Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • ADB Safegate completes acquisition of Protec Automation

Aerospace

ADB Safegate completes acquisition of Protec Automation

ADB Safegate has acquired Protec Automation GmbH, which specialises in airfield lighting control systems, power technologies and services in the field of industrial automation.

Image courtesy ADB Safegate

The deal was closed in Mannheim, Germany, on 30th September 2021 and the official announcement was made in Eckental, Germany, on 4th October 2021.

The move to acquire first started as the companies partnered with key customers and it quickly became evident that aligning formally made sense for both companies' clients.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Laurent Dubois, CEO of ADB Safegate, said: “The acquisition of Protec Automation fits into ADB Safegate’s strategy to strengthen its base in Europe and advance its ability to service customers. By purchasing Protec Automation, we expect to build upon the core capabilities of both companies, particularly in systems engineering and services. This acquisition furthers ADB Safegate’s goals and we look forward to the exciting times ahead for our customers and our newly formed team.”

Manfred Bete, Managing Director of Protec Automation, commented: “After 35 successful years, I felt it was time to sell the business. I am happy to hand Protec over to such a strong company and team. This move will certainly provide long-term customer continuity and build upon our success. I look forward to ensuring a smooth transition, and further contributing as a part of the team.”

Knowing Protec and the excellent reputation they have had in the market for many years, I am more than happy to welcome Manfred Bete and his team to ADB Safegate,” said Frank Wunderlich, VP Central-Eastern Europe, ADB Safegate. “Their expertise and capabilities are a perfect fit for our business in the Central-Eastern Europe region, strengthening our offering and footprint on innovative and intelligent AGL solutions for our customers. I am very much looking forward to continuing and extending the success story of Protec in the future.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Airbus

Aerospace

Airbus' A350-1000ULR completes first test flight

2 June 2026

The world's longest-range aircraft, the A350-1000ULR (MSN 707) and the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas, has completed its first flight in Toulouse, France.

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

Aerospace

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

2 June 2026

A pioneering drone seed-spreading trial has taken to the skies above the Peak District, as the 'LIFE in the Ravines' project led by Natural England explores innovative new ways to restore precious ravine woodlands devastated by ash dieback disease.

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

Aerospace

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

2 June 2026

Portadown based precision engineering firm SAM NI has completed a £10 million expansion of its manufacturing facility marking a major milestone in the company’s growth as a manufacturer of high-precision aerospace components and assemblies.

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

Aerospace Defence Security

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

1 June 2026

Omnisense, which specialises in terrestrial positioning technology, has partnered with 42 Technology (42T) to demonstrate a safer autonomous drone landing system when satellite navigation signals are unreliable.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

Aerospace Events

Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

1 June 2026

Craigavon based Thompson Aero Seating (TAS) will today be showcasing its customised VantageXL seat for Discover Airlines’ A330s for the very first time at the Red Cabin / Aircraft Cabin Innovation Summit Europe, being held 1st-3rd June at Lufthansa Seeheim, Germany.

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

Aerospace

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

29 May 2026

ZeroAvia today announced that founder and Chief Executive Officer Val Miftakhov has stepped down as CEO, effective 26th May 2026, to pursue new opportunities.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner