SKF has agreed to purchase the total share capital of Diagnostic Instruments Ltd, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Diagnostic Instruments (DI) designs, develops and manufactures mobile industrial computers and application-specific data collectors/analysers in the noise and vibration measurement field. DI also supplies production-testing products to detect quality defects in the manufacture of mechanical components and assemblies.

DI’s experience in designing to Intrinsically Safe (IS) requirements has given the company a leading market position in IS data collector design. DI’s business has mainly been through original equipment manufacturers. The firm offers complete product designs including rugged industrial enclosures, electronics and firmware.

DI’s technologies fit well with SKF’s intention to develop its industrial solutions activities and the acquisition will position SKF well in the fast-growing niche market for industrialised mobile computing equipment. The acquisition also will strengthen SKF’s existing business in condition-monitoring products and product-testing equipment.

DI has 33 employees and an annual turnover of about GBP 2.6 million (USD 3.7 million). The company will be part of SKF Service Division. Its management structure, strategic direction and business arrangements will remain unchanged, and DI will continue to supply its complete range of products to its current customer base.