2Connect acquires Components Express Inc

Based in the Netherlands, 2Connect designs, develops and produces interconnection solutions for OEMs worldwide. The company has just announced that it has acquired Components Express Inc (CEI), the American machine vision and industrial cable manufacturer.

Mark van den Heuvel, CEO of 2Connect, stated that “CEI makes for a compelling strategic fit, allowing us to significantly accelerate our US market strategy, while entering the attractive machine vision end market. CEI’s local development, assembly, overmolding and testing capabilities will allow us to serve both existing and new customers in the US”.

Ray Berst, President of CEI, commented that “2Connect has a demonstrated growth culture which aligned with our capabilities and plans, offering an ideal fit for CEI, our customers and partners without disruption”, suggesting that business will continue as normal in the immediate term. He also referred to the company’s culture, stating that it “will remain a family-oriented company with a focus on technology”.

2Connect currently employs over 600 people across its offices in Waalwijk, the Netherlands, Hong Kong and four manufacturing sites in Romania, Germany and the Netherlands. Headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois, the addition of CEI brings engineering, R&D, manufacturing, finished goods warehousing, and global distribution to the portfolio.