Garmin acquires Nautamatic Marine Systems
By IBI Magazine/Michael Verdon
Garmin Ltd announced that it has acquired nearly all the assets of Nautamatic Marine Systems Inc, manufacturer of the TR-1 Gold and Gladiator marine autopilots. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Nautamatic Marine Systems, which has operated under the name TR-1 Autopilots, was founded in 1994 by Graham Dorland and Doug Ford. According to a statement, the company is known for its patented marine autopilot technology that does not require a rudder-angle sensor. TR-1 Autopilots are currently factory-installed by boat manufacturers and are offered as an aftermarket accessory through a network of dealers. The statement noted that Garmin will continue to offer existing TR-1 autopilot products, but will eventually develop new marine autopilot products that will be integrated with Garmin Marine Network products. All of Nautamatic's 28 employees have joined Garmin's US subsidiary, Garmin International Inc, and will be based in the facilities previously occupied by Nautamatic in Newport, Oregon and Dania Beach, Florida. "Nautamatic is known for its technology innovation and the reliability of its autopilots," said Dr Min Kao, chairman and CEO of Garmin, in the statement. "We believe this technology will be an excellent fit for Garmin and will enable us to better serve our marine customers by expanding our product offerings." The statement said that the acquisition will allow Garmin to develop additional capabilities for its Garmin Marine Network, which combines features like GPS, sonar, radar, XM WX Satellite Weather, 3D "mariner's eye" topside view or "fish eye" underwater navigation perspective, auto guidance, and a touchscreen interface for situational awareness. John Neyland, who was promoted to senior manager of marine marketing and OEM sales, will oversee the integration of the Nautamatic sales team with the Garmin sales team. Neyland will also develop future programs to expand Garmin's presence in the marine OEM and NMEA install-based market. The statement noted that the addition of an autopilot line and Garmin's recent introduction of a new marine product line up, including the addition of an expanded line of radars, signals the company's intention to expand its marine market.
(29 March 2007)
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