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Kuka sells its ‘North American’ aviation division to Advanced Integration Technology

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Kuka is selling at least part of its aerospace division to Advanced Integration Technology

Kuka, which is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial robotics and automation technology, says the aerospace division it is selling to AIT is called “Systems Aerospace North America”.

However, the Kuka website which relates to its aerospace business is called KukaAero.com, and that says “Kuka Systems Aerospace Group is the largest division of Kuka”– no mention of “North America”. 

It is not clear whether Kuka’s European aerospace division is included in the deal. The company recently signed a deal with Airbus to extend its contract to supply robotics and automation technology to the aerospace manufacturer, particularly its gigantic “omniMove” assembly platform.

Kuka says its decision to sell to AIT was made “in connection with open regulatory approvals in the United States”, possibly meaning the US government is not keen on China acquiring all of Kuka’s technologies relating to aerospace engineering.

The company says in a statement: “The sale is an important step to fulfil security-relevant requirements of the US authorities CFIUS (Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States) and DDTC (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls).

“Both authorities are currently reviewing the takeover offer from Mecca/Midea for Kuka, focusing on Kuka’s activities in military and security-relevant areas in the United States. Both parties agreed not to disclose the sale price.”