U.K.-based tube and pipe bending machine manufacturer Unison acquired California-based production machinery and tooling supplier PHI Hydraulics.

Established 85 years ago, PHI supports tube bending and end-forming machine tool needs, especially across the aerospace sector.

For Unison and its North American division, Danville, VA-based Unison Tube, the acquisition further enhances its product portfolio of tube technology and accelerates the growth of Unison Tube in the U.S., company officials said in a March 26 news release.

“PHI’s product range and customer base will not only enhance our product portfolio and market position, but will also help affirm Unison Tube LLC as a key provider of tube forming technologies in the United States,” said Unison Joint Managing Director Alan Pickering. “Acquiring PHI and its key personnel is significant for us. The assets we have obtained are a perfect fit for our long-term growth strategy.”

He added: “They bring critical market reach and proven products that, along with our own technologies, will enable us to better serve our existing customer base, PHI’s customers, and new customers globally.”

The acquisition by Unison promises PHI customers faster response times, shorter product lead times, new product innovations, advanced levels of automation, and Unison’s customer support, company officials said.

“We decided that the best way to ensure the future success of the PHI name, its products and brand reputation, was to seek acquisition,” PHI President Anthony Morrow said. “After considering various potential purchasers, we accepted the offer from Unison Ltd. It was clear from the outset that the Unison team does everything we do and more – and is passionate about understanding and exceeding the needs of its customers.”

The purchase of PHI will introduce additional end-forming technologies and tooling for tube and pipe flaring, flanging, beading, and squaring & deburring to the Unison product range. PHI also supplies manual and hydraulic tube and pipe bending machines and tooling, as well as manual and motorized hydraulic presses.