DELTA and FORCE Technology merges – Generational change in Board of Directors and a strengthened Management
With the merger, DELTA and FORCE Technology create one of Denmark and Scandinavia’s largest GTS technology service companies.
DELTA and FORCE Technology have merged, with FORCE Technology as the continuing entity, effective from 1. January 2016. With approximately 1600 employees and a turnover exceeding 1.5 billion DKK, the goal is to become the preferred Nordic impartial service and knowledge partner in selected technology sectors. Ernst Tiedemann becomes the new Chairman of the Board.
“Internationally, we are seeing a concentration of high-tech knowledge resources”, says Erik Søndergaard, Chairman of FORCE Technology. “In our neighboring countries, such as Sweden, Norway, Germany, and Belgium large mergers have been carried out to ensure strong and specialized competencies within research and development. At the same time, analysis shows that Danish companies are increasingly seeking new knowledge internationally. Therefore, the merger between DELTA and FORCE Technology is a natural step.
Two institutes at the top
“The merger comes at the perfect time”, says Jesper Haugaard, Chairman of DELTA. “After 2015, DELTA is in its strongest economic position for years – and has a robust, focused and competent organization”. Both FORCE Technology and DELTA ended 2015 positively, entering the merger with strong economies and professionalism.Juan Farré, CEO, President of DELTA, sees significant future prospects in the merger, which will benefit the Danish industry. “FORCE Technology and DELTA will help each other reach their full potential. We are very similar in terms of culture and business model, both focusing on high-tech consulting, development and facilities, with complementary skills and no overlap. Together we will be able to serve a larger market.”
The new organization will not only be able to offer even more unique competencies, but will also be able to cover a larger part of the industry’s needs. “Together we can provide services to the industry throughout the value chain, from initial concept to product approval and production inspection. All of this in a new and digitalized world”, says Ernst Tiedemann, CEO and President of FORCE Technology. Both CEO’s are united in their vision: “FORCE Technology has a strong position, especially in production technologies in Denmark, including material testing, joining, sensor technology, simulation, and robotics. DELTA stands strong within sensors, complex electronics, and electronic systems. By combining our strengths, we will create a unique “house of qualifications” that will benefit of Danish industry with international potential”.
Embracing industry 4.0
The fourth industrial revolution is a major global topic that presents both opportunities and challenges for Danish companies. Billions of people and products will be connected through mobile devices with unprecedented computing power and access to knowledge.
The two CEO’s continue: “Together we can support the practical digitization of the industries and production systems that DELTA and FORCE Technology already support in product development and operations. With advanced sensor networks and automated monitoring, we can help implement of Industry 4.0 in Denmark and Scandinavia. Moreover, we can connect experiences from operations back to product development, creating fertile ground for digital learning and new business models. Our goal is to develop and offer this infrastructure, driving growth in the industry”.
Leadership change with the merger
With the merger, Ernst Tiedemann resigns as President and CEO of FORCE Technology on April 30, 2016. He will be appointed Chairman of the Board of the new organization. Jesper Haugaard, Chairman of the DELTA Board, will also join the Board of the new organization.
On 1 May 2016, Ernst Tiedemann will hand over the role of President and CEO to Øjvind Andersen Clement, currently CFO at FORCE Technology. Øjvind will join the management of the merged company alongside DELTA’s former CEO, Juan Farré, who will now take on the role of Technical Director. This ensures continuity in both the board and management.
The new Group Management will consist of the CEO of FORCE Technology Denmark, along with the CEOs of FORCE Technology Norway AS and FORCE Technology Sweden AB: Henning Arnøy and Hans Ole Olsen.
“As President and CEO, Ernst Tiedemann has played a decisive role in FORCE Technology’s success. He led the company through a period of substantial growth in the 1990s and, since taking over as President in 2000, has quadrupled the turnover, maintaining a consistently positive bottom line,” says Chairman Erik Søndergaard in high praise.“ Apart from his role as President and CEO, Ernst has held key positions in Danish industry, ensuring the competitiveness of Danish companies through technical solutions”.