Lake Forest’s Wonderware Corp., a maker of factory automation software, said Thursday it bought Houston-based SAT Corp. for $52 million.
Wonderware, part of Britain’s Invensys PLC, said the buy is set to create a division that focuses on workflow software for workers in the field.
SAT’s software helps smooth the flow of tasks for certain manufacturing plant operations, including maintenance, tracking products and compliance.
Wonderware’s Mike Pring will head the new mobile group. SAT’s Chief Executive Don Frieden is set to be vice president of the group, which will stay in Houston.
The Business Journal estimates privately held Wonderware sees about $200 million in yearly revenue.
Wonderware’s software runs in a third of factories worldwide, according to the company’s Web site.
Its customers make everything from food and drinks to cars. They’re a laundry list of the biggest manufacturers, including Nestle SA, Daimler AG and BP PLC, among many others.
The company’s software also is used by power, water and oil companies to manage their facilities, which never can shut down.
