Sevcon 10-Q 14 Aug 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Aug. 11, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SEVCON, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	825,411
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		5,693,408
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jul. 1, 2017

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UN

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,318	$ 14,127
Trade receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $247 at July 1, 2017 and $243 at September 30, 2016	15,243	11,499
Other receivables	1,213	694
Inventories	17,072	13,666
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,723	3,602
Total current assets	40,569	43,588
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,996	3,843
Long-term deferred tax assets	5,716	4,289
Intangible assets, net	8,971	9,185
Goodwill	8,142	7,794
Other long-term assets	392	274
Total assets	68,786	68,973
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	15,223	10,604
Accrued expenses	6,243	4,931
Accrued income taxes	275	66
Dividends payable	0	216
Debt to related parties	0	300
Short-term bank debt	800	0
Total current liabilities	22,541	16,117
Long-term bank debt, net	15,013	15,512
Long-term related party debt	1,626	1,558
Long-term pension benefit liabilities	10,702	11,511
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	1,553	1,517
Other long-term liabilities	1,075	987
Total liabilities	52,510	47,202
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)
Stockholders' equity:
Convertible preferred stock, par value $.10 per share - 1,000,000 shares authorized; 422,433 and 448,705 shares issued and outstanding at July 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively	42	45
Common stock, par value $.10 per share - 20,000,000 shares authorized; 5,689,361 and 5,341,513 shares issued and outstanding at July 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively	569	534
Common stock warrants	2,085	2,095
Additional paid in capital, common stock	20,716	19,151
Additional paid in capital, preferred stock	8,466	8,990
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(3,366)	4,344
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(12,121)	(13,420)
Total parent stockholders' equity	16,391	21,739
Non-controlling interest	(115)	32
Total stockholders' equity	16,276	21,771
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 68,786	$ 68,973

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (U3

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
ASSETS
Trade receivables, allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 247	$ 243
Stockholders' equity:
Convertible preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Convertible preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	422,433	448,705
Convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	422,433	448,705
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	5,689,361	5,341,513
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	5,689,361	5,341,513

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 18,556	$ 13,913	$ 46,771	$ 36,209
Cost of sales	(13,924)	(9,161)	(35,618)	(23,219)
Gross profit	4,632	4,752	11,153	12,990
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(5,455)	(4,463)	(13,448)	(10,568)
Research and development expenses	(2,465)	(1,212)	(5,733)	(3,419)
Acquisition expenses	0	(8)	0	(1,425)
Operating loss	(3,288)	(931)	(8,028)	(2,422)
Interest expense	(216)	(140)	(496)	(271)
Interest and other income	13	4	49	16
Foreign currency gain (loss)	317	(522)	(301)	(487)
Loss before income tax	(3,174)	(1,589)	(8,776)	(3,164)
Income tax benefit	269	60	1,126	139
Net loss	(2,905)	(1,529)	(7,650)	(3,025)
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	14	84	147	131
Net loss attributable to Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries	(2,891)	(1,445)	(7,503)	(2,894)
Preferred share dividends	(102)	(93)	(299)	(327)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$ (2,993)	$ (1,538)	$ (7,802)	$ (3,221)
Net loss per ordinary share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.56)	$ (0.38)	$ (1.47)	$ (0.84)
Net loss per ordinary share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.56)	$ (0.38)	$ (1.47)	$ (0.84)
Weighted average shares used in computation of earnings per share:
Basic (in shares)	5,366	4,070	5,291	3,828
Diluted (in shares)	5,366	4,070	5,291	3,828

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries	$ (2,891)	$ (1,445)	$ (7,503)	$ (2,894)
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	10	(71)	1,095	(160)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Actuarial loss net of $24 and $68 tax benefit for three and nine months ended, respectively, (2016: Actuarial loss net of $39 and $74 tax benefit for three and nine months ended, respectively)	72	89	204	203
Comprehensive loss	$ (2,809)	$ (1,427)	$ (6,204)	$ (2,851)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016
Defined benefit pension plans:
Actuarial loss, tax benefit	$ 24	$ 39	$ 68	$ 74

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (7,650)	$ (3,025)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,524	1,546
Stock-based compensation	1,037	527
Pension contributions greater than pension expense	(499)	(114)
Deferred tax benefit	(1,427)	(139)
(Decrease)/Increase in bad debt provision	(1)	55
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	(3,846)	912
Other receivables	(198)	(90)
Inventories	(3,270)	(4,141)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,353)	(1,930)
Accounts payable	4,341	(424)
Accrued expenses	1,250	(1,744)
Accrued income taxes	659	926
Bank overdraft	0	109
Net cash used by operating activities	(9,433)	(7,532)
Cash flow used by investing activities:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(1,792)	(1,043)
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired	0	(9,255)
Net cash used by investing activities	(1,792)	(10,298)
Cash flow (used by) generated from financing activities:
Net debt borrowings	(300)	14,716
Dividends paid	(423)	(434)
Purchase and retirement of common stock	0	(222)
Debt issuance costs	(484)	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	27	0
Net cash (used by) generated from financing activities	(1,180)	14,060
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	596	(5)
Net decrease in cash	(11,809)	(3,775)
Beginning balance - cash and cash equivalents	14,127	8,048
Ending balance - cash and cash equivalents	2,318	4,273
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	99	197
Cash paid for interest	373	245
Change in accrual of dividend payable	(216)	0
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock	527	62
Cashless stock option exercise	133	0
Investment in subsidiary, net of cash acquired:
Cash consideration	0	10,832
Cash acquired	0	(1,577)
Net cash investment in subsidiary	0	9,255
Issuance of common stock in acquisition of subsidiary	$ 0	$ 4,760

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Basis of presentation [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	(1) Basis of presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Sevcon, Inc. ( the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of July 1, 2017 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 2016 annual consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the 2016 Sevcon, Inc. Annual Report filed on Form 10-K (“2016 10-K”). The results of operations for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. During the nine-month period ended July 1, 2017 the Company experienced an operating loss of $8,028,000 and a decrease in cash of $11,809,000 from $14,127,000 at September 30, 2016 to $2,318,000 at July 1, 2017. This negative performance largely reflected difficult conditions in the Company’s traditional controls markets and continuing investment in research and development expense associated with the delivery of the engineering phase of the Company’s new project pipeline. At July 1, 2017 the Company had net current assets of $18,028,000 including cash of $2,318,000. Against this background, management has conducted a review of the Company’s cash requirements for the next twelve months taking into account existing cash resources, forecasted cash from future operations and existing borrowing facilities. In addition, the Company has explored its options to secure further financing. Based on this assessment of the Company’s cash requirements and the financing it believes is available, management believes that the group has sufficient funds available for the next twelve months for its activities under execution. Unless otherwise indicated, each reference to a “year” means the Company’s fiscal year, which ends on September 30. Accounting for wholly-owned subsidiaries The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries; Sevcon USA, Inc., Sevcon Ltd, Industrial Capacitors (Wrexham) Ltd., Sevcon Asia Limited, Sevcon Japan KK, Sevcon Security Corp., Sevcon S.A.S., Sevcon S.r.l., Bassi S.r.l., Sevcon Canada Inc. and Sevcon GmbH in accordance with the provisions required by the Consolidation Topic 810 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Accounting for joint-venture subsidiary For the Company's less than wholly-owned subsidiary, Sevcon New Energy Technology (Hubei) Company Limited in China, the Company first analyzes whether this joint venture subsidiary is a variable interest entity (a “VIE”) in accordance with ASC 810 and if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary requiring consolidation. A VIE is an entity that has (i) insufficient equity to permit it to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) equity holders that lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. VIEs are consolidated by the primary beneficiary, which is the entity that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that potentially could be significant to the entity. Variable interests in a VIE are contractual, ownership, or other financial interests in a VIE that change with changes in the fair value of the VIE’s net assets. The Company continuously re-assesses at each level of the joint venture whether the entity is (i) a VIE, and (ii) if the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If it is determined that the entity in which the Company holds its interest qualifies as a VIE and the Company is the primary beneficiary, it is consolidated. Based on the Company's analysis of its 50% owned joint venture, the Company has determined that it is a VIE and that the Company is the primary beneficiary. While the Company owns 50% of the equity interest in this subsidiary, the other 50% is owned by a local unrelated third party, and the joint venture agreement with that third party provides the Company with greater voting rights. Accordingly, the Company consolidates its joint venture under the VIE rules and reflects the third party’s 50% interest in the consolidated financial statements as a non-controlling interest. The Company records this non-controlling interest at its initial fair value, adjusting the basis prospectively for their share of the respective consolidated investments’ net income or loss or equity contributions and distributions. This non-controlling interest is not redeemable by the equity holders and is presented as part of permanent equity. Income and losses are allocated to the non-controlling interest holder based on its economic ownership percentage. Effective July 13, 2017, the Company acquired the remaining 50% of Sevcon New Energy Technology (Hubei) Company Limited for a purchase price of $5,000,000. In doing so, the Company agreed to terminate its equity joint venture with Xuchang Fuhua Glass Co. Ltd (“Fuhua Glass”), a Chinese limited liability company. The Company also agreed to reimburse Fuhua Glass for the taxes paid by it in relation to the equity transfer in an amount not to exceed $1,173,675, as well as certain ancillary fees. Upon the consummation of the acquisition, Sevcon New Energy Technology (Hubei) Company Limited became a “wholly foreign-owned enterprise” under Chinese law. As of July 1, 2017, the closing conditions had not been satisfied and as such Sevcon New Energy Technology (Hubei) Company Limited was accounted for as a joint-venture subsidiary during the period ended July 1, 2017.

Proposed Merger

Proposed Merger	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Proposed Merger [Abstract]
Proposed Merger	(2) Proposed Merger On July 14, 2017, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with BorgWarner Inc., a Delaware corporation (“BorgWarner”), and BorgWarner’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Slade Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”), providing for the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of BorgWarner. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger, (i) each share of common stock, par value $0.10 per share of the Company issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (each, a “Common Share”) (other than (A) any Common Shares owned by BorgWarner, Merger Sub or the Company, or by any subsidiary of BorgWarner, Merger Sub or the Company, in each case except to the extent held by any such person on behalf of a third party and (B) any shares that are owned by stockholders who have perfected and not withdrawn a demand for appraisal rights pursuant to Delaware law) will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash in an amount, without interest, equal to $22.00, and (ii) if the Charter Amendment (as described below) becomes effective, each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.10 per share of the Company issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (each of which is convertible into three Common Shares) (each, a “Preferred Share”) (other than (A) any Preferred Shares owned by BorgWarner, Merger Sub or the Company, or by any subsidiary of BorgWarner, Merger Sub or the Company, in each case except to the extent held by any such person on behalf of a third party and (B) any shares that are owned by stockholders who have perfected and not withdrawn a demand for appraisal rights pursuant to Delaware law), will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash in an amount, without interest, equal to $66.00. Immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, the board of directors of the Company intends to declare and pay a special dividend on the Preferred Shares representing the amount of the accrued and unpaid dividends on the Preferred Shares. Consummation of the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified closing conditions, including (i) the approval of the Merger by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares, (ii) the approval of an amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation to provide that, at the effective time of the Merger, each holder of Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive the consideration provided for in the Merger Agreement for each Preferred Share owned by such holder (the “Charter Amendment”), by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares and a majority of the outstanding Preferred Shares, voting as separate classes, (ii) the receipt of the approval of the Austrian Federal Competition Authority, (iii) the receipt from each holder of outstanding warrants to purchase Common Shares of an agreement with the Company in a form attached to the Merger Agreement agreeing to cancel such warrants in exchange for an amount equal to the product of the per Common Share merger consideration ($22.00) and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of such warrants, less the aggregate exercise price for such warrants, (iv) no more than 10% of the Common Shares and Preferred Shares (on an as if converted to common stock basis) having exercised appraisal rights and (v) other customary closing conditions, including (a) the accuracy of each party’s representations and warranties (subject to customary materiality qualifiers), (b) each party’s compliance with its agreements and covenants contained in the Merger Agreement and (c) the absence of any law, ordinance, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree being in effect that restrains or enjoins, or otherwise prohibits or makes illegal, the consummation of the Merger or the Charter Amendment. The Merger Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants of the Company, BorgWarner, and Merger Sub. The Company has agreed to operate its business in all material respects in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice until the completion of the Merger. The Company has also agreed not to solicit, initiate or knowingly encourage, or knowingly induce or facilitate, proposals regarding alternative transactions and to certain restrictions on its ability to respond to any such proposals. BorgWarner and Merger Sub have agreed to use reasonable best efforts to obtain approval of the proposed transactions under any applicable Antitrust Laws (as defined in the Merger Agreement), as more fully set forth in and subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement. The Company may terminate the Merger Agreement prior to the approval of the Merger by the common stock holders should the Company receive a “Superior Proposal”, being an unsolicited alternative acquisition proposal from a third party that the board of directors of the Company has determined is superior to the Merger. In certain circumstances, the Company has agreed to pay to BorgWarner a termination fee in connection with the termination of the Merger Agreement. The Company must pay BorgWarner the termination fee in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated by BorgWarner following a change of recommendation by the board of directors of the Company or if the Company terminates the Merger Agreement to enter into a Superior Proposal, in each case, as is described in further detail in the Merger Agreement. Under certain additional circumstances described in the Merger Agreement, the Company must also pay BorgWarner the termination fee if the Merger Agreement is terminated and, within twelve months following such termination, (i) the Company enters into a definitive agreement for, or consummates, a transaction of the type described in the relevant provisions of the Merger Agreement, or (ii) the Company’s board of directors recommends to stockholders an alternative acquisition proposal for a transaction of the type described in the relevant provisions of the Merger Agreement and, subsequent to making such recommendation, consummates the proposal so recommended to Company stockholders. In addition, under certain circumstances described in the Merger Agreement, the Company must also pay BorgWarner the expense reimbursement amount if the Merger Agreement is terminated. The termination fee is $1,600,000 if it becomes payable in connection with a Superior Proposal on or prior to 11:59 p.m., Chicago Time, on August 31, 2017 (and in certain other limited circumstances described in the Merger Agreement), and, otherwise, the termination fee is $4,800,000. The expense reimbursement amount is $2,400,000. The parties to the Merger Agreement are also entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of the Merger Agreement, and to enforce specifically the terms of the Merger Agreement. In addition, concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, Company stockholders Meson Capital LP, Meson Constructive Capital LP and Ryan J. Morris (which we refer to collectively as Meson Capital) and Bassi Holding S.r.l. entered into separate voting and support agreements with BorgWarner. Under the voting and support agreements, Meson Capital and Bassi Holding S.r.l agreed, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the voting and support agreements, to vote all Company shares owned by them in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Charter Amendment and the approval of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the Merger, and any other matter to be approved by the stockholders of the Company to facilitate such transactions. In addition, they agreed not to vote in favor of any alternative transactions, and to be subject to the restrictions on the solicitation or initiation of other acquisition proposals and on engaging in discussions regarding such proposals as are applicable to the Company’s representatives pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and certain restrictions on the transfer of shares of our Common Shares or Preferred Shares. Also, each of our directors (other than Ryan J. Morris, who executed a voting and support agreement in his capacity as a principal of Meson Capital) and our director emeritus entered into separate support agreements with BorgWarner, in which they agreed, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the support agreements, to be subject to the restrictions on the solicitation or initiation of other acquisition proposals and on engaging in discussions regarding such proposals as are applicable to the Company’s representatives pursuant to the merger agreement, and certain restrictions on the transfer of our Common Shares or Preferred Shares. Each of the voting and support agreements and the support agreements automatically terminates upon the termination of the Merger Agreement. The board of directors of the Company unanimously (i) approved and declared advisable the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the Merger, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, and the Charter Amendment, (ii) determined that the Merger Agreement, the Charter Amendment and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the Merger, are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and its stockholders and (iii) adopted a resolution recommending that the Merger Agreement and the Charter Amendment be adopted by the stockholders of the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Summary of significant accounti

Summary of significant accounting policies	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Summary of significant accounting policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	(3) Summary of significant accounting policies There have been no changes since the end of 2016 to the significant accounting policies followed by Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries.

Acquisition

Acquisition	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Acquisition [Abstract]
Acquisition	(4) Acquisition Bassi Unipersonale S.r.l (“Bassi”) On January 26, 2016, the Company acquired Bassi which designs, manufactures and sells battery chargers for electric vehicles, power management and uninterrupted power source systems for industrial, medical and telecom applications, as well as electronic instrumentation for battery laboratories. This acquisition enables the Company to expand its addressable share of the high-growth electrification market and enhance earnings by adding an immediately accretive business. The total consideration for the transaction was approximately $19,100,000 which consisted of approximately $10,800,000 cash, $4,800,000 value of the Company’s common stock and $3,500,000 at fair value of assumed dividends payable to Bassi Holding, the former owner of Bassi. The Company acquired approximately $10,200,000 of intangible assets, which primarily consisted of customer relationships, $6,400,000 of goodwill and $2,500,000 of other assets, net of liabilities. The Company is required to distribute approximately $3,500,000 of assumed dividends in increments over a three-year period, post-closing. The Company accounted for this acquisition as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. During the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017 the Company recognized no expense for acquisition-related items. During the three and nine-month periods ended July 2, 2016 the Company recognized expense for acquisition-related items, of $8,000 and $1,425,000 respectively. For more information on this acquisition, refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2016 10-K. Pro Forma Summary The unaudited consolidated pro forma results for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017 and July 2, 2016 are shown below. The pro forma consolidated results combine the results of operations of the Company and Bassi as though Bassi had been acquired on October 1, 2015 and include amortization charges for the acquired intangibles and interest expense related to the Company’s borrowings to finance the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma results for the three and nine-month periods ended July 2, 2016 were adjusted to include $279,000 and $814,000 respectively, of intangible assets amortization expense associated with the business combination and $129,000 and $382,000, respectively, of interest expense relating to the credit facility entered into in order to partially fund the Bassi acquisition, and to exclude $8,000 and $1,425,000, respectively, of acquisition-related expense. The unaudited pro forma results for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017 were adjusted to exclude $1,100,000 of transaction costs. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place on October 1, 2015. (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Nine Months ended July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Revenue $ 18,556 $ 13,913 $ 46,771 $ 41,446 Net loss (1,805 ) (1,072 ) (6,550 ) (1,394 )

Stock-based compensation plans

Stock-based compensation plans	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Stock-based compensation plans [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation plans	(5) Stock-based compensation plans Under the Company’s 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) there were 69,641 shares reserved and available for grant at July 1, 2017. There were 12,165 options exercised in 2017. The Plan, which is shareholder-approved, permits the grant of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). SARs may be awarded either separately, or in relation to options granted, and for the grant of bonus shares. Options granted are exercisable at a price not less than fair market value on the date of grant. Stock options The Company estimated the fair values of its stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, which was developed for use in estimating the fair values of stock options. Option valuation models, including the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, require the input of assumptions, including stock price volatility. Changes in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimates and ultimately how much the Company recognizes as stock-based compensation expense. The fair values of the Company’s stock options were estimated at the grant dates. The weighted average input assumptions used and resulting fair values of stock options previously issued at July 1, 2017, were as follows: July 1, 2017 Performance based stock options: Expected life (in years) 4.0 Risk-free interest rate 1.64 % Volatility 62.16 % Dividend yield 0.00 % Weighted-average fair value per share $ 8.38 Expected Life The expected term represents the period of time that options are expected to be outstanding. As the Company does not have sufficient historical evidence for determining the expected term of the stock option awards granted, the expected life assumption has been determined using the simplified method, which is an average of the contractual term of the option and its ordinary vesting period. Risk-free Interest Rate The Company bases the risk-free interest rate assumption on zero-coupon U.S. treasury instruments appropriate for the expected term of the stock option grants. Expected Volatility The expected stock price volatility for the Company’s common stock is estimated based on the historic volatility of the Company’s common stock for a period equivalent to the expected term of the stock option grants. Expected Dividend Yield The Company bases the expected dividend yield assumption on the fact that there is no present intention to pay cash dividends. Therefore an expected dividend yield of zero has been used. Performance-based awards Stock options: In December 2015, the Compensation Committee awarded performance-based equity compensation to nine executives and managers, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, consisting of 38,460 shares in the form of stock options. The performance options have an exercise price of $9.94 per share, representing the average of the highest intraday bid and ask quotes for the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, December 16, 2015, and the preceding four trading days. The performance options will vest subject to the Company meeting an earnings per share target applicable to fiscal year 2018 set by the Compensation Committee so long as the employee is then employed by the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of its stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The estimated fair value of the stock options on the date of the grant was $185,000 and is being recognized over the requisite service period of the award. The unrecognized compensation is being expensed over three years. The expense for these employee stock option grants was $14,844 and $43,663 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017, respectively. The expense for these employee stock option grants was $13,505 and $29,766 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 2, 2016, respectively. In February 2017, the Compensation Committee awarded performance-based equity compensation to five executives and managers, consisting of 2,800 shares in the form of stock options. The performance options have an exercise price of $11.86 per share, representing the average of the highest intraday bid and ask quotes for the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, February 7, 2017, and the preceding four trading days. The performance options will vest on the later of the third anniversary of the grant date or the date the Compensation Committee determines that the Company has met the earnings per share target for fiscal year 2018. The Company estimated the fair value of its stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The estimated fair value of the stock options on the date of the grant was $7,000 and is being recognized over the requisite service period of the award. The unrecognized compensation is being expensed over three years. The expense for these employee stock option grants was $1,762 and $2,772 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017, respectively. A summary of performance-based option activity under the Plan as of July 1, 2017, and changes during the nine months then ended, is presented below: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding as of September 30, 2016 38,460 $ 9.94 4.21 $ - Granted 2,800 11.86 2.86 - Exercised - - - - Forfeited or Expired - - - - Outstanding at July 1, 2017 41,260 $ 10.07 3.54 $ - Exercisable - - - - Vested and expected to vest 38,693 $ 10.07 3.54 $ - Restricted stock: In December 2015, the Company granted 11,540 shares of restricted stock to four employees which will vest subject to the Company achieving the same earnings per share target applicable to fiscal year 2018 as for the stock options disclosed above, so long as the employee is then employed by the Company. The estimated fair value of the stock on the date of the grant was $116,000 based on the fair market value of stock on the date of issue. The unrecognized compensation is being expensed over three years. Management has assessed the performance criteria relating to these grants and concluded they are likely to be met. Accordingly, the relevant portion of the expense has been recorded through July 1, 2017. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $9,301 and $27,358 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017, respectively. The expense for these grants was $8,080 and $17,877 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 2, 2016, respectively. In March 2017, the Company granted 80,000 shares of restricted stock to two executives, which will vest subject to the Company achieving one or both financial targets for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 fiscal years. The shares of restricted stock shall be divided into six equal tranches (two per year). The estimated fair value of the stock on the date of the grant was $1,106,534 based on the fair market value of stock on the date of issue. The unrecognized compensation is being expensed over three years. Management has assessed the performance criteria relating to these grants and concluded they are likely to be met. Accordingly, the relevant portion of the expense has been recorded through July 1, 2017. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $202,332 and $259,391 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017, respectively. Time-based awards Stock options: In August 2016, the Board of Directors awarded the Executive Chairman equity compensation consisting of stock options to purchase 56,700 shares. The options were granted in two tranches. The first tranche, consisting of 36,496 options with an exercise price of $10.93 per share, would vest in twelve substantially equal monthly installments beginning September 2016, and the second tranche, consisting of 20,204 options with an exercise price of $12.35 per share, would vest in twelve substantially equal monthly installments beginning September 2017, in each case so long as the director is in the position of Executive Chairman. The Company estimated the fair value of its stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The estimated fair value of the stock options on the date of the grant was $211,000. The Executive Chairman position was terminated on December 6, 2016, as a result of which 12,165 vested options were exercisable for three months, and all un-vested options expired. On February 7, 2017 the director exercised 12,165 options via a cashless exercise in which 8,474 shares were surrendered to pay the exercise price. In the three months ended July 1, 2017 there was a reversal of expense of $9,694 and in the nine months ended July 1, 2017 there was an expense of $20,890, in respect of these stock options grants. A summary of time-based option activity under the Plan as of July 1, 2017, and changes during the nine months then ended, is presented below: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at September 30, 2016 12,165 $ 10.93 4.08 $ - Granted - - - - Exercised (12,165 ) (10.93 ) - - Outstanding at July 1, 2017 - $ - - $ - Exercisable - - - - Vested - $ - - $ - Restricted stock: In February 2016, the Company granted 29,700 shares of restricted stock, representing 3,300 shares to each of the non-employee directors and the then emeritus directors of the Company, 26,400 of which vested on February 6, 2017. The aggregate fair value of the stock measured on the date of the grant was $292,000 based on the closing sale price of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense was recognized on a straight-line basis over the twelve-month period to February 2017. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $0 and $108,020 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017, respectively. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $64,812 and $86,416 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 2, 2016, respectively. In February 2017, the Company granted 145,000 shares of restricted stock to eleven employees, which will vest one-third each year on the third business day after the announcement of the Company’s results for the first quarter of fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020. The aggregate fair value of the stock measured on the date of the grant was $2,039,020 based on the closing sale price of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $169,918 and $226,558 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017, respectively. In February 2017, the Company granted 24,800 shares of restricted stock, representing 3,100 shares to each of the non-employee directors and the emeritus director of the Company, which will vest on the day before the 2018 annual general meeting providing that the grantee remains a director or an emeritus director of the Company, or as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee. The aggregate fair value of the stock measured on the date of the grant was $344,244 based on the closing sale price of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the twelve-month period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $86,056 and $114,741 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017, respectively. In March 2017, the Company granted 12,800 shares of restricted stock representing 1,600 shares to each of the non-employee directors and the emeritus director of the Company, which will vest on the day before the 2018 annual general meeting providing that the grantee remains a director or an emeritus director of the Company, or as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee. The aggregate fair value of the stock measured on the date of the grant was $192,000 based on the closing sale price of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the twelve-month period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $48,000 and $64,000 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017, respectively. For the purposes of calculating average issued shares for basic earnings per share, these shares are only considered to be outstanding when the forfeiture conditions lapse and the shares vest. A summary of restricted stock and stock option activity, including both performance-based awards and time-based awards, for the nine-month period ended July 1, 2017, is as follows: Number of shares of Restricted Stock Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2016 138,940 $ 6.50 Granted 262,600 $ 15.03 Vested (86,400 ) $ 7.44 Non-vested balance as of July 1, 2017 315,140 $ 13.35 Number of shares subject to Stock Options Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2016 50,625 $ 4.67 Granted 2,800 $ 2.65 Exercised (12,165 ) $ 4.39 Non-vested balance as of July 1, 2017 41,260 $ 4.62 Stock-based compensation expense was $555,000 and $1,037,000 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense was $169,000 and $527,000 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 2, 2016, respectively. At July 1, 2017, there was approximately $3,237,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock granted under the Plan. The Company expects to recognize that cost over a weighted average period of 2 years. Under the merger agreement with BorgWarner, at the effective time of the merger, each share of restricted stock and each stock option will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive (a) for each share of restricted stock, $22.00, and (b) for each share subject to an option, an amount equal to the excess of $22.00 over the applicable per share exercise price of the option, in each case less any applicable withholding taxes. Payment of the foregoing amounts will be made (a) for options and restricted stock that would have vested in accordance with their terms at the effective time of the merger or on or before December 31, 2018 (assuming the holder’s continued employment or service and achievement of any applicable performance-based vesting conditions), the payment will be made promptly following the effective time of the merger, and (b) for options and restricted stock that, in accordance with their terms, would not vest at the effective time of the merger and would have vested on or after January 1, 2019 (assuming the holder’s continued employment or service through the date on which the options are scheduled to become vested and the achievement of any applicable performance based vesting conditions), the payment will vest and become payable in accordance with the vesting schedule applicable to the original award, except that any performance-based vesting conditions applicable to such award will no longer apply and the award will be treated as subject to service-based vesting only, with vesting occurring at the time the original performance vesting condition could have been satisfied. Accordingly, payment will be made promptly following the effective time of the merger with respect to approximately 71% of the shares subject to outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards, and payment will be deferred consistently with the existing vesting provisions with respect to approximately 29% of the shares subject to outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards. With respect to the options and restricted stock awards for which payment will be deferred, pro rata option payments may be made in connection with certain qualifying terminations of employment.

Common Stock Warrants

Common Stock Warrants	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Common Stock Warrants [Abstract]
Common Stock Warrants	(6) Common Stock Warrants Sevcon entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain institutional and accredited investors on July 6, 2016 in which the Company sold and issued 1,124,000 units at $9.12 per unit. Each unit consists of 1 share of common stock and 0.5 warrant to purchase 1 share of common stock for $10.00 exercise price per warrant share. The closing date of this transaction was July 8, 2016, which resulted in the Company receiving $10,250,880 of gross proceeds. The investors received 1,124,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 562,000 shares of common stock. The Company has analyzed the warrants under FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities From Equity In February 2017, a warrant holder exercised the right to purchase 2,741 shares of common stock of the Company at the exercise price of $10.00 per share. Accordingly, the Company issued 2,741 shares of common stock for cash proceeds of $27,410.

Cash dividends

Cash dividends	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Cash dividends [Abstract]
Cash dividends	(7) Cash dividends Common stock dividends – Preferred Stock dividends -

Calculation of earnings per sha

Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding [Abstract]
Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding	(8) Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income or loss for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased for the assumed exercise of dilutive options and other potentially dilutive securities, including convertible preferred stock, using the treasury stock method unless the effect is anti-dilutive. For the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per common share for the three-month period ended July 1, 2017, approximately 1,267,000 shares of common stock issuable on conversion of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, approximately 315,000 shares of un-vested restricted stock and approximately 41,000 outstanding stock options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because that would have been anti-dilutive for the period presented. For the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per common share for the nine-month period ended July 1, 2017, approximately 1,302,000 shares of common stock issuable on conversion of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, approximately 209,000 shares of un-vested restricted stock and approximately 46,000 outstanding stock options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because that would have been anti-dilutive for the period presented. Basic and diluted net loss per common share for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017 and July 2, 2016, is calculated as follows: (in thousands of dollars except per share data) Three months ended Nine months ended July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Numerator: Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (2,993 ) $ (1,538 ) $ (7,802 ) $ (3,221 ) Denominator: Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share - basic 5,366 4,070 5,291 3,828 Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share - diluted 5,366 4,070 5,291 3,828 Net loss per ordinary share - basic $ (0.56 ) $ (0.38 ) $ (1.47 ) $ (0.84 ) Net loss per ordinary share - diluted $ (0.56 ) $ (0.38 ) $ (1.47 ) $ (0.84 )

Segment information

Segment information	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Segment information [Abstract]
Segment information	(9) Segment information The Company has three reportable segments: controls, capacitors and chargers. The controls segment produces microprocessor based control systems for zero-emission and hybrid electric vehicles. The capacitors segment produces special-metalized film capacitors for sale to electronic equipment manufacturers. The chargers segment designs and manufactures battery chargers for electric vehicles. Each segment has its own management team and sales force and the capacitors and battery chargers segments have their own manufacturing facilities. The significant accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 3 and in 2016 10-K Note 1. Inter-segment revenues are accounted for at current market prices. The Company evaluates the performance of each segment principally based on operating income. The Company does not allocate corporate expense, acquisition expenses, interest expense, foreign currency translation gain/losses, interest income or income taxes to segments. Information concerning operations of the reportable segments is as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Three months ended July 1, 2017 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 9,822 500 8,234 - 18,556 Operating income (loss) (2,497 ) 64 520 (1,375 ) (3,288 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 34,561 962 23,449 1,672 60,644 Goodwill 1,435 - 6,707 - 8,142 Three months ended July 2, 2016 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 8,462 405 5,046 - 13,913 Operating income (loss) (511 ) (5 ) (257 ) (158 ) (931 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 38,149 901 8,715 3,853 51,618 Goodwill 1,435 - 7,169 - 8,604 (in thousands of dollars) Nine months ended July 1, 2017 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 25,043 1,193 20,535 - 46,771 Operating income (loss) (6,641 ) 86 708 (2,181 ) (8,028 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 34,561 962 23,449 1,672 60,644 Goodwill 1,435 - 6,707 - 8,142 Nine months ended July 2, 2016 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 25,968 1,215 9,026 - 36,209 Operating income (loss) (449 ) (61 ) 9 (1,921 ) (2,422 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 38,149 901 8,715 3,853 51,618 Goodwill 1,435 - 7,169 - 8,604 Revenues by region below are based on the location of the business selling the products rather than the destination of the products. (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Nine Months ended July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 U.S. sales $ 5,283 $ 3,924 $ 13,481 $ 11,621 Foreign sales: U.K. 2,342 2,518 6,171 9,225 Italy 7,975 5,046 20,162 9,026 France 2,272 2,307 5,672 5,840 China 684 118 1,285 497 Total foreign sales 13,273 9,989 33,290 24,588 Total sales $ 18,556 $ 13,913 $ 46,771 $ 36,209 Long-term assets by region below are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) July 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 U.S. long-term assets: $ 2,490 $ 2,224 Foreign long-term assets: U.K. 7,919 5,891 Italy 16,934 16,580 France 374 302 Korea, Japan, China 461 388 Canada 39 - Total foreign long-term assets 25,727 23,161 Total long-term assets $ 28,217 $ 25,385

Research and development

Research and development	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Research and development [Abstract]
Research and development	(10) Research and development The cost of research and development programs is charged against income as incurred and amounted to $2,465,000 and $5,733,000 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017, respectively, net of U.K. government grants received, “above the line” tax credits arising from U.K. government research and development incentives as well as research and development expense associated with engineering services revenue recorded in cost of sales. The cost of research and development programs amounted to $1,212,000 and $3,419,000 for the three and nine-month periods ended July 2, 2016, respectively, net of U.K. government grants received, “above the line” tax credits arising from U.K. government research and development incentives as well as research and development expense associated with engineering services revenue recorded in cost of sales. In 2015 the Company was awarded a grant of approximately $625,000 by the U.K. Regional Growth Fund, a U.K. government body. The grant is to develop an innovative range of low voltage motor controls which are designed to serve the emerging needs for on-road, automotive electrification. The grant includes a commitment to create or safeguard a total of twenty jobs at the Company’s U.K. facility over the period of the project. The Company recorded grant income from this project of $0 and incurred research and development expense on this project of $0 for the three months ended July 1, 2017. The Company recorded grant income from this project of $281,000, which was offset against the Company’s research and development expense on this project of $1,206,000, for the nine months ended July 1, 2017. The Company recorded grant income from this project of $21,000, which was offset against the Company’s research and development expense on this project of $90,000, for the three months ended July 2, 2016. The Company recorded grant income from this project of $115,000, which was offset against the Company’s research and development expense on this project of $392,000, for the nine months ended July 2, 2016. During 2015 through 2017, the Company participated in a U.K. government research and development arrangement which allows U.K. companies to receive an additional available tax credit subject to meeting certain qualifying conditions. The credit is a percentage, which currently ranges from 11% to 14.5% depending on circumstances, of qualifying research and development expenditure in the period. The credit discharges income tax the Company would have to pay or allows companies without an income tax liability to receive a refund payment from the U.K. government. For the three and nine months ended July 1, 2017 the Company recorded $264,000 (three months ended July 2, 2016 - $0) and $615,000 (nine months ended July 2, 2016 - $0), respectively, as a reduction in research and development expense in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations. The Company had an income tax receivable balance of $1,211,000 at July 1, 2017 from this initiative (September 30, 2016 - $985,000), which is included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the unaudited consolidated balance sheets.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(11) Income Taxes The Company’s effective tax rate of 12.8% is significantly lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 34%, primarily due to the fact that certain current year operating losses in the U.K. have been foregone in exchange for a cash refund, and in addition the local statutory rate in certain countries in which the Company operates, notably the U.K. (19%) and Italy, (24%), is lower than the U.S. statutory rate. During the nine-month period ended July 1, 2017, the Company’s deferred tax assets increased by $1,427,000. The Company continues to assess the need for a valuation allowance against these assets. In assessing the continuing need for a valuation allowance the Company has assessed the available means of recovering its deferred tax assets, including the ability to carryback net operating losses, the existence of reversing temporary differences, the availability of tax planning strategies, and available sources of future taxable income, including a revised estimate of future sources of pre-tax income. The Company has historically had profitable operations. The Company’s current projections reflect future profitable operations. Since the majority of the Company’s deferred tax assets relate to operations in countries where net operating losses have unlimited carry forwards, the Company has concluded that no valuation allowance is required on these deferred tax assets. During the second quarter of 2017, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service initiated an audit of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax return for the period ended September 30, 2015. This audit was completed during the third quarter of 2017, resulting in a small assessment of tax payable by the Company.

Employee benefit plans

Employee benefit plans	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Employee benefit plans [Abstract]
Employee benefit plans	(12) Employee benefit plans Sevcon has defined contribution plans covering the majority of its U.S. and U.K. employees in the controls business. There is also a small defined contribution plan covering senior managers in the capacitors business. The Company has frozen U.K. and U.S. defined benefit plans for which no future benefits are being earned by employees. The Company uses a September 30 measurement date for its defined benefit pension plans. The Company’s French subsidiary, Sevcon S.A.S., has a liability to pay its employees a service and salary-based award when they leave the Company’s employment at retirement age. This unfunded liability, recorded in accrued expenses, was $227,000 and $198,000 at July 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. The obligation to pay this award is a French legal requirement. The Company’s Italian subsidiary, Bassi S.r.l., has a liability to pay its employees a severance indemnity, ‘Trattamento di fine Rapporto’ (“TFR”) when they leave the Company’s employment. TFR, which is mandatory for Italian companies, is deferred compensation and is based on the employees’ years of service and the compensation earned by the employee during the service period. This unfunded liability, recorded in other long-term liabilities, was $1,075,000 and $987,000 at July 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. The following table sets forth the components of the net pension cost for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017 and July 2, 2016, respectively: (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Nine Months ended July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Interest cost $ 201 $ 304 $ 621 $ 885 Service cost - 49 - 82 Expected return on plan assets (272 ) (281 ) (770 ) (846 ) Amortization of net loss 93 128 271 278 Net periodic benefit cost 22 200 122 399 Cost of defined contribution plans $ 122 $ 105 $ 360 $ 388 Net cost of all employee benefit plans $ 144 $ 305 $ 482 $ 787 The following table sets forth the movement in the liability for pension benefits, all of which is non-current, in the nine- month period ended July 1, 2017: (in thousands of dollars) Nine Months ended July 1, 2017 Liability for pension benefits at beginning of period $ 11,511 Interest cost 621 Expected return on plan assets (770 ) Plan contributions (621 ) Effect of exchange rate changes (39 ) Liability for pension benefits at end of period 10,702 Sevcon, Inc. contributed $150,000 to its frozen U.S. defined benefit plan in the nine months ended July 1, 2017; it presently anticipates contributing an additional $50,000 to fund its U.S. plan during the remainder of fiscal 2017. In addition, employer contributions to the frozen U.K. defined benefit plan were $471,000 in the first nine months and are estimated to total $666,000 in 2017. The tables below present information about the Company’s pension plan assets measured and recorded at fair value as of July 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the inputs utilized by the Company to determine the fair values. (in thousands of dollars) July 1, 2017 Level 1* (Quoted prices in active markets) Level 2** (Significant observable inputs) Level 3*** (Unobservable inputs) Adept Strategy 9 Fund (a sub-fund of Adept Investment Management plc) $ - $ 12,808 $ - Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds (funds managed by Schroder Investment Management Limited) - 4,519 - U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds 3,077 - - U.S. Equity Funds 447 - - Other Types of Investments - - - Cash 214 - - Total Pension Plan Assets – Fair Value $ 3,738 $ 17,327 $ - (in thousands of dollars) September 30, 2016 Level 1* (Quoted prices in active markets) Level 2** (Significant observable inputs) Level 3*** (Unobservable inputs) Adept Strategy 9 Fund (a sub-fund of Adept Investment Management plc) $ - $ 13,268 $ - Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds (funds managed by Schroder Investment Management Limited) - 5,335 - U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds 2,837 - - U.S. Equity Funds 400 - - Other Types of Investments - - - Cash 439 - - Total Pension Plan Assets – Fair Value $ 3,676 $ 18,603 $ - * Level 1 investments represent mutual funds for which a quoted market price is available on an active market. These investments primarily hold stocks or bonds, or a combination of stocks and bonds. ** Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. The Company’s pension plan financial assets held in the Adept Strategy 9 Fund and the Schroder investments are Level 2 assets. The Company uses the Net Asset Value to determine the fair value of underlying investments which (a) do not have readily determinable fair value; and (b) prepare their financial statements consistent with the measurement principles of an investment company. The Funds are not exchange traded. The Funds are not subject to any redemption notice periods or restrictions and can be redeemed on a daily basis. No gates or holdbacks or dealing suspensions are being applied to the Funds. The Funds are of perpetual duration. *** The Company currently does not have any Level 3 pension plan financial assets. The estimated benefit payments, which reflect future service, as appropriate, for the years ended September 30 are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2017 $ 470 2018 488 2019 494 2020 502 2021 499 2022 – 2026 $ 2,722

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	(13) Inventories Inventory, net of reserve, is comprised of: (in thousands of dollars) July 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 Raw materials $ 7,361 $ 6,532 Work-in-process 327 266 Finished goods 9,384 6,868 Total inventory, net of reserve $ 17,072 $ 13,666

Property, Plant and Equipment,

Property, Plant and Equipment, net	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment, net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	(14) Property, Plant and Equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, is comprised of: (in thousands of dollars) July 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 Property, plant and equipment, gross: Land and improvements $ 18 $ 18 Buildings and improvements 1,440 1,069 Equipment 13,645 12,166 Total property, plant and equipment, gross 15,103 13,253 Less: accumulated depreciation (10,107 ) (9,410 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 4,996 $ 3,843

Fair value of financial instrum

Fair value of financial instruments	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract]
Fair value of financial instruments	(15) Fair value of financial instruments The Company's financial instruments consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade receivables, accounts payable and debt. The carrying amount of these financial instruments, other than the debt, approximates their fair value as of July 1, 2017 due to their short-term nature. The fair value of the Company’s long-term bank debt at July 1, 2017 approximated $15,994,000 (the gross carrying value as of July 1, 2017 before the offset of debt issuance costs) based on recent financial market pricing. The bank debt represents a Level 2 liability in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described in Note 12.

Accrued expenses

Accrued expenses	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Accrued expenses [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	(16) Accrued expenses Accrued expenses, in excess of 5% of total current liabilities, are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) July 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 Accrued compensation and related costs $ 2,267 $ 1,945 Deferred revenue 1,230 548 Other accrued expenses 2,746 2,438 Total accrued expenses $ 6,243 $ 4,931

Warranty reserves

Warranty reserves	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Warranty reserves [Abstract]
Warranty reserves	(17) Warranty reserves The following table summarizes the warranty reserve activity: (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Nine Months ended July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Warranty reserves at beginning of period $ 360 $ 249 $ 332 $ 278 Warranty expense 34 - 135 5 Acquisition assumed liability - - - 34 Warranty usage (17 ) (6 ) (81 ) (72 ) Currency translation 12 - 3 (2 ) Warranty reserves at end of period $ 389 $ 243 $ 389 $ 243

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	(18) Debt The Company’s U.K. controls and capacitors subsidiaries each have multi-currency overdraft facilities which together total $1,100,000 and are secured by real estate owned by those companies. In July 2017, the Company’s U.K. bank renewed these facilities for a twelve-month period, although they can be withdrawn on demand by the bank. The facilities were unused at July 1, 2017 and at September 30, 2016. The Company entered into a €14,000,000 ($15,994,000 at July 1, 2017) credit facility with Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. (“MPS Bank”) on January 27, 2016. The loan and security agreement will expire on January 27, 2021 when all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due and payable in full. The facility may be paid before maturity in whole or in part at the option of the Company, on or after the nine-month anniversary of the funding date, without penalty or premium. A change of control (including the closing under the BorgWarner Merger Agreement) would constitute an event of default, triggering acceleration of the repayment obligation. Interest on the loan is payable quarterly at a margin of 3% over EuroLIBOR, with a minimum EuroLIBOR rate of 0.0%. The loan interest rate at July 1, 2017 was 3%. Under the facility, the Company must maintain, on an annual basis, a net debt to EBITDA ratio defined as the ratio of consolidation indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries, minus cash and marketable securities, to EBITDA of the Company and its subsidiaries, measured on a fiscal year basis, plus (under a December 2016 amendment) the net cash proceeds received by the Company from the issuance and sale of equity securities during such twelve-month period, of no more than 3.5:1 for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 and a net debt to EBITDA ratio of no more than 3.0:1 thereafter. Upon entering into the credit facility, the Company drew down €14,000,000 ($15,994,000), which was the total amount outstanding at July 1, 2017. This amount is shown in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under long-term debt. Annual principal payments on bank debt, net of debt issuance costs, and converted to U.S. dollars at the July 1, 2017 exchange rate of $1.1424 Euros per U.S. dollar, are as follows (in thousands of dollars): 2018 – short-term $ 800 2018 – long-term 400 2019 1,599 2020 1,599 2021 11,596 15,994 Less: debt issuance costs (181 ) Total $ 15,813 On May 22, 2017, the Company entered into a loan agreement with FrontFour Capital Group, LLC (“FrontFour“), pursuant to which FrontFour made a commitment to the Company to provide an unsecured term loan in the principal amount of $10,000,000 (the “Term Loan”). The period of FrontFour’s commitment under the loan agreement began on the date the Company entered into the loan agreement, and terminates on (i) August 22, 2017, or (ii) if the Company chooses to request an extension, November 22, 2017. The Company paid a commitment fee to FrontFour of $450,000. The commitment fee plus $34,000 of associated legal fees have been accounted for as deferred financing costs and are being amortized over the life of the loan agreement. If the Company elects to extend the commitment period, it will be required to pay FrontFour an additional $150,000 extension fee. The interest rate on amounts borrowed under the loan agreement is 10% per annum. Subsequent to the end of the period, on July 3, 2017, the Company drew down $7,500,000 under the FrontFour loan agreement. The Term Loan, which is pari-passu with the Company’s existing senior credit facility with MPS Bank, will mature and be repayable in full on July 3, 2018; provided that maturity would accelerate upon an event of default, a change of control (including the closing under the BorgWarner Merger Agreement), or the Company’s repayment of all amounts due under the MPS Bank credit facility. The loan agreement provides for mandatory prepayment in the event that the Company receives net cash proceeds from an equity issuance, in an amount equal to such net cash proceeds. The loan agreement also provides for voluntary prepayment at any time without penalty. The loan agreement imposes customary limitations on the Company’s ability to, among other things, dispose of certain assets other than the sale of inventory in the ordinary course, incur liens, incur additional indebtedness, and engage in transactions with affiliates. The loan agreement also provides for events of default customary for credit facilities of this type, including, but not limited to, bankruptcy, non-payment, breach of covenants, and insolvency. Upon an event of default, the interest rate would be increased and FrontFour may elect a number of remedies including, but not limited to declaring all obligations (including principal, interest and expenses) immediately due and payable.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	(19) Commitments and Contingencies Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries are involved in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business but the Company believes that it is remote that the outcome will be material to operations. The Company maintains a directors' retirement plan which provides for certain retirement benefits to non-employee directors. Effective January 1997 the plan was frozen and no further benefits are being accrued. While the cost of the plan has been expensed, the plan is not separately funded. The estimated liability which has been recorded based on the cost of buying deferred annuities at July 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016 was $136,000 and $144,000, respectively. On March 24, 2017 the company entered into a 15-year operating lease for land and buildings at a total commitment of £4,185,000 (approximately $5,435,000). The company is entitled to a rent-free period of 6 months and a further 24 months at half-rent. Minimum rental commitments under all non-cancelable leases for the years ended September 30 are as follows: 2017 - $271,000; 2018 - $1,041,000; 2019 - $998,000; 2020 - $896,000; 2021 - $865,000 and $6,002,000 thereafter. The U.K. subsidiaries of the Company have given to RBS NatWest Bank a security interest in certain leasehold and freehold property assets as security for overdraft facilities of $1,100,000 as mentioned in Note 18.

Changes in Other Comprehensive

Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss	(20) Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss The following table illustrates changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in fiscal 2017 and 2016: (in thousands of dollars) Foreign Currency Items Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Balance September 30, 2015 (1,274 ) (9,730 ) (11,004 ) Other comprehensive loss (996 ) (1,420 ) (2,416 ) Balance September 30, 2016 (2,270 ) (11,150 ) (13,420 ) Other comprehensive loss 1,095 204 1,299 Balance July 1, 2017 (1,175 ) (10,946 ) (12,121 )

Related Parties

Related Parties	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Related Parties [Abstract]
Related Parties	(21) Related Parties Bassi Holding (see Note 4) is considered a related party as a stockholder of the Company. As of July 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016 there was a net payable balance of $1,626,000 and $1,858,000, respectively, due to Bassi Holding. This debt mainly relates to the dividends payable to Bassi Holding as a result of the acquisition on January 29, 2016 and it excludes rent payable, which is shown below. During the three and nine months ended July 1, 2017 the Company paid rent to Bassi Holding in the amount of $81,000 and $262,000 respectively. During the three and nine months ended July 2, 2016 the Company paid rent to Bassi Holding in the amount of $83,000 and $138,000 respectively. As of July 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016 the Company owed $56,000 and $84,000, respectively, to Bassi Holding for rent. During the quarter ended April 1, 2017, the Company’s U.K. subsidiary made short-term loans in amounts ranging from £2,820 to £39,274 to nine employees of that subsidiary to cover the employees’ income tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of restricted stock. The amounts due to the Company are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at July 1, 2017. The loans were not approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. They included loans of £39,274 and £28,829 ($49,632 and $36,019 at the contemporary exchange rate), respectively, to the chief executive officer and chief financial officer. The loans to the chief executive officer and chief financial officer were repaid in full, with interest at the Inland Revenue-prescribed market rate of 3% per annum, promptly after they were disclosed to the Board of Directors in connection with the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended April 1, 2017.

Subsequent events

Subsequent events	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Subsequent events [Abstract]
Subsequent events	(22) Subsequent events In preparing these interim consolidated financial statements, the Company has evaluated, for potential recognition or disclosure, events or transactions subsequent to the end of the most recent quarterly period, the issuance date of these financial statements. As outlined in Note 1 above, effective July 13, 2017, the Company acquired Fuhua Glass’s entire 50% equity interest in Sevcon New Energy Technology (Hubei) Co., Ltd and terminated its equity joint venture with Fuhua Glass As outlined in Note 2 above, on July 14, 2017, the Company entered into a Definitive Agreement with BorgWarner Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Slade Merger Sub Inc., providing for the merger of Slade Merger Sub Inc. with and into the Company with the Company surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Borg Warner Inc. Consummation of the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified closing conditions, including the approval of the Merger by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares. No other material subsequent events were identified that require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	(23) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09: “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, comprehensive new revenue recognition guidance which will supersede almost all existing revenue recognition guidance. It affects any entity that enters into contracts with customers for the transfer of goods or services. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14: “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. This update was issued to defer the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year. Therefore, the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for public business entities is the annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2017 including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Preparation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11: “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” which requires inventory within the scope of this standard to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2018. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16: “Business Combinations (Topic 805)” which amends existing guidance related to measurement period adjustments associated with a business combination. The new standard requires the Company to recognize measurement period adjustments in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. The amendment removes the requirement to adjust prior period financial statements for these measurement period adjustments. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU, 2015-16 in fiscal year 2017, the implementation of which did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued FASB ASU No. 2016-02: “Leases (Topic 842)” in which the core principle is that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. For operating leases, a lessee is required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in the balance sheet. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from that applied under current U.S. GAAP. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2020. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09: “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)” simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment award transactions. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2018. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15: “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” which addresses eight specific statement of cash flow issues with the objective of reducing diversity in practice. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16: “Income Taxes (Topic 740) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory” which requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset (excluding inventory) when the transfer occurs instead of when the asset is sold to an outside party. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04: “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 740)” which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2021. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which provides additional guidance on which changes to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is evaluating the potential impact the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019.

Acquisition (Tables)

Acquisition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Acquisition [Abstract]
Pro forma financial information	The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place on October 1, 2015. (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Nine Months ended July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Revenue $ 18,556 $ 13,913 $ 46,771 $ 41,446 Net loss (1,805 ) (1,072 ) (6,550 ) (1,394 )

Stock-based compensation plans

Stock-based compensation plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Stock-based compensation plans [Abstract]
Schedule of weighted average fair value assumptions of stock options	The weighted average input assumptions used and resulting fair values of stock options previously issued at July 1, 2017, were as follows: July 1, 2017 Performance based stock options: Expected life (in years) 4.0 Risk-free interest rate 1.64 % Volatility 62.16 % Dividend yield 0.00 % Weighted-average fair value per share $ 8.38
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of restricted stock activity	A summary of restricted stock and stock option activity, including both performance-based awards and time-based awards, for the nine-month period ended July 1, 2017, is as follows: Number of shares of Restricted Stock Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2016 138,940 $ 6.50 Granted 262,600 $ 15.03 Vested (86,400 ) $ 7.44 Non-vested balance as of July 1, 2017 315,140 $ 13.35 Number of shares subject to Stock Options Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2016 50,625 $ 4.67 Granted 2,800 $ 2.65 Exercised (12,165 ) $ 4.39 Non-vested balance as of July 1, 2017 41,260 $ 4.62
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of option activity under employee share option plan	A summary of performance-based option activity under the Plan as of July 1, 2017, and changes during the nine months then ended, is presented below: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding as of September 30, 2016 38,460 $ 9.94 4.21 $ - Granted 2,800 11.86 2.86 - Exercised - - - - Forfeited or Expired - - - - Outstanding at July 1, 2017 41,260 $ 10.07 3.54 $ - Exercisable - - - - Vested and expected to vest 38,693 $ 10.07 3.54 $ -
Time Based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of option activity under employee share option plan	A summary of time-based option activity under the Plan as of July 1, 2017, and changes during the nine months then ended, is presented below: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at September 30, 2016 12,165 $ 10.93 4.08 $ - Granted - - - - Exercised (12,165 ) (10.93 ) - - Outstanding at July 1, 2017 - $ - - $ - Exercisable - - - - Vested - $ - - $ -

Calculation of earnings per s33

Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding [Abstract]
Basic and fully diluted earnings per share	Basic and diluted net loss per common share for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017 and July 2, 2016, is calculated as follows: (in thousands of dollars except per share data) Three months ended Nine months ended July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Numerator: Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (2,993 ) $ (1,538 ) $ (7,802 ) $ (3,221 ) Denominator: Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share - basic 5,366 4,070 5,291 3,828 Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share - diluted 5,366 4,070 5,291 3,828 Net loss per ordinary share - basic $ (0.56 ) $ (0.38 ) $ (1.47 ) $ (0.84 ) Net loss per ordinary share - diluted $ (0.56 ) $ (0.38 ) $ (1.47 ) $ (0.84 )

Segment information (Tables)

Segment information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Segment information [Abstract]
Information concerning operations of business segments	Information concerning operations of the reportable segments is as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Three months ended July 1, 2017 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 9,822 500 8,234 - 18,556 Operating income (loss) (2,497 ) 64 520 (1,375 ) (3,288 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 34,561 962 23,449 1,672 60,644 Goodwill 1,435 - 6,707 - 8,142 Three months ended July 2, 2016 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 8,462 405 5,046 - 13,913 Operating income (loss) (511 ) (5 ) (257 ) (158 ) (931 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 38,149 901 8,715 3,853 51,618 Goodwill 1,435 - 7,169 - 8,604 (in thousands of dollars) Nine months ended July 1, 2017 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 25,043 1,193 20,535 - 46,771 Operating income (loss) (6,641 ) 86 708 (2,181 ) (8,028 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 34,561 962 23,449 1,672 60,644 Goodwill 1,435 - 6,707 - 8,142 Nine months ended July 2, 2016 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 25,968 1,215 9,026 - 36,209 Operating income (loss) (449 ) (61 ) 9 (1,921 ) (2,422 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 38,149 901 8,715 3,853 51,618 Goodwill 1,435 - 7,169 - 8,604
Analysis of revenues set out by location of business selling products	Revenues by region below are based on the location of the business selling the products rather than the destination of the products. (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Nine Months ended July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 U.S. sales $ 5,283 $ 3,924 $ 13,481 $ 11,621 Foreign sales: U.K. 2,342 2,518 6,171 9,225 Italy 7,975 5,046 20,162 9,026 France 2,272 2,307 5,672 5,840 China 684 118 1,285 497 Total foreign sales 13,273 9,989 33,290 24,588 Total sales $ 18,556 $ 13,913 $ 46,771 $ 36,209
Long-term assets by region	Long-term assets by region below are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) July 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 U.S. long-term assets: $ 2,490 $ 2,224 Foreign long-term assets: U.K. 7,919 5,891 Italy 16,934 16,580 France 374 302 Korea, Japan, China 461 388 Canada 39 - Total foreign long-term assets 25,727 23,161 Total long-term assets $ 28,217 $ 25,385

Employee benefit plans (Tables)

Employee benefit plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Employee benefit plans [Abstract]
Components of the net pension cost	The following table sets forth the components of the net pension cost for the three and nine-month periods ended July 1, 2017 and July 2, 2016, respectively: (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Nine Months ended July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Interest cost $ 201 $ 304 $ 621 $ 885 Service cost - 49 - 82 Expected return on plan assets (272 ) (281 ) (770 ) (846 ) Amortization of net loss 93 128 271 278 Net periodic benefit cost 22 200 122 399 Cost of defined contribution plans $ 122 $ 105 $ 360 $ 388 Net cost of all employee benefit plans $ 144 $ 305 $ 482 $ 787
Movement in liability for pension benefits	The following table sets forth the movement in the liability for pension benefits, all of which is non-current, in the nine- month period ended July 1, 2017: (in thousands of dollars) Nine Months ended July 1, 2017 Liability for pension benefits at beginning of period $ 11,511 Interest cost 621 Expected return on plan assets (770 ) Plan contributions (621 ) Effect of exchange rate changes (39 ) Liability for pension benefits at end of period 10,702
Pension plan assets measured and recorded at fair value	The tables below present information about the Company’s pension plan assets measured and recorded at fair value as of July 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the inputs utilized by the Company to determine the fair values. (in thousands of dollars) July 1, 2017 Level 1* (Quoted prices in active markets) Level 2** (Significant observable inputs) Level 3*** (Unobservable inputs) Adept Strategy 9 Fund (a sub-fund of Adept Investment Management plc) $ - $ 12,808 $ - Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds (funds managed by Schroder Investment Management Limited) - 4,519 - U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds 3,077 - - U.S. Equity Funds 447 - - Other Types of Investments - - - Cash 214 - - Total Pension Plan Assets – Fair Value $ 3,738 $ 17,327 $ - (in thousands of dollars) September 30, 2016 Level 1* (Quoted prices in active markets) Level 2** (Significant observable inputs) Level 3*** (Unobservable inputs) Adept Strategy 9 Fund (a sub-fund of Adept Investment Management plc) $ - $ 13,268 $ - Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds (funds managed by Schroder Investment Management Limited) - 5,335 - U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds 2,837 - - U.S. Equity Funds 400 - - Other Types of Investments - - - Cash 439 - - Total Pension Plan Assets – Fair Value $ 3,676 $ 18,603 $ - * Level 1 investments represent mutual funds for which a quoted market price is available on an active market. These investments primarily hold stocks or bonds, or a combination of stocks and bonds. ** Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. The Company’s pension plan financial assets held in the Adept Strategy 9 Fund and the Schroder investments are Level 2 assets. The Company uses the Net Asset Value to determine the fair value of underlying investments which (a) do not have readily determinable fair value; and (b) prepare their financial statements consistent with the measurement principles of an investment company. The Funds are not exchange traded. The Funds are not subject to any redemption notice periods or restrictions and can be redeemed on a daily basis. No gates or holdbacks or dealing suspensions are being applied to the Funds. The Funds are of perpetual duration. *** The Company currently does not have any Level 3 pension plan financial assets.
Estimated future benefit payments	The estimated benefit payments, which reflect future service, as appropriate, for the years ended September 30 are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2017 $ 470 2018 488 2019 494 2020 502 2021 499 2022 – 2026 $ 2,722

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventory, net of reserve, is comprised of: (in thousands of dollars) July 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 Raw materials $ 7,361 $ 6,532 Work-in-process 327 266 Finished goods 9,384 6,868 Total inventory, net of reserve $ 17,072 $ 13,666

Property, Plant and Equipment37

Property, Plant and Equipment, net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment, net [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, is comprised of: (in thousands of dollars) July 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 Property, plant and equipment, gross: Land and improvements $ 18 $ 18 Buildings and improvements 1,440 1,069 Equipment 13,645 12,166 Total property, plant and equipment, gross 15,103 13,253 Less: accumulated depreciation (10,107 ) (9,410 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 4,996 $ 3,843

Accrued expenses (Tables)

Accrued expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Accrued expenses [Abstract]
Analysis of other accrued expenses	Accrued expenses, in excess of 5% of total current liabilities, are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) July 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 Accrued compensation and related costs $ 2,267 $ 1,945 Deferred revenue 1,230 548 Other accrued expenses 2,746 2,438 Total accrued expenses $ 6,243 $ 4,931

Warranty reserves (Tables)

Warranty reserves (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Warranty reserves [Abstract]
Movement in warranty reserves	The following table summarizes the warranty reserve activity: (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Nine Months ended July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Warranty reserves at beginning of period $ 360 $ 249 $ 332 $ 278 Warranty expense 34 - 135 5 Acquisition assumed liability - - - 34 Warranty usage (17 ) (6 ) (81 ) (72 ) Currency translation 12 - 3 (2 ) Warranty reserves at end of period $ 389 $ 243 $ 389 $ 243

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Debt [Abstract]
Annual principal payments on bank debt	Annual principal payments on bank debt, net of debt issuance costs, and converted to U.S. dollars at the July 1, 2017 exchange rate of $1.1424 Euros per U.S. dollar, are as follows (in thousands of dollars): 2018 – short-term $ 800 2018 – long-term 400 2019 1,599 2020 1,599 2021 11,596 15,994 Less: debt issuance costs (181 ) Total $ 15,813

Changes in Other Comprehensiv41

Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017
Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table illustrates changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in fiscal 2017 and 2016: (in thousands of dollars) Foreign Currency Items Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Balance September 30, 2015 (1,274 ) (9,730 ) (11,004 ) Other comprehensive loss (996 ) (1,420 ) (2,416 ) Balance September 30, 2016 (2,270 ) (11,150 ) (13,420 ) Other comprehensive loss 1,095 204 1,299 Balance July 1, 2017 (1,175 ) (10,946 ) (12,121 )

Basis of Presentation (Details)

Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 13, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Basis of presentation [Abstract]
Operating loss		$ (3,288,000)	$ (931,000)	$ (8,028,000)	$ (2,422,000)
Decrease in cash				(11,809,000)	(3,775,000)
Cash and cash equivalents		2,318,000	$ 4,273,000	2,318,000	$ 4,273,000	$ 14,127,000	$ 8,048,000
Net current assets		$ 18,028,000		$ 18,028,000
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Joint venture ownership		50.00%		50.00%
Equity interest ownership		50.00%
Third party's equity interest ownership		50.00%		50.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Hubei [Member]
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest	50.00%
Purchase price	$ 5,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Fuhua Glass [Member]
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Reimbursement payable for taxes on equity transfer amount	$ 1,173,675

Proposed Merger (Details)

Proposed Merger (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jul. 14, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)		0.10	$ 0.10
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$ 24
Borg Warner [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10
Number of common shares for each preferred share converted (in shares)	3
Expense reimbursement amount	$ 2,400
Borg Warner [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Termination fee payable under the terms of the agreement	$ 1,600
Borg Warner [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of exercised appraisal rights	10.00%
Termination fee payable under the terms of the agreement	$ 4,800
Borg Warner [Member] | Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10
Borg Warner [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Right to receive cash amount for cancelled shares (in dollars per share)	22
Borg Warner [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Right to receive cash amount for cancelled shares (in dollars per share)	$ 66

Acquisition, Purchase Price (De

Acquisition, Purchase Price (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 26, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash				$ 0	$ 10,832
Goodwill		$ 8,142	$ 8,604	8,142	8,604	$ 7,794
Expenses related to acquisition		0	8	$ 0	1,425
Bassi S.r.l. Unipersonale [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price	$ 19,100
Cash	10,800
Value of stock issued for acquisition	4,800
Payment of assumed liability	3,500
Intangible assets	10,200
Goodwill	6,400
Other assets, net of liabilities	$ 2,500
Distribution term of assumed dividends, post closing				3 years
Expenses related to acquisition		$ 0	$ 8	$ 0	$ 1,425

Acquisition, Pro Forma Summary

Acquisition, Pro Forma Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 216	$ 140	$ 496	$ 271
Acquisition-related expense	0	8	0	1,425
Acquisition-related Costs [Member]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Amortization expense related to intangible assets		279		814
Interest expense		129		382
Acquisition-related expense	1,100	8	1,100	1,425
Bassi S.r.l. Unipersonale [Member]
Pro forma information [Abstract]
Revenue	18,556	13,913	46,771	41,446
Net loss	(1,805)	(1,072)	(6,550)	(1,394)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Acquisition-related expense	$ 0	$ 8	$ 0	$ 1,425

Stock-based Compensation Plans,

Stock-based Compensation Plans, Equity Incentive Plan (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved and available for grant (in shares)	69,641
Options exercised (in shares)	12,165

Stock-based Compensation Plan47

Stock-based Compensation Plans, Share Options (Details) - Stock Options [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017$ / shares
Fair Value of Stock Options using Black-Scholes-Merton Option-Pricing Model [Abstract]
Expected life	4 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.64%
Volatility	62.16%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Weighted-average fair value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 8.38

Stock-based Compensation Plan48

Stock-based Compensation Plans, Performance Based Awards (Details)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)EmployeeTrancheshares	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)Employee$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Employee$ / sharesshares	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jul. 02, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jul. 02, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense period						2 years
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, exercised (in shares) | shares						12,165
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares) | shares						2,800
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 2.65
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares) | shares						262,600
Restricted Stock [Member] | Four Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of employees directors with restricted stock grant | Employee			4
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant			$ 116,000
Unrecognized compensation expense period						3 years
Share based compensation expense				$ 9,301	$ 8,080	$ 27,358	$ 17,877
Granted (in shares) | shares			11,540
Restricted Stock [Member] | Two Non-Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of employees directors with restricted stock grant | Employee	2
Number of tranches | Tranche	6
Number of tranches issued each year | Tranche	2
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant	$ 1,106,534
Unrecognized compensation expense period						3 years
Share based compensation expense				$ 202,332		$ 259,391
Granted (in shares) | shares	80,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, beginning balance (in shares) | shares						38,460
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares) | shares						2,800
Outstanding shares, exercised (in shares) | shares						0
Outstanding shares, forfeited or expired (in shares) | shares						0
Outstanding shares, ending balance (in shares) | shares				41,260		41,260		38,460
Outstanding shares, exercisable (in shares) | shares				0		0
Outstanding shares, vested and expected to vest (in shares) | shares				38,693		38,693
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 9.94
Weighted average exercise price, granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						11.86
Weighted average exercise price, exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						0
Weighted average exercise price, forfeited or expired (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						0
Weighted average exercise price, ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 10.07		10.07		$ 9.94
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				0		0
Weighted average exercise price, vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 10.07		$ 10.07
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining contractual term						3 years 6 months 14 days		4 years 2 months 16 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, granted						2 years 10 months 10 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercised						0 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, forfeited or expired						0 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable						0 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested and expected to vest						3 years 6 months 14 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value, beginning balance						$ 0
Aggregate intrinsic value, granted						0
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercised						0
Aggregate intrinsic value, forfeited or expired						0
Aggregate intrinsic value, ending balance				$ 0		0		$ 0
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable				0		0
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested and expected to vest				0		$ 0
Performance Shares [Member] | Nine Non-Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of employees directors with restricted stock grant | Employee			9
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant			$ 185,000
Unrecognized compensation expense period						3 years
Share based compensation expense				14,844	$ 13,505	$ 43,663	$ 29,766
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares) | shares			38,460
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 9.94
Performance Shares [Member] | Five Non-Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of employees directors with restricted stock grant | Employee		5
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant		$ 7,000
Unrecognized compensation expense period						3 years
Share based compensation expense				$ 1,762		$ 2,772
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares) | shares		2,800
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 11.86

Stock-based Compensation Plan49

Stock-based Compensation Plans, Time Based Awards (Details)	Feb. 07, 2017shares	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)Directorshares	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)shares	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jul. 02, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)Tranche$ / sharesshares	Jul. 02, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, exercised (in shares)								(12,165)
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares)								2,800
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 2.65
Number of shares Subject to Stock Options [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance, beginning of period (in shares)								50,625
Granted (in shares)								2,800
Exercised (in shares)								(12,165)
Non-vested balance, end of period (in shares)						41,260		41,260		50,625
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Non-vested balance, beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 4.67
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								2.65
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								4.39
Non-vested balance, ending of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 4.62		$ 4.62		$ 4.67
Stock Options [Member] | Executive Chairman [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of tranches | Tranche								2
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant | $				$ 211,000
Share based compensation expense | $								$ 20,890
Share based compensation expense write-back | $						$ 9,694
Vested options exercisable (in shares)						12,165		12,165
Options surrendered (in shares)	(8,474)
Period for vested options exercisable								3 months
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares)				56,700
Number of shares Subject to Stock Options [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)				56,700
Stock Options [Member] | Executive Chairman [Member] | First Tranche [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares)				36,496
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 10.93
Number of shares Subject to Stock Options [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)				36,496
Stock Options [Member] | Executive Chairman [Member] | Second Tranche [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares)				20,204
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 12.35
Number of shares Subject to Stock Options [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)				20,204
Time Based Awards [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, beginning balance (in shares)								12,165
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares)								0
Outstanding shares, exercised (in shares)								(12,165)
Outstanding shares, ending balance (in shares)						0		0		12,165
Outstanding shares, exercisable (in shares)						0		0
Outstanding shares, vested (in shares)						0		0
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 10.93
Weighted average exercise price, granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								0
Weighted average exercise price, exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								10.93
Weighted average exercise price, ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 0		0		$ 10.93
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						0		0
Weighted average exercise price, vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 0		$ 0
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining contractual term								0 years		4 years 29 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, granted								0 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercised								0 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable								0 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested								0 years
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value, beginning balance | $								$ 0
Aggregate intrinsic value, granted | $								0
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercised | $								0
Aggregate intrinsic value, ending balance | $						$ 0		0		$ 0
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable | $						0		0
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested | $						$ 0		$ 0
Number of shares Subject to Stock Options [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)								0
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance, beginning of period (in shares)								138,940
Granted (in shares)								262,600
Vested (in shares)								(86,400)
Non-vested balance, end of period (in shares)						315,140		315,140		138,940
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance, beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 6.50
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								15.03
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								7.44
Non-vested balance, ending of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 13.35		$ 13.35		$ 6.50
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employees and Emeritus Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant | $					$ 292,000
Period for recognition of unearned compensation								12 months
Share based compensation expense | $						$ 0	$ 64,812	$ 108,020	$ 86,416
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)					29,700
Granted to each director (in shares)					3,300
Vested (in shares)								(26,400)
Restricted Stock [Member] | Eleven Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of employees directors with restricted stock grant | Director			11
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant | $			$ 2,039,020
Share based compensation expense | $						169,918		$ 226,558
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)			145,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employees and Emeritus Director 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant | $			$ 344,244
Period for recognition of unearned compensation								12 months
Share based compensation expense | $						86,056		$ 114,741
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)			24,800
Granted to each director (in shares)			3,100
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employees and Emeritus Director 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant | $		$ 192,000
Period for recognition of unearned compensation								12 months
Share based compensation expense | $						$ 48,000		$ 64,000
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)		12,800
Granted to each director (in shares)		1,600

Stock-based Compensation Plan50

Stock-based Compensation Plans, Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jul. 14, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016
Stock-based compensation plans [Abstract]
Stock based compensation expense		$ 555	$ 169	$ 1,037	$ 527
Unrecognized compensation expense		$ 3,237		$ 3,237
Weighted average period for unrecognized compensation expense to be recognized				2 years
Borg Warner [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percentage of shares for promptly payment	71.00%
Percentage of shares for deferred consistently payment	29.00%
Borg Warner [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Right to receive cash amount for cancelled shares related to restricted stock and options (in dollars per share)	$ 22

Common Stock Warrants (Details)

Common Stock Warrants (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 08, 2016	Jul. 06, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017
Common Stock Warrants [Abstract]
Number of units sold (in shares)		1,124,000	2,741
Stock price (in dollars per share)		$ 9.12
Number of common stock in each offering unit (in shares)		1
Number of warrant in each offering unit (in shares)		0.5
Warrants exercise price (in dollars per share)		$ 10	$ 10
Proceeds from sale of units gross	$ 10,250,880
Number of warrants issued to purchase common stock (in shares)	562,000
Number of warrants exercised (in shares)			(2,741)
Proceeds from warrants exercised			$ 27,410

Cash dividends (Details)

Cash dividends (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 17, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Preference share dividends [Abstract]
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	422,433		448,705
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	422,433		448,705
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10		$ 0.10
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Preference share dividends [Abstract]
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	422,433
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	422,433
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 24
Percentage of cumulative annual dividend	4.00%
Semi annual dividend		$ 207,018
Dividend payable	Apr. 17, 2017
Next semi-annual dividend payable	Oct. 16, 2017

Calculation of earnings per s53

Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016
Numerator [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$ (2,993)	$ (1,538)	$ (7,802)	$ (3,221)
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share - basic (in shares)	5,366	4,070	5,291	3,828
Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share - diluted (in shares)	5,366	4,070	5,291	3,828
Net loss per ordinary share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.56)	$ (0.38)	$ (1.47)	$ (0.84)
Net loss per ordinary share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.56)	$ (0.38)	$ (1.47)	$ (0.84)
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earnings per share (in shares)	1,267		1,302
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earnings per share (in shares)	315		209
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earnings per share (in shares)	41		46

Segment information (Details)

Segment information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)Segment	Jul. 02, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Segment information [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment			3
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales	$ 18,556	$ 13,913	$ 46,771	$ 36,209
Operating income (loss)	(3,288)	(931)	(8,028)	(2,422)
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	60,644	51,618	60,644	51,618
Goodwill	8,142	8,604	8,142	8,604	$ 7,794
Reportable Segments [Member] | Controls [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales	9,822	8,462	25,043	25,968
Operating income (loss)	(2,497)	(511)	(6,641)	(449)
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	34,561	38,149	34,561	38,149
Goodwill	1,435	1,435	1,435	1,435
Reportable Segments [Member] | Capacitors [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales	500	405	1,193	1,215
Operating income (loss)	64	(5)	86	(61)
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	962	901	962	901
Goodwill	0	0	0	0
Reportable Segments [Member] | Chargers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales	8,234	5,046	20,535	9,026
Operating income (loss)	520	(257)	708	9
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	23,449	8,715	23,449	8,715
Goodwill	6,707	7,169	6,707	7,169
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales	0	0	0	0
Operating income (loss)	(1,375)	(158)	(2,181)	(1,921)
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	1,672	3,853	1,672	3,853
Goodwill	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment information, By Region

Segment information, By Region and Product (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	$ 18,556	$ 13,913	$ 46,771	$ 36,209
Total long-term assets	28,217		28,217		$ 25,385
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | U. S. A. [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	5,283	3,924	13,481	11,621
Total long-term assets	2,490		2,490		2,224
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Total Foreign [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	13,273	9,989	33,290	24,588
Total long-term assets	25,727		25,727		23,161
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | U.K. [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	2,342	2,518	6,171	9,225
Total long-term assets	7,919		7,919		5,891
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Italy [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	7,975	5,046	20,162	9,026
Total long-term assets	16,934		16,934		16,580
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | France [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	2,272	2,307	5,672	5,840
Total long-term assets	374		374		302
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | China [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	684	$ 118	1,285	$ 497
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Korea, Japan and China [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-term assets	461		461		388
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Canada [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-term assets	$ 39		$ 39		$ 0

Research and development (Detai

Research and development (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)Job	Jul. 02, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Research and development [Abstract]
Cost of research and development program	$ 2,465	$ 1,212	$ 5,733	$ 3,419
Income statement credit	264	0	615	0
Income tax receivable	1,211		$ 1,211			$ 985
Minimum [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Credit percentage			11.00%
Maximum [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Credit percentage			14.50%
U.K. Regional Growth Fund [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Revenue from grants	0	21	$ 281	115
Research and development expense	$ 0	$ 90	$ 1,206	$ 392
Total grants awarded					$ 625
Number of jobs created or safeguarded | Job			20

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	12.80%
Income Tax Authority [Line Items]
Increase in deferred tax assets	$ 1,427
U.S. [Member]
Income Tax Authority [Line Items]
Statutory tax rate	34.00%
U.K. [Member]
Income Tax Authority [Line Items]
Statutory tax rate	19.00%
Italy [Member]
Income Tax Authority [Line Items]
Statutory tax rate	24.00%

Employee Benefit Plans, Net Per

Employee Benefit Plans, Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Liability Rollforward, Balance Sheet and Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded liability recognized in accrued expenses	$ 227		$ 227		$ 198
Components of net pension cost [Abstract]
Interest cost	201	$ 304	621	$ 885
Service cost	0	49	0	82
Expected return on plan assets	(272)	(281)	(770)	(846)
Amortization of net loss	93	128	271	278
Net periodic benefit cost	22	200	122	399
Cost of defined contribution plans	122	105	360	388
Net cost of all employee benefit plans	144	305	482	787
Movement in liability for pension benefits [Roll forward]
Liability for pension benefits at beginning of period			11,511
Interest cost	201	304	621	885
Expected return on plan assets	(272)	$ (281)	(770)	$ (846)
Plan contributions			(621)
Effect of exchange rate changes			(39)
Liability for pension benefits at end of period	10,702		10,702
U.S. Defined Benefit Plan [Member]
Estimated future employer contributions [Abstract]
Employer contributions			150
Estimated future employer contributions in current fiscal year			50
U.K. Defined Benefit Plan [Member]
Estimated future employer contributions [Abstract]
Employer contributions			471
Estimated future employer contributions in current fiscal year			666
Bassi S.r.l. Unipersonale [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded liability recognized in accrued expenses	$ 1,075		$ 1,075		$ 987

Employee Benefit Plans, Fair Va

Employee Benefit Plans, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jul. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	$ 3,738	$ 3,676
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member] | Adept Strategy 9 Fund [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0	0
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member] | Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0	0
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member] | U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	3,077	2,837
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member] | U.S. Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	447	400
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member] | Other Type of Investments [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0	0
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member] | Cash [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	214	439
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	17,327	18,603
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member] | Adept Strategy 9 Fund [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	12,808	13,268
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member] | Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	4,519	5,335
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member] | U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	0	0
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member] | U.S. Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	0	0
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member] | Other Type of Investments [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	0	0
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member] | Cash [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member] | Adept Strategy 9 Fund [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member] | Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member] | U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member] | U.S. Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member] | Other Type of Investments [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member] | Cash [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Level 1 investments represent mutual funds for which a quoted market price is available on an active market. These investments primarily hold stocks or bonds, or a combination of stocks and bonds.
[2]	Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. The Company's pension plan financial assets held in the Adept Strategy 9 Fund and the Schroder investments are Level 2 assets. The Company uses the Net Asset Value to determine the fair value of underlying investments which (a) do not have readily determinable fair value; and (b) prepare their financial statements consistent with the measurement principles of an investment company. The Funds are not exchange traded. The Funds are not subject to any redemption notice periods or restrictions and can be redeemed on a daily basis. No gates or holdbacks or dealing suspensions are being applied to the Funds. The Funds are of perpetual duration.
[3]	The Company currently does not have any Level 3 pension plan financial assets.

Employee Benefit Plans, Estimat

Employee Benefit Plans, Estimated Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Estimated future benefit payments [Abstract]
2,017	$ 470
2,018	488
2,019	494
2,020	502
2,021	499
2022 - 2026	$ 2,722

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 7,361	$ 6,532
Work-in-process	327	266
Finished goods	9,384	6,868
Total inventory, net of reserve	$ 17,072	$ 13,666

Property, Plant and Equipment62

Property, Plant and Equipment, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, plant and equipment, gross [Abstract]
Land and improvements	$ 18	$ 18
Buildings and improvements	1,440	1,069
Equipment	13,645	12,166
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	15,103	13,253
Less: accumulated depreciation	(10,107)	(9,410)
Net property, plant and equipment	$ 4,996	$ 3,843

Fair value of financial instr63

Fair value of financial instruments (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of long term debt	$ 15,994

Accrued expenses (Details)

Accrued expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accrued expenses [Abstract]
Percentage of total current liabilities used to analyze accrued expenses	5.00%	5.00%
Accrued compensation and related costs	$ 2,267	$ 1,945
Deferred revenue	1,230	548
Other accrued expenses	2,746	2,438
Total accrued expenses	$ 6,243	$ 4,931

Warranty reserves (Details)

Warranty reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016
Movement in warranty reserves [Roll Forward]
Warranty reserves at beginning of period	$ 360	$ 249	$ 332	$ 278
Warranty expense	34	0	135	5
Acquisition assumed liability	0	0	0	34
Warranty usage	(17)	(6)	(81)	(72)
Currency translation	12	0	3	(2)
Warranty reserves at end of period	$ 389	$ 243	$ 389	$ 243

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) € in Thousands, $ in Thousands	May 22, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 03, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2017EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Annual principal payments on long term debt [Abstract]
Total		$ 15,013			$ 15,512
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. ("MPS") [Member] | Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 15,994		€ 14,000
Line of credit facility, expiration date		Jan. 27, 2021
Line of credit facility, interest rate		3.00%		3.00%
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding		$ 15,994		€ 14,000
Euros per dollar exchange rate		1.1424		1.1424
Annual principal payments on long term debt [Abstract]
2018 - short-term		$ 800
2018 - long-term		400
2,019		1,599
2,020		1,599
2,021		11,596
Total		15,994
Less: debt issuance costs		(181)
Total		$ 15,813
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. ("MPS") [Member] | Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA, Current fiscal year		3.5
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA, year two		3.5
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA, thereafter		3
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. ("MPS") [Member] | Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Controls and Capacitor [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,100
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. ("MPS") [Member] | Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | EuroLIBOR [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin interest rate		3.00%
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. ("MPS") [Member] | Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | EuroLIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin interest rate		0.00%
Front Four Capital Group, LLC [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, expiration date	Jul. 3, 2018
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 10,000
Commitment fee	$ 450
Interest rate	10.00%
Associated legal fees	$ 34
Extension fee	$ 150
Front Four Capital Group, LLC [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding			$ 7,500

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 24, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 24, 2017GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Recorded liability of deferred annuities	$ 136			$ 144
Minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases [Abstract]
2,017	271
2,018	1,041
2,019	998
2,020	896
2,021	865
Thereafter	6,002
Total overdraft facility	$ 1,100
Land and Building [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Term of operating lease	15 years
Operating lease commitment		$ 5,435	£ 4,185
Rent free period	6 months
Half rent period	24 months

Changes in Other Comprehensiv68

Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Component of accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 21,739
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	1,299	$ (2,416)
Balance at the end of the period	16,391	21,739
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Component of accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	(13,420)	(11,004)
Balance at the end of the period	(12,121)	(13,420)
Foreign Currency Items [Member]
Component of accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	(2,270)	(1,274)
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	1,095	(996)
Balance at the end of the period	(1,175)	(2,270)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Component of accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	(11,150)	(9,730)
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	204	(1,420)
Balance at the end of the period	$ (10,946)	$ (11,150)

Related Parties (Details)

Related Parties (Details)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)Employee	Jul. 02, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2017GBP (£)Employee	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term related party debt	$ 1,626,000			$ 1,626,000			$ 1,558,000
Bassi Holding [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term related party debt	1,626,000			1,626,000			1,858,000
Related party transaction	81,000		$ 83,000	262,000	$ 138,000
Rent payable to related parties	$ 56,000			$ 56,000			$ 84,000
Subsidiary [Member] | U.K. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of employees | Employee		9				9
Interest rate per annum		3.00%
Subsidiary [Member] | U.K. [Member] | Nine Employees [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term loans | £						£ 2,820
Subsidiary [Member] | U.K. [Member] | Nine Employees [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term loans | £						39,274
Subsidiary [Member] | U.K. [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term loans		$ 49,632				39,274
Subsidiary [Member] | U.K. [Member] | Chief Financial Officer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term loans		$ 36,019				£ 28,829

Subsequent events (Details)

Subsequent events (Details)	Jul. 13, 2017
Hubei [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest	50.00%