Keywords
Citation
(1998), "Acquisition of Thurnall plc by RTS plc", Industrial Robot, Vol. 25 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1998.04925fab.003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
Acquisition of Thurnall plc by RTS plc
Acquisition of Thurnall plc by RTS plc
Keyword Thurnall
Manchester-based systems integration and robotic automation specialist Thurnall plc has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of RTS plc. Trading under the name RTS Thurnall plc, the company will continue to specialise in high-technology robotic automation.
According to Phil Johnson, group joint managing director and managing director of RTS Thurnall plc, "the joint venture offers great opportunities for the future. We are now believed to be Europe's largest independent robotic integrator and the combined strengths of RTS and Thurnall will allow us to pursue international markets using our proven core technologies".
Thurnall will benefit greatly from RTS expertise in advanced machine vision and its unique "Valerie" concept modular assembly technology. RTS has an advanced approach to automated grinding, milling and 3-D machining using work arm robots and vision technology. Its software, which is based on neural networks, accelerates implementation times and delivers a unique level of flexibility allowing small batch and one-off manufacturing applications to be automated.
A great deal of synergy exists between the technologies, products and cultures of the two companies and, the combination of Thurnall's expertise in specialised industrial robotics and high precision automation for the nuclear industry, alongside RTS's industrial background, will allow both companies to develop and pursue further more international markets. The group has proprietary rights to their own robotic control software "SPRINT", the "CROCUS" gantry robot and the Cleveland-Guest range of robotic grippers.
Quality standards remain of prime importance, and RTS Thurnall will operate to the International Standard Organisation categories 9001 and 9000-3 as required by the regulated environments of the pharmaceutical and nuclear industries.
For further information please contact Gary Walsh, RTS Thurnall plc, Northbank Industrial Park, Irlam, Manchester M44 5AY. Tel: 0161 777 2000; Fax: 0161 777 20002.