LES HERBIERS, France — General Transmissions (GT), a global manufacturer of drive systems for the outdoor power equipment industry has acquired a majority share of one of China’s premier DC motor manufacturers, Actuator Electric Motor Co. (AEM, Yuyao, China). 

For over 30 years, Actuator has produced PMDC and BLDC motors that are widely used in power tools, lawn and garden products, electric home appliances, medical equipment and industrial applications as well as customized applications worldwide. 

“We are excited about this acquisition,” says GT’s President Wouter Barendrecht, “because it puts us in a new position to offer added value to our customers.” He points out, “Now, we can provide complete power solutions that include the motors and controllers, as well as the transmissions.” 

The merger of two highly compatible companies, with combined revenue of $80million, will provide the flexibility to continue their long-standing relationships with respective customers, as well as bring more engineering and manufacturing expertise to new product solutions and new market categories outside outdoor power equipment and power tools. 

The expanded manufacturing footprint will also offer supply chain advantages to the customers of both companies. Along with the AEM motor and controller plant in Yuyao, China, GT will continue manufacturing drive solutions for lawn mowers, lawn tractors and snow blowers in its existing facilities in France, Mexico, and China. Furthermore, GT has a sales and service office in Houston, Texas.

With the acquisition of AEM, the GT group will now employ approximately 1,000 people worldwide under both the GT and Actuator banners.