UK-based interconnect manufacturer Harwin acquires KEC, a specialist in EMC interconnect backshells, glands and panel fittings, bringing the company’s products, operations and team into the Harwin group.
The acquisition strengthens Harwin’s offering for high-reliability applications while adding KEC’s established expertise in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) shielding. The move is particularly relevant to the aerospace, defence and high-end industrial markets, where rugged and reliable interconnect solutions are critical.
KEC has built its reputation over 47 years, developing rugged interconnect products for demanding environments. Like Harwin, the company is headquartered in the UK and has a long-standing focus on quality and engineering. KEC is certified to ISO 9001 and EN 9100, with its business supported by decades of stable management and continued product development.
Expanding Harwin’s interconnect offering
KEC’s product portfolio complements Harwin’s existing range, including its HRi connector family. Its products are already used alongside Harwin connectors in a wide range of systems.
The portfolio includes circular and D-type EMC backshells, glands and panel fittings, along with bespoke solutions designed to meet demanding application and compliance requirements.
For Harwin, bringing these capabilities in-house expands its ability to provide customers with a broader interconnect solution, particularly where EMC protection and mechanical robustness are essential.
The acquisition also gives Harwin access to KEC’s specialist technical knowledge in EMC shielding, strengthening its position in sectors where performance, reliability and environmental protection are key requirements.
Continuity for KEC customers and employees
Harwin says continuity will be a central part of the integration.
Existing KEC customers will continue to have access to the company’s established backshells, panel fittings and custom-engineered solutions, while KEC’s employees will become part of the wider Harwin organisation.
The company also plans to invest in KEC’s people and technology, with the aim of maintaining the expertise, product quality and customer relationships that have been built over the company’s 47-year history.
The acquisition brings two UK-headquartered interconnect businesses together with closely aligned engineering cultures and customer bases. For Harwin, it represents an opportunity to broaden its high-reliability portfolio while giving KEC the resources to build on its established capabilities in EMC protection and rugged interconnect technology.
Leadership Comments
As Cheryl Watson, managing director of KEC, noted: “We wanted to find a home where our people, our customers and our values would be respected.
Harwin is a fantastic British engineering success story, and we genuinely believe they are the right custodians to take KEC forward.”
Robin Kent, sales and marketing director added: “Throughout the process there was genuine respect for what David [Dyson, KEC chair] and Cheryl had built over the last four decades. That gave me real confidence, and I’m incredibly excited about what we can achieve together as part of the Harwin group.”
This commitment and excitement is shared across Harwin’s executive leadership team. Harwin CEO, Andrew McQuilken has said: “We are committed to investing for the long term, preserving what has made KEC successful, and creating new opportunities for its employees and customers around the world.”
And Harwin’s executive chair, William de Laszlo has backed this up, saying: “We are incredibly honoured that David and Cheryl entrusted us with the company they have spent more than four decades building.
Through this acquisition Harwin has become the custodian of an exceptional British engineering business. By protecting the KEC heritage while investing in its future, our ambition is to grow KEC for the long term.”
As David Dyson, KEC chair said: “I have been at the helm of KEC since its founding in 1979, and it wasn’t an easy decision to let go. We chose Harwin as our acquisition partner because of their shared belief in British engineering and manufacturing, and the reputation that comes with the Harwin name. I know KEC is in safe hands and that gives me enormous confidence for its future.”
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