Cooper adds Weidmuller`s enclosures business to its family

US electrical giant Cooper Industries has bought Weidmuller`s UK enclosures business for an undisclosed sum. The Sheerness-based operation will become part of Cooper`s Crouse-Hinds division which is already one of the world`s largest enclosure makers.

The Weidmuller operation employs 130 people and last year generated sales worth around £9.1m. Its products provide protection for electrical components in both hazardous and non-hazardous environments.

Cooper chief executive John Riley says that the acquisition offers "increased opportunities to serve our worldwide customer base". Cooper has been expanding aggressively in recent years, especially in Europe where its acquisitions have included ABB`s CEAG operation, Capri-Codec in France, and Thorn Lighting, Crompton Lighting and JSB Electrical in the UK.