Based in Nuremberg, Metrawatt is a worldwide manufacturer of test products and systems used in the electrical, energy and related sectors.
The County Durham-based Seaward Group is a highly successful manufacturer of electronic test and measurement instruments used in the appliance testing, biomedical, renewable energy, electronics manufacturing and utility markets. Under the terms of the deal, the Seaward Group name and its brands will remain intact and manufacturing will continue at the company’s operation in County Durham.
The directors of both businesses believe that there is a very good synergy between the two companies in terms of product ranges, geographical spread and main markets served.
Rod Taylor, founder of Seaward in 1982, said: ‘This is a very positive development for both companies, bringing new opportunities in terms of enhanced technical capabilities and stronger global market presence.’
Successful in the UK portable appliance testing (PAT) sector, export has become a feature of growing importance to Seaward’s development in recent years, representing 50-60% of turnover.
As part of the new arrangements Rod Taylor has announced his retirement from the business. The new managing director of Seaward is Andrew Upton, who joined the company as sales director in 2006.