Regal Beloit acquires Virginia company
Regal Beloit Corp. has acquired Ramu, Inc., a motor and control technology company headquartered in Blacksburg, Va.
Ramu is a start-up company backed by the venture capital firm Khosla Ventures with a research and development team dedicated to the development of switched reluctance motor technology. Switched reluctance technology is a unique motor design that is suitable for applications requiring improved operating efficiencies, high operating speeds or high ambient temperature conditions.
An additional strategic feature of switched reluctance is that it does not utilize permanent magnet materials to create the operating torque of the motor.
Ramu’s current management and technical leadership will continue to lead the research and development efforts of the firm and integrate the technology into Regal Beloit’s broad motor portfolio for commercialization across multiple Regal Beloit brands.
Henry Knueppel, chairman and chief executive officer of Regal Beloit, said, "We are very excited to announce the acquisition of Ramu Inc. The company’s innovative and talented R&D team is an important strategic addition to our global technical resources. We see potential differentiated value for our customers if we are able to successfully integrate this technology into our energy efficiency motor portfolio."
