Bourns Acquires Kaschke, Adding Its Magnetic and Ferrite Core Capabilities

Kasche Group, a German manufacturer of custom magnetic components and ferrite cores, has been acquired by American electronic components manufacturer Bourns, Inc., based in Riverside, California. 

“As one of the few companies that has the capability to design and build ferrite core materials as well as manufacture complex inductive components, Kaschke will bring to Bourns the experience and creativity needed to solve customers’ complex application challenges,” said Gordon Bourns, chairman and CEO of Bourns. “We are excited to welcome Kaschke to the Bourns organization to combine our capabilities and build stronger customer relationships.” 

“This acquisition is an important element in Bourns’ strategy to strengthen our inductive technology capability and broaden our portfolio of innovative magnetic products,” added Al Yost, president and chief operating officer at Bourns. 

“The combination of Kaschke and Bourns will enable the development of a full portfolio of products that will help our customers meet the challenging EMI filtering requirements of the next generation power supplies in the automotive, industrial and new energy markets,” said Silke Baumgartner, president of Kaschke Components. 

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Bourns said that a newly-formed subsidiary acquired all shares and interests of the various entities comprising the Kaschke Group with its headquarters in Goettingen, Germany. 

Kaschke is well-known for its prowess in the field of customized magnetic components and ferrite cores. Founded by Kurt Kaschke in 1955, it specializes in the development and production of application specific magnetic products, using its ferrite core knowledge base for the development of solutions tailored to specific customer requirements. In addition to its facilities in Germany, Kaschke has had local manufacturing operations in Tunisia for over 40 years. 

Bourns manufactures position and speed sensors, circuit protection solutions, magnetic components, microelectronic modules, panel controls and resistive products. In February, for example, it introduced its latest product, a sealed absolute rotary encoder series. 

New sealed absolute rotary encoder series from Bourns  

The PAC18R Series features a shaft sealing for enhanced ingress protection and a precise rotational feel. It is designed for use where a sealed menu select absolute encoder is required such as in professional audio and lighting applications, low/medium risk medical and diagnostic equipment, and industrial automation controls. 

The Bourns portfolio includes an extensive line of catalog and custom power magnetic components including chokes, inductors and transformers. In 2006, it acquired the J.W. Miller Magnetics Division from Bell Industries. For more info, see www.bourns.com and www.kaschke.de