E-Switch Acquires Lamb Industries

March 17, 2009
Stein Industries Inc., Minneapolis, the parent company of E-Switch Inc., has acquired Lamb Industries, Portland, Ore. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Stein Industries Inc., Minneapolis, the parent company of E-Switch Inc., has acquired Lamb Industries, Portland, Ore. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

E-Switch is a manufacturer of electro-mechanical switch products including toggle, tact, pushbutton, rocker, snap-action, slide, dip and many illuminated product styles, primarily for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of electronic products.

There is some overlap in the companies' product offerings, but Lamb primarily brings expertise in power-carrying switches, giving the combined companies an expanded slate of switches for all their markets, said Tom Meyers, chief executive officer of Stein Industries. The Lamb brand and operations will continue intact as a subsidiary of E-Switch, led by Larry and Justin Lamb, the company's founders.

The E-Switch and Lamb combination will be particularly attractive in industrial markets requiring higher-power switch products, the company said.

Beyond their complementary product lines, the companies share complementary cultures and objectives, Meyers said.

E-Switch goes to market through a network of more than 30 independent representatives and Meyers expects adding Lamb - which has primarily been sold direct to distribution - to E-Switch's sales channel will further enhance the visibility of the Lamb brand, referring to Lamb as one of the industry's “best kept secrets.”