Horstmann, the manufacturer of domestic and commercial heating controls for electrical and gas heating systems, has joined the Entity Group
The move creates the UK's most advanced range of Smart metering and home control solutions.

Bristol-based firm Horstmann has a long established position in the UK for smart metering and demand side energy management products.

Horstmann's R&D, design, manufacturing, sales and support functions are all located in Bristol. The company has 150 staff and achieved profitable sales of £12m last financial year.

The Entity Group provides intelligent metering solutions to 54 countries worldwide, with a group turnover of over US$200m. The Entity Group has a 400-strong technical team dedicated to intelligent energy management solutions for energy providers/users.

The group's UK interests include PRI, which says it shares the same vision for smart metering and home energy controls as Horstmann. PRI is based in Winchester and provides dual fuel utility metering systems and energy management services.

Sanjaya Singhal, CEO, Entity Group said 'Horstmann is a perfect fit for our strategy to deliver Smart metering in the UK - and for our global Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) roadmap. Its experience and knowledge of home controls and display devices, combined with a strong development team, will help develop the company as a centre of excellence in these areas.'

Horstmann will continue to be led by managing director Les Woolner and engineering and operations director Andy Deeming.

Mr Woolner said 'This move provides us with the necessary technological and financial resources to address the rapidly developing smart metering market - and build our position in heating controls'.