31 October 2023
Waalwijk – Netherlands-based 2Connect, a global leader in customized interconnects for mission-critical applications, today announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire Components Express Inc. (“CEI”), a leading US-based manufacturer of specialty high speed cable assemblies used in the Machine Vision and Automation IIOT / Industry 4.0 environment as well as enclosures and mounting hardware to support Industrial cameras.
The acquisition marks a significant step in 2Connect’s US market strategy, where we believe that the increased scale and local operations will allow us to better serve our customers in North America. CEI is a leading brand in the machine vision segment and has successfully expanded into the industrial automation segment. We are strongly convinced that we can better serve both markets as a group.
2Connect attaches great importance to the strong familial culture that has made CEI what it is today, and which is a strong match with 2Connect’s own DNA. As such, the Company will continue to operate with a high degree of autonomy, while benefiting from being part of a global group.
Mark van den Heuvel, CEO 2Connect: “At 2Connect we’re very excited that CEI is joining our platform. CEI makes for a compelling strategic fit, allowing us to significantly accelerate our US market strategy, while opening up the attractive machine vision end market. CEI’s local development, assembly, overmolding and testing capabilities will allow us to serve both existing and new customers in the US. There is a great cultural fit between the companies and we look forward to working with the CEI team to continue their successful growth trajectory, while translating the 2Connect success story to North America.”
Ray Berst, President CEI: “2Connect has a demonstrated growth culture which aligned with our capabilities and plans, offering an ideal fit for CEI, our customers and partners without disruption. This provides the opportunity for manufacturing resiliency closer to many of our customers and the mind set to fuel further growth. We have built a family-oriented company that is admired in our industry. For us, the fit, culture and their aligned plans were our first priority. Having started CEI over 31 years ago, my father and I have enjoyed the comradery that comes with our team members, suppliers, partners and customers who we often refer to as friends. My father and I are confident in Clayton Webber carrying on the legacy we created together. This will remain a family-oriented company with a focus on technology. As for myself, I look forward to focusing on new product development and customer visits, the things I love and ensuring the future success of CEI, a 2Connect Company.”
About 2Connect
2Connect designs, develops and produces innovative and customized interconnection solutions for original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and original design manufacturers (“ODMs”) globally. Founded in 2000, the Company prides itself on setting new standards for interconnection solutions by designing high-quality and cost-effective units in partnership with its long-term client base. 2Connect employs over 600 people across its offices in Waalwijk, the Netherlands, Hong Kong and four manufacturing sites in Romania, Germany and the Netherlands. 2Connect’s products are sold to customers in over 45 countries.
For more info, please visit: https://www.2-connect.com/.
About CEI
Components Express, Inc. was founded in 1992 and is a worldwide industry leader in machine vision and industrial cable manufacturing with distributors around the globe. CEI furthermore produces cable assemblies for the medical, industrial, robotic, military, aerospace, telecom, and automotive industries.
For more info, please visit https://www.componentsexpress.com/.