Conductix-Wampfler Aquires Lasstec

The Conductix-Wampfler Group has acquired LASSTEC S.a.r.l., headquartered in Sciez, France. The acquisition contract was signed on September 23, with a mutual agreement to keep the purchase price confidential.

Lasstec, with its twistlock load sensing and accident prevention system, has a patented technology for the reliable weighing of containers. It is based on sensors attached in each corner of a container spreader that send reliable weight data to the Lasstec Interrogator. This unit analyzes the data collected and forwards it directly to the cabin of the crane or the higher-level terminal control system entrusted with coordination and performance of ship loading.

Because of the stricter regulations of the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea from the International Maritime Organization, the weighing of containers before loading them onto ships will be mandatory by no later than 2017. In the past, there have been repeated accidents during loading in port or on the high sea because, the weight of containers was far higher than their declared weight. This can severely compromise the draft or stability of a ship; the captain and crew then have no chance to react appropriately.

“This technology from Lasstec meets the requirements of the stricter international requirements and is currently the most innovative solution on the market. We are happy to be able to offer this technology exclusively to our customers in the future,” emphasizes Phillipe Lang, CEO of the Conductix-Wampfler Group.

Beat Zwygart, founder of Lasstec, continues: “As a part of Conductix-Wampfler, thanks to a worldwide sales structure and after-sales service, entirely new possibilities will be open to use in a fast-growing, globally oriented market.”

Lasstec will be integrated into the Conductix-Wampfler Focus Market organization. Lasstec contacts will remain available to customers after the acquisition by Conductix-Wampfler, as will Zwygart.