Schneider Electric has bought Dinel, a French company that develops and manufactures optoelectronic devices, including fibre optic sensors, laser sensors, contrast sensors, optoelectronic amplifiers and sensors for detecting transparent products. Dinel, founded in 1980 and based in Gournay-en-Bray, generates annual sales of around €3.4m, 42% of which are from outside France. The company has 35 employees.

One of Dinel`s strengths is integrating microelectronics into products to make them easier to use. Its recent innovations include a colour sensor, a range of miniature sensors, and an imaging system for final quality control on production and packaging lines.

Schneider will add Dinel`s products to its existing sensing portfolio, which includes inductive, capacitive, ultrasonic, photoelectric and electromechanical sensors. The company says that the acquisition reflects its commitment to continue developing its range of automation products.