VHTek's innovation and R&D centers are located at Western Kentucky University.

Aventics Takes on Clean Energy in Gas-Engine Innovator Acquisition

June 10, 2017
While Aventics' primary specialty is pneumatic systems, its recent acquisition of VHTeck will bolster its automobile sector with low-emission engine technology.

With its most recent acquisition of Vector Horizon Technology, Aventics (www.aventics.com) will add electric actuators, valves, emission controls, and advanced mechatronics products to its pneumatic systems product portfolio. VHTek’s longstanding commitment to developing clean-emission systems will strengthen Aventics’ global commercial vehicle sector, further aligning its solutions with goals set by international emission standards.

Based at Western Kentucky University, VHTek leverages its R&D capacities to manage the design, research development, and prototyping of systems for electro-mechanical actuation and electro-hydraulic actuation. VHTek current air valve offerings include Exhaust Gas Recirculation (“EGR”) valves, exhaust flap valves, and backpressure valves used for lowering emissions in medium to large engines.

Aventics Corp. acquired VHtek in the beginning of March 2017. VHtek CEO, Jon Bigley is already part of the Aventics organization, and has taken over the role of Global Sector Head Commercial Vehicles.

"VHtek and its employees are excited to be taking this next step in joining Aventics. This solidifies us as one company to achieve our common goals of providing our customers with the necessary technology and best value. Furthermore, our collective desire is to grow our business and establish a strong and lasting position across sectors in our diverse markets,” says Bigley.

VHTek’s developing partnerships with Autodesk, Matlab, Systems2Win, and other companies will also bolster Aventics’ R&D at the university level. Sharing VHTek’s R&D resources will serve Aventics’ other core sectors, which include industrial automation, life sciences, energy, food and beverage, and railway technologies.

About the Author

Leah Scully | Associate Content Producer

Leah Scully is a graduate of The College of New Jersey. She has a BS degree in Biomedical Engineering with a mechanical specialization.  Leah is responsible for Hydraulics & Pneumatics’ news items and product galleries. 

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