Bournemouth-based Parvalux has been developing and producing brushed DC motors, AC motors and gearheads for more than 70 years. The company has 185 employees and three production sites. Parvalux generates annual revenues of around £23m, with just over 40% of its output being exported.

The acquisition of Parvalux will expand the maxon’s portfolio to include DC drives in ratings up to 1.5kW, as well as introducing other technologies new to maxon, including AC motors and worm gearboxes. Maxon says that with the deal it is taking another step towards becoming a provider of complete systems. Parvalux’s recent growth is in line with maxon motor’s strategy of working with users to offer customised products.

The acquisition also opens new markets in medical technologies (including stairlifts and electric wheelchairs) and industry (robotics and transport systems). Parvalux will benefit from maxon's global sales network to help drive its growth, which includes a planned expansion of its workforce. Parvalux’s management board will remain unchanged.

Maxon says that the acquisition fits into its strategy of long-term sustainable growth. “We want to be a long-term market-leader in the drives market and offer our customers the best service possible,” says maxon CEO, Eugen Elmiger.

Maxon’s board chairman, Dr Karl-Walter Braun, adds: “I'm confident that Parvalux will contribute to this goal with its know-how and high quality products, and that the company will prove to be an outstanding addition to the maxon world.”

Parvalux was established in 1947 in Romford, Essex, where it where it initially performed motor rewinds. In 1957, it relocated to Bournemouth and expanded from rewinding motors to designing and manufacturing gear-motors for industrial applications.

In 2008, Parvalux acquired Essex-based EMD Drive Systems and relocated it to Bournemouth, nearly doubling its turnover in the process.

Until its recent sale, Parvalux was part of the family-owned Clark Group.