PJM Becomes Part of BILA Group
The prestigious automation company, PJM A/S (Poul Johansen Maskiner), becomes part of BILA Group A/S.
The acquisition of the successful Odsherred-based company is aimed at securing long-term growth and strengthening international competitiveness.
The deal is part of creating a strong Danish player in the growing market for industrial automation. PJM will continue as an independent unit with its current management.
Since its inception in 1988, BILA Group has established itself as Scandinavia's leading supplier of automation solutions to industrial customers worldwide. The acquisition equips the strong Danish conglomerate to compete with international players in the growing industrial automation market. At the same time, it provides better opportunities to meet current trends in domestic industries, aiming for rapid adaptation and increasingly efficient production.
”PJM provides solutions to a broad portfolio of customers in the manufacturing industry – primarily industrial production, including the medical sector. The combination of our product portfolios and technological expertise is a significant upgrade of the forces needed for international success. So, I am incredibly pleased that it has succeeded and look forward to welcoming the employees of PJM into the BILA family.”
Jan B. Sørensen, CEO, BILA Group
A perfect match for national and local interests
At Poul Johansen Fonden, which relinquishes the majority of shares to BILA Group, there is joy over a match that strengthens activities in Odsherred and preserves Poul Johansen's life's work in Danish hands.
”Finding an industrial buyer with clear ambitions to take the business to the next level in Odsherred, in Denmark, and on the international stage is crucial for a foundation with such deep roots as ours. PJM becomes part of a project that uses Danish know-how to create jobs, growth, and innovation,”
Teddy Wivel, Chairman of the Poul Johansen Fonden af 1992
Furthermore, Teddy Wivel explains: "BILA Group's desire to build a strong player in a rapidly growing market and the willingness to build on PJM's long history are a match we couldn't have wished for better."
At the same time, the Foundation is pleased that the sale increases the possibilities for supporting art and culture in Odsherred as well as the rest of the country. The Poul Johansen Foundation also retains ownership in PJM.
Continuing as an independent company
Under the new ownership structure, PJM will continue as an independent unit with all its more than 100 employees and with the current management at the helm. BILA will support PJM's ongoing positive development while simultaneously providing improved growth opportunities and strengthening the BILA Group's presence both nationally and internationally.
"PJM has built a fantastic family-owned company over the past 60 years with a strong employee culture. We take great pride in being able to continue these proud traditions and look forward to continuing development with all the skilled employees on board. When we can leverage our shared knowledge and learn from each other, we will simply be able to present customers with a truly unique offer," fortæller Jan B. Sørensen, CEO, BILA Group.
Together into the world
The fact that the deal takes place between highly specialized companies in the same industry creates real consolidation, preparing the group to better navigate the international arena. A well-consolidated Danish specialist will also have even better opportunities to grow as Danish manufacturing companies establish and expand abroad. Thus, BILA Group's international service network becomes a gateway for PJM's automation solutions to an even broader market.
"The companies complement each other, allowing us to cover a broader part of the production process and logistics flow for our customers,"
Benny Smith, CEO at PJM
BILA Group is also pleased that the location in Odsherred creates a better foothold in Zealand, where industries such as medical and pharmaceuticals show a keen interest in production optimisation and rapid adaptation to demand, often dictated by the current societal situation.
The acquisition of PJM A/S follows BILA Group A/S strengthening itself with the acquisitions of Reo-Pack, Mariager, the service department at Blaaholm, Esbjerg, and Dan-Palletiser in Vemmelev.
Published April 2021.