Automated Industrial Robotics
Canvas Category Machinery : Automation : General
AIR is a new company of like-minded, global automation technology companies with a proven track record of delivering advanced, innovative solutions for the most challenging of manufacturing needs. Formed in response to the increasing demand for manufacturing automation solutions across multiple industries, AIR unites complementary technologies and best-fit companies under a common vision. AIR seeks to leverage these teams to deliver innovative, cost-competitive solutions that address the complex and challenging needs of global manufacturing businesses across highly regulated industries.
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Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. Acquires Robotics & Drives
Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. (“AIR” or the “Company”) announced the acquisition of Robotics & Drives (“RDS”), an Ireland-based industrial automation company focused on delivering innovative solutions through robotics technology. The transaction further reinforces AIR’s presence in Europe, strengthens the Company’s ability to integrate robotics solutions into its automated systems and adds to the product portfolio. The transaction was funded primarily by an additional investment from an Ares Management Private Equity fund (“Ares”).
Founded in 2005 by Ken McNevin, Stephen Nolan and Sharon McNevin, RDS develops intelligent robotics solutions tailored to specific customer needs with the goal of increasing quality, efficiencies and competitiveness. In addition to these bespoke solutions, RDS delivers a wide range of standardized robotic offerings that are easy-to-install and mobilized with minimal downtime. RDS is one of the largest robotics solutions providers in Ireland with customers across various sectors, including CPG, food and beverage, medical devices, personal care, pharmaceutical and industrial cloud solutions. Supported by approximately 50 team members, RDS operates out of a 32,000-square-foot facility in Mullingar that also serves as an integrated robotics training center.
RDS’ capabilities in robotic software development and systems design meaningfully expand AIR’s offering for its diversified customer base. As part of AIR, research and development will continue to drive innovation in RDS’ solutions, and AIR will continue to leverage the significant engineering experience and capabilities in each of its hubs to offer a differentiated suite of automation offerings to simplify customers’ procurement processes. With the addition of RDS and its team of primarily engineers, AIR now has over 500 employees and an automation hub footprint of over 300,000 square feet across the United States, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. Acquires Sewtec Automation
Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. announced the acquisition of Sewtec Automation, a leading industrial automation company based in the United Kingdom. The transaction expands AIR’s geographic footprint, strengthens its engineering capabilities and further positions the Company to capitalize on the increasing global demand for manufacturing automation solutions across a diversified customer base. The transaction was funded primarily by an additional investment from an Ares Management Private Equity fund.
Sewtec joins Totally Automated Systems and Modular Automation as a foundational asset of the AIR portfolio. With the acquisition of Sewtec, AIR now has over 400 employees and an automation hub footprint of approximately 275,000 square feet across the United States, Ireland and the United Kingdom. By leveraging the significant engineering experience and capabilities in each of these hubs, AIR is advancing its goal to seamlessly deliver differentiated industrial automation solutions and service to its global customer base. With Ares’ support, AIR expects to seek to further expand its platform through future strategic acquisitions of industrial automation companies with strong operational histories and tenured management teams, in addition to continued investment in its organic growth strategy.
Ares Management Launches Automated Industrial Robotics Inc.
Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) announced the launch of Automated Industrial Robotics Inc., a newly formed industrial automation company designed to capitalize on increasing global demand for manufacturing automation solutions. An Ares Private Equity fund has invested substantial equity capital to support AIR’s acquisition and organic growth strategy.
AIR is focused on acquiring and facilitating the growth of differentiated industrial automation companies serving diverse end markets with strong operational histories and tenured management teams. Grounded in a culture of safety, transparency and pursuit of excellent customer experience, AIR seeks to leverage complementary teams and technologies to deliver innovative, cost-competitive solutions to address the complex and challenging needs of global businesses. AIR will seek to grow through strategic investments in the technologies of the future, in pursuit of delivering excellence in automation.
In connection with the launch of AIR, the Company has acquired two foundational companies, Totally Automated Systems (“TA Systems”) and Modular Automation (“Modular”). Based in Detroit, Michigan, TA Systems has a more than 45-year history of designing and manufacturing fully integrated and stand-alone assembly machines for automotive, home appliances and other sectors. Based in Shannon, Ireland, Modular has been operating for nearly 40 years and is a leading automation solutions provider in the medical technology industry. These two companies bring a strong cultural and technological alignment as well as deep industry vertical knowledge and experience.