Swegon buys Ruskin Air Management
UK: Kent-based Ruskin Air Management (RAML) has been acquired by Swedish ventilation firm Swegon, just two years after being bought by Johnson Controls.
A manufacturer of ventilation, air distribution, fire and smoke control products, Ruskin has 220 employees with operations in Whitstable, Kent, and Bridgnorth, Shropshire. It was acquired as part of the $1.6bn deal in April 2014 when Johnson Controls acquired its then owner, the Texas-based Air Distribution Technologies. The business was subsequently aligned under Johnson Controls’ Building Efficiency division.
“This acquisition gives us a very strong local presence and identity in UK through the well-known RAML brands,” commented Swegon CEO Hannu Saastamoinen. “In addition, with RAML, we add a new competence area in Swegon in form of their extensive fire and smoke product knowledge. RAML products are complementary for us and we see good potential for cross sales in the future. As a long-term industrial investor, our aim is to reinforce and further develop the local manufacturing base in both Whitstable and Bridgnorth, which are excellent in producing customised products for the local market with short delivery times.”
Tom Edwards, vice president and general manager, global air systems at Johnson Controls described the new deal as a “win-win”.
“Swegon Group has a strong history of successful, long-term investments, and this establishes a growth position for the company in the UK and mainland Europe. At the same time, we gain a capable partner that helps strengthen our distribution channel for airside products in the region.”
