Industrial Automation Enters Automation Controls with Acquisition of Denca Controls

Axel Johnson International’s business group Industrial Automation has acquired Denca Controls Ltd., a UK-based automation controls company based in Widnes, Cheshire. The acquisition marks Industrial Automation’s entry into the automation controls niche and strengthens its market position in the UK.

Denca Controls is a well-established company with more than 30 years of operational experience, serving industrial customers across a broad range of end-use segments. These include process industries such as pharmaceuticals and food and beverage, as well as discrete manufacturing sectors such as automotive and general industry. The company offers a comprehensive range of solutions spanning control panel design and assembly, advanced industrial programming (PLC, HMI and SCADA), and full lifecycle services from installation and commissioning to technical calibration and aftermarket support.

“The acquisition of Denca Controls is an exciting step for Industrial Automation,” says Anton Kullh, Managing Director at Industrial Automation. “Denca has a strong reputation, deep technical competence and a customer-focused way of working that fits very well with our philosophy. Through this acquisition, we have strengthened our position in the UK market while adding valuable capabilities within automation controls. We look forward to supporting Denca’s continued growth journey together with the whole team.”

Denca Controls was founded by Alan Brennan and John Talbot in 1995 and is headquartered in Widnes, Cheshire in the UK. Today, the company employs more than 100 people and is led by an experienced management team supported by a dedicated organization. The company has demonstrated a consistent track record of development, built on strong technical expertise, deep application knowledge and long-term customer relationships.

“Joining Axel Johnson International marks an exciting new chapter for Denca,” says Alan Brennan and John Talbot, founders of Denca. “We have built our business on close customer collaboration, technical expertise and flexibility. With Axel Johnson International as our owner, we gain a partner that will support us in the next phase of the company’s growth journey, while remaining true to our way of working and our commitment to delivering value to customers”.

The acquisition underlines Industrial Automation’s ambition to build a strong group of complementary automation businesses with high technical competence, strong local market positions and long-term growth potential with the acquisition of Denca Controls establishing presence within the niche of automation controls.