Parent Firm of Simi Sensor Plant Sold to Ametek Inc.

Ametek Inc., a maker of components for appliances and electrical motors based in Paoli, Pa., has acquired closely held Patriot Sensors & Controls Corp. for about $70 million in cash.

Patriot, based in Clawson, Mich., has a plant in Simi Valley. It makes sensors and tank gauges for the aviation and industrial manufacturing industries.

Ametek said the acquisition will expand its existing aviation sensor business, while adding a sensor product line to serve the chemical and petrochemical industries.

Patriot has about 235 employees. Besides the Simi Valley facility, it has plants in Clawson and Peck, Mich. Its annual sales are about $40 million.