InfraStructures - April 2021 - Link Obtains Integrated Dynamic Suspension Control Business and More in Strategic Acquisition

Link Obtains Integrated Dynamic Suspension Control Business and More in Strategic Acquisition

Link Mfg., Ltd. recently announced that it has finalized an agreement acquiring valve and suspension control product lines and related expertise from Hadley Products Corp. A manufacturer and supplier to commercial truck, bus, RV, military and specialty vehicle markets since the 1940s, Hadley’s well-known brands include its award-winning SmartValve Electronic Height Control System and Smart Air Management System (SAMS).

As part of Link’s investment, several key staff will be transitioning from Hadley to the Link team. Link will also obtain the rights to Hadley’s dynamic air suspension control technology that improves aerodynamics, reduces rolling resistance and increases tractive performance by precisely balancing a vehicle’s weight at speed. Hadley’s entire portfolio of legacy mechanical height control valve business is also being procured by Link in the transaction.

The move accelerates Link’s expansion into the suspension control segment of the heavy truck market, increasing its synergistic influence on cab and chassis suspensions and extending its reach firmly into the trailer side of the marketplace. Overall, commercial vehicle suspension controls affect handling characteristics, the safety and comfort of drivers, and the protection of cargo.

With the 2019 introduction of its ROI Cabmate Suspension, Link had already emerged as the leading innovator in dynamic suspension damping for class 8 tractor cabs. Now, armed with Hadley’s mechanically and electronically-controlled air suspension technology, Link will be an undisputed force in driver-focused safety, fuel efficiency and load management solutions as well.

One of the most significant components of the acquisition is the enhanced control system capability being secured by Link. In their previous work with major truck and trailer OEMs, Hadley’s engineers have been key development partners in CAN bus system integration, using ISO 26262 compliance standards. Their experience and the proprietary firmware developed to interface with OEMs will benefit Link as the company seeks broader and deeper production integration with manufacturers in the future.

The newly acquired programming dexterity enhances Link’s existing capabilities, enabling it to deliver suspension control technologies that are hardened to meet today’s and tomorrow’s cybersecurity demands. And as new, advanced electric vehicles are being planned, Link is well positioned to provide smarter air management systems that minimize compressor run times, thus conserving commercial EVs critical energy.

Source: Link Mfg., Ltd.

Partagez sur Facebook / Share on Facebook