VTI buy expands Murata's sensor portfolio

Formed in 1991, VTI is a privately-held manufacturer of silicon-based capacitive 3D MEMS sensors for automotive and medical applications. The company offers a wide range of sensors that covers acceleration, shock, angular velocity, vibration, inclination and pressure.

According to Murata the acquisition will expand its sensor business. VTI's strong presence in automotive and medical sensors complements its own sensors for consumer applications, Murata explained.

VTI had annual sales in the year to Dec. 31, 2010 of about $100 million (76 million euro) and at that time employed about 600 people. Murata had annual sales of about $8 billion (618 billion yen) in the year to March 31, 2011.