Unison strengthens tube forming portfolio with PHI Hydraulics acquisition
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Unison Ltd., the UK’s leading manufacturer of tube and pipe bending machines, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of California, USA-based production machinery and tooling specialist, PHI.
This strategic acquisition will significantly enhance Unison’s product portfolio and market position. In the United States, it will also help accelerate the growth of Unison’s Danville, VA-based division, Unison Tube LLC.
Under the terms of the acquisition, PHI’s well-established products will be welcomed into the Unison family. These include manual and hydraulic tube and pipe bending machines and tooling; end- forming machines and tooling for tube and pipe flaring, flanging, beading, and squaring and deburring; manual and motorized hydraulic presses; and automated welding systems.
In addition to further strengthening Unison’s tube bending portfolio, the acquisition will introduce complimentary tube end-forming technologies to its machine tool range – and enable greater product diversification thanks to PHI’s other lines. Unison is also expected to retain certain key personnel from PHI – based in the City of Industry, CA.
"This is a pivotal moment for us," says Unison’s Joint Managing Director, Alan Pickering. "The assets we are acquiring from PHI are a perfect fit for our long-term vision. They bring us critical market and customer reach with proven products that will allow us to better serve our customers and accelerate our growth and innovation timelines. We are excited to welcome the talent, expertise, and time-tested designs from PHI as we move forward."
Anthony D. Morrow, President of PHI, adds: “We are confident that these assets will thrive under Unison’s leadership. Our team is excited to facilitate a smooth and quick transition that ensures the care of and meets the needs of current and future customers."
The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be finalized in November 2025. Unison Ltd recently showcased its full range of tube and pipe bending technologies at FABTECH Chicago 2025, where Alan Pickering and Anthony D. Morrow met customers old and new.
Unison Ltd: intelligent tube technology
Unison Ltd. is the UK’s leading manufacturer of tube and pipe bending machines and continually innovates the tube and pipe bending marketplace. The company manufactured the world’s first all-electric tube bender in 1994, followed by the world’s first all-electric multi-stack tube bender, then the world’s largest all-electric tube bender for the shipbuilding industry. Available in single-stack, multi-stack and right/left varieties, Unison machines are delivered to more than 20 countries globally. Unison’s tube bending software is recognized as the most user-friendly control system for tube bending machines. The software is written and supported by Unison, ensuring complete control of its evolution, with no need for third party support.
About PHI
PHI (PHI Hydraulics) is a world-leading, diversified production machinery manufacturer. Founded in 1941 as Preco Incorporated of Los Angeles, the company initially specialized in bench-type molding presses used for laminating documents and ID cards. Later, it was renamed Pasadena Hydraulics Inc. (PHI), and for a time, PHI-Tulip, as it expanded its product lines and capabilities. PHI’s equipment is used by an extensive roster of major global companies such as: NASA, SpaceX, Tesla, Boeing, GE, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Dow, and DuPont. PHI serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace & aviation, automotive, electronics & semiconductors, medical equipment, military & defense, plastics, rubber, and composites, power generation & nuclear, shipbuilding and steel fabrication.
