SL Controls is set to merge with NNIT, a leading provider of IT solutions to the life sciences sector, providing the Danish multinational with a foothold to make Ireland its 'smart factory' base.
SL Controls, a Sligo-headquartered specialist technology integration firm, was acquired by NNIT in 2021 and will fully integrate with its parent this month, with CEO Keith Moran due to head up NNIT's smart factory and supply chain solutions unit.
The former SL Controls senior leadership team will also assume responsibilities for NNIT's smart factory operations.
Smart factories integrate systems, equipment, and devices so they can generate data to improve production processes.
“We are very excited about the international role we will be playing in the NNIT Group and how this change will further enhance our service offering to meet our current clients’ global requirements while also giving us access to larger-scale global projects across the European market," said Moran.
“SL Controls will be NNIT by January 2025, and we will be fully integrated into the NNIT Group.
"This ongoing evolution of the company brings with it many benefits and opportunities for clients as we widen our network.
“It is an excellent progression for the company and for all the people working in it. We are delighted to be fully integrating with a company that shares our vision of excellence in service delivery in the life sciences industry.
“It also gives our team wider career options both in Ireland and across Europe and will give them access to work on major global projects.
"There is great cultural alignment between SL Controls and NNIT as we both focus on our people – success is only possible because of the skills and dedication of our team.”
SL Controls' 150 staff in Ireland and the US will remain in place.
The company has offices in Sligo, Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Florida. The firm had net assets of €3.5m at the end of 2023 after making an annual profit of €434,000, down from €1m in 2022.
NNIT has 1,700 employees in Europe, Asia and the US. The Copenhagen-based group has locations in Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, the UK, China, Philippines, Singapore, and the US.
The group, which focuses on high complexity industries and advises on and builds sustainable digital solutions and has expertise in digital transformation, reported revenue of 1,728m Danish krone (€231.7m), representing annual growth of 15.2%, and operating profit of 116 krone (€15.6m) in 2023.
“We are thrilled to be joining forces with the SL Controls team, bringing deep expertise within the Smart Factory solutions area to our Manufacturing & Supply Chain domain," said Ricco Larsen, senior vice president for Europe at NNIT.
"Together, we will be even stronger with a second-to-none united offering portfolio to the life sciences market. This will bring many exciting opportunities for clients and employees alike, and we are very excited about our joint future.”
Photo: (l-r) Ricco Larsen; Par Fors, CEO of NNIT; and Keith Moran. (Pic: Supplied)
