13.07.2016

Danfoss to acquire White Motor

Danish hydraulics and control system manufacturer Danfoss is to acquire full ownership of hydraulic motor manufacturer White Drive Products, of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, USA.

White Motor is probably best known for the hydraulic ‘Roller Stator’ wheel motors that it supplies for self-propelled aerial lifts and has a strong presence in the USA and China. Danfoss on the other hand is probably best known in the crane and access market for its high pressure pumps and valves, and is stronger in Europe.

White Drive Products, was founded in 1976 by Harvey and Hollis White, and has over 700 employees and revenues last year of $100 million. Manufacturing facilities are located in Hopkinsville, Kentucky and Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China. It also operates sales and distribution offices in the US, China and Europe.

Danfoss had revenues in 2015 of over €5 billion with a pre-tax profit of just over €500 million. It employs over 23,400 and operates 60 production facilities.
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The founder of White Motor, Hollis White (L) shakes hands with Eric Alström, president, Danfoss Power Solutions

Danfoss chief executive Niels Christiansen said: “This acquisition confirms our strategic focus on building leading positions in our core businesses. White Drive Products is widely recognised for their excellence in hydraulic drive products and a perfect fit for our mobile hydraulics business. With White as part of our mobile hydraulics business, we stand even stronger, in particular, in North America and China. Together, we will have an even more comprehensive and competitive product offering that our customers will benefit from”.

White’s chief executive Rich Maddux added: “Joining forces is a great step for both Danfoss and White, and this is a unique growth opportunity for both organisations. Together, we will have more capacity and investment for greater innovation, market synergies, and most importantly, growth, by using our increased manufacturing footprint to expand market share. We are proud that Danfoss has chosen to build upon Hollis White’s legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship”.
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