BDG acquires EP Ehrler from ABB

BDG and EP Ehrler see strong opportunities for joint development in the transaction. (Source: BDG Testing and Automation GmbH)

BDG Testing & Automation GmbH (BDG) from Künzelsau-Amrichshausen, a 100% subsidiary of the Bürkert Group, Ingelfingen, takes over EP Ehrler Prüftechnik Engineering GmbH from Niederstetten from ABB. With this acquisition, BDG strategically expands its service portfolio to include expertise in testing, measurement, and calibration technology. At the same time, the transaction strengthens the technological positioning of the Bürkert Group as a whole and creates the foundation to support customers even more comprehensively with integrated solutions and services in the future.

Portfolio Expansion and Skills Development

EP Ehrler becomes part of BDG. BDG brings the expanded competencies as a subsidiary into the Bürkert Group. While BDG is primarily known for automation, integration, as well as production and series testing, EP Ehrler broadens this profile with strengths in flow measurement technology, R&D-related testing, validation, and accredited flow calibration. This creates an expanded offering that more closely connects development, validation, production, and service.

"With the acquisition of EP Ehrler, we are strategically expanding our service portfolio. For our customers, this means more measurement depth, even closer integration of testing and automation expertise, and an expanded service offering from a single source," says Jürgen Lorenz, CEO of BDG Testing & Automation GmbH. "We combine complementary strengths and thereby create added value – from development through production to operations."

"With BDG, we have found a partner with whom we can strategically expand our competencies and sustainably strengthen our market position," says Thomas Kappes, Managing Director of EP Ehrler. "We share a common understanding of values and the goal of combining medium-sized strength with an international perspective."

ABB views the step as part of the ongoing integration of the Födisch Group: "Integration for ABB also means finding the best home for all business areas that do not optimally fit with ABB. BDG offers this with ideal development prospects for the business and employees of EP Ehrler," says Fabian Wagner, Integration Manager and Board Member of the Födisch Group.

Customer Benefits and Group Strengthening

For Bürkert customers, bundling competencies means closer integration of precision, scalability, and system integration. Testing and automation solutions can be integrated earlier in the development process, transferred more efficiently into production, and certified during operation. This shortens lead times, increases planning security, and expands the range of services offered.

"With this step, BDG not only strengthens its own position but also enhances our capabilities within the framework of Bürkert's ongoing strategic realignment," says Georg Stawowy, CEO of Bürkert. "We see great potential in the interplay of technology, application expertise, and service. The additional competencies enable us, among other things, to offer extensive calibrations as a targeted service and to align our service portfolio even more consistently with our customers' needs."

The acquisition is a strategic move for BDG and Bürkert Fluid Control Systems: BDG strategically expands its portfolio, while Bürkert benefits within the group from a broader range of services. The combination of fluid system understanding, automation, testing expertise, and service creates the foundation to design solutions more holistically throughout their entire lifecycle.

By integrating EP Ehrler into BDG, Bürkert specifically expands its technological expertise where it provides the greatest benefit to customers. The acquisition combines specialized measurement and testing technology with automation know-how and specifically broadens the solution and service offerings.