Regal Beloit acquires start-up company
Regal Beloit Corporation has acquired Ramu Inc., a motor and control technology company headquartered in Blacksburg, Va.
Backed by the venture capital firm Khosla Ventures, Ramu is a start-up company founded by Krishnan Ramu with a research and development team dedicated to the development of switched reluctance motor technology. Switched reluctance technology is a unique motor design that is suitable for applications requiring improved operating efficiencies, high operating speeds or high ambient temperature conditions. An additional strategic feature of switched reluctance is that it does not utilize permanent magnet materials to create the operating torque of the motor.
Ramu Inc.'s current management and technical leadership will continue to lead the research and development efforts at Ramu, which will remain headquartered in Blacksburg. This team will be focused on expanding Ramu's current portfolio of patents and patent applications as well as integrating this technology into Regal Beloit's motor portfolio for commercialization across multiple Regal Beloit brands.
"We are very excited to announce the acquisition of Ramu Inc. The company's innovative and talented R&D team is an important strategic addition to our global technical resources. We see potential differentiated value for our customers if we are able to successfully integrate this technology into our energy efficiency motor portfolio," said Henry W. Knueppel, chairman and CEO of Regal Beloit.
Ramu Inc.'s technology remains in the development stage, and its business historically has not realized operating revenue.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The March/April issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Joyce Lansdale and Vallen. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dirk Beveridge, Frank Hurtte, and David Kahle, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
