasing Dana’s product offerings that support vehicle electrification in each of Dana’s end markets – light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and off-highway;
  • optimizing Dana’s global manufacturing presence to be closer to customers in key growth markets such as China and India, as well as the United States;
  • and adding four research and development facilities to Dana’s extensive network of technology centers, as well as 12 facilities to the company’s global manufacturing footprint.

    James Kamsickas, president and CEO of Dana

“Dana’s acquisition of the Drive Systems segment of Oerlikon enables us to support our customers’ shift toward vehicle electrification across nearly every vehicle architecture in the light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and off-highway segments,” said James Kamsickas, president and chief executive officer of Dana.  “The Drive Systems business’ highly talented team is also strategically positioned to give our customers access to critical manufacturing capabilities in key growth markets, such as India, China, and the United States.”

The Drive Systems business serves a global roster of original-equipment manufacturers with a portfolio of high-tech products that can be found in a wide range of applications for operating machinery and equipment used in agriculture, construction, energy, mining, on-road transportation, and high-performance sports cars.

Selected customers include, but are not limited to AGCO, Ashok Leyland, Aston Martin, BMW, Caterpillar, CNH, Daimler, John Deere, Ferrari, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, MAN, McLaren, Oshkosh, SANY, Scania, Terex, Volkswagen, and AB Volvo.