Trimble Acquires Refraction Technology

SUNNYVALE, CA /PRNewswire/ -- Trimble announced that it has acquired assets of privately held Refraction Technology Inc. (REF TEK) of Plano, TX, a leading provider of seismic sensors and high-frequency data logging systems. The asset acquisition is expected to extend Trimble's infrastructure solutions for scientific research and monitoring applications. Financial terms were not disclosed.

REF TEK provides seismometers, seismic recorders, motion recorders, accelerometers, and software for seismic and earthquake engineering systems to government, scientific research, and structural monitoring organizations. The systems are used for earthquake hazard mitigation, emergency response and warning assessment, construction code, and land use planning, as well as oil, gas, and mining exploration.

"The addition of REF TEK's products augment Trimble's traditional role in seismic monitoring and extend our portfolio of infrastructure solutions," said Ulrich Vollath, General Manager of Trimble's Infrastructure Division. "By combining GPS, seismic sensors, and associated software, Trimble will be able to provide complete solutions that serve as a central data integration hub for multiple sensors to address a wide range of monitoring applications."

"We are extremely excited to be a part of Trimble. Integrating our core, market-leading technologies—GNSS for Trimble and seismic data loggers for REF TEK—will make it possible for customers to coherently measure both static and dynamic motion," said Paul Passmore, CEO of REF TEK. "We will continue to produce superior instruments for the earth science community, with the advantage of leveraging Trimble's global resources."

The REF TEK business will be reported in Trimble's Engineering and Construction segment.

About REF TEK
Refraction Technology Inc. (REF TEK) produces digital recording instruments for imaging studies and earthquake research applications. The company offers high-resolution broadband seismic and strong motion recorders that collect seismic data for monitoring earthquakes and micro seismic events. REF TEK also provides sensors and command/control and processing software solutions. Its products are designed for unmanned, field-portable seismic recording applications. Founded in 1975, Refraction Technology is based in Plano, TX.

About Trimble
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location, including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety, and mapping. In addition to using positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers, and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are used to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA.