22 Nov 12. Merlin Equipment, the U.K. power systems specialist, is delighted to announce the completion of a multi-million pound investment into our business, kick starting an exciting global expansion plan.
In addition to significantly increasing our research, product and business development capabilities in the UK and Europe, Merlin will open headquarters in Hampton Bays, New York, USA and a 70,000sq. ft. Combat Applications Centre in North Carolina, USA.
Merlin’s US operation will be spearheaded by CEO – William (Billy) Silhan. Mr Silhan brings a wealth of experience to Merlin through his background in successfully developing leading edge marine and military electronic solutions. In addition to his pioneering work in moving map technologies in the early 1990’s, Mr Silhan also designed and developed critical network centric warfare architecture used for many years by U.S. and International Special Forces.
Billy will be joined by John Forsberg (VP Combat Applications) who will oversee the Fayettville operation, which is nearby to the US Military Fort Bragg installation. In addition to working closely with Mr Silhan in the past, Mr Forsberg served United States Army Special Operations for over twenty years and brings a unique perspective and understanding for implementing Merlin’s battery monitoring and management solutions for military vehicle platforms and marine craft.
In addition to further refining and improving existing technology, the investment will also allow Merlin to engineer ground breaking new products in the fields of Solar & Fuel Cell technologies, which it will manufacture in the UK and USA & distribute globally. Merlin will continue to operate in the Marine, Special Vehicle and Defence sectors predominantly.
James Hortop, Managing Director of Merlin in the UK commented, “Four years ago, the Directors of Merlin Equipment implemented a long term Research & Development plan to bring industry leading battery management and monitoring technology to market. This involved forsaking some short-term opportunities and reinvestment of all profits and energies. Today, our efforts are recognised not only through strategic partnerships Cosworth and EnerSys, but also by an investor who sees Merlin as a potential global player. The investment allows Merlin to complete it’s Development Plan as well as expanding our sales and marketing departments. I am delighted and humbled to be welcoming Mr William F. Silhan as CEO of Merlin Power Systems in the USA. A strong and respected presence in the US will allow us to properly support our valued customers there and enhance our products reputation in the market. Offices in the Middle East and Australia will provide local technical resource in markets that are new to us.”
A number of additional investments have been made – further details to be released shortly.
For more details please contact (Miss) Alex Baker (Marketing Manager, UK):