Headquartered in Switzerland, Pfiffner has other locations in Germany, China and Russia. Employing 220, it generates an annual turnover of about CHF80 million (£56.5 million).
With this latest purchase, FFG says it has boosted its portfolio and know-how in the area of high volume machining. Within the FFG group, the machine tool division generates approximately $1.8 billion (£1.187 billion) out of a total turnover of about S3.3 billion (£2.176 billion).
As with its earlier German acquisitions, Pfiffner falls within the sphere of independent FFG operation FFG Werke GmbH, located in Uhingen, Baden-Württemberg. But, says the release: "As a member of a globally active group with manufacturing plants in Europe, Asia and the Americas, Pfiffner group will have access to the extensive sales and service capacities of FFG. This creates potential for global growth, especially in the Asian developing markets, where FFG has one of the industry's largest footprints and a widely spread customer base. The growing FFG has a strong financial record and is about to invest further in its technologies and customer support capacities."
With more than 700 employees at four manufacturing sites in Germany, plus six further locations in Germany, Russia, China and Korea, FFG claims a global footprint, enhanced by a network of sales and service partners in all major markets.
Luigi Maniglio, president of FFG Werke GmbH, said: "We are very happy to welcome Pfiffner to our group – a renowned machine tool brand that we will maintain and strengthen further. Together with the complementary rotary transfer machine portfolio of our Witzig & Frank brand, we are becoming a leading provider of this advanced technology."
Karl R Pfiffner, owner and chairman of the board of directors of the Pfiffner group, added: "We are convinced that the growth strategy of FFG provides the ideal circumstances for Pfiffner and our employees to master the challenges of globalised markets. The presence and the know-how of the FFG brands are unique in the industry and will enhance our abilities to provide our customers with the most reliable and technologically leading solutions."
Pfiffner has serviced the UK directly from Switzerland and along with news of its purchase there is no indication yet whether this is to change. However, it was only recently that FFG Werke GmbH announced a UK-based regional sales operation in relation to VDF Boehringer, Hessapp, Hüller Hille, Honsberg, Modul and Witzig & Frank.
- FFG Europe, based in Piacenza, Italy, is another European FFG operation and boasts Italian brands Jobs, Sachman, Rambaudi and Sigma. Luigi Maniglio is FFG Europe's chairman. Feeler is a home-grown FFG brand, with this handled in the UK by the Engineering Technology Group.
