Ares launches industrial automation company; Acquires TA Systems & Modular Automation.
Leading global investment company, Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES), has recently launched a new automation company, Automated Industrial Robotics Inc., (AIR). This initiative is based on a long-term investment commitment and is responsive to the increasing demand for manufacturing automation solutions across multiple industries globally. AIR is positioned to succeed through acquiring best-fit companies with key enabling technologies that will deliver growth in market reach and capacity and ultimately greater market success for customers.
AIR is a unique Industrial Automation company that unites complementary technologies under a common vision, seamlessly blending their unique strengths to deliver innovative solutions. With a commitment to leveraging the collective technical expertise of its constituent companies, AIR is dedicated to solving global challenges and creating competitive, cutting-edge solutions for customers worldwide. Guided by principles of transparency and a relentless pursuit of excellent customer experience, the company is poised to solve unique challenges in the future automation landscape. AIR will continually strengthen its position through strategic investments in the technologies of the future, ensuring an exciting advancement for the industry.
AIR was formed in August 2023 by Brian Klos and Darragh de Stonndún in partnership with Ares Management’s Private Equity Group (‘Ares’). Brian Klos is a veteran of Ares having worked there for over 17 years until the formation of AIR, most recently as a Partner leading the industrial investing activities. Darragh de Stonndún is a highly experienced operator in industrial automation having been in global key account management at ATS, and co-founder of BBS Automation. Upon the formation of AIR, Brian became Executive Chairman and Darragh became CEO of the company. To support the development of AIR, Ares made a significant equity commitment to the company, and today is the control shareholder.
Thus far, AIR has acquired two foundational companies, Totally Automated Systems (TAS) and Modular Automation (Modular). Detroit-based TAS has over 45 years of expertise, specializing in designing and manufacturing fully integrated and stand-alone assembly machines. Modular, based at Shannon, Ireland, with close to 40 years of automation success, has a primary focus on serving the Med Tech industry. These two companies bring a strong cultural as well as technological alignment to AIR, each with strong technology fundamentals but deep industry vertical knowledge and experience.
“Having formed this partnership with Ares and Brian Klos, I’m excited to bring this new entity to life with these two outstanding companies, TA Systems and Modular Automation. Combining some of the most successful and innovative automation companies in their respective industries is a recipe for exciting growth and ability to serve an ever-increasing demand for solutions to the biggest challenges in industrial automation” said Darragh de Stonndún’.
Executive Chairman, Brian Klos added: “I firmly believe this new industrial automation company will bring a unique offering to the market. Critical to its continued success will be further identification of world class players to add to the portfolio and I look forward to how this and future partnerships blend successfully”.
AIR is backed by the Investment group, Ares Management, based in LA. Ares is a renowned, long-term investor with a strong commitment to fostering growth and innovation and is well known in the market for its high ethics, moral standards and constructive approach in building and managing portfolios.
Ted Brown, CEO TA Systems said, “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of TA Systems by Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. (AIR). As a platform company under the AIR umbrella, this marks a pivotal moment in our journey of growth, and diversification in both technology and industry verticals. Our collaboration with Modular Automation, will accelerate Modular’s expansion within the N. American market, localized capacity, providing better service, with this expansion for TA Systems into the Med Tech industry.
Together with AIR and Modular Automation, TA Systems looks forward to an exciting future, delivering unparalleled value and service to our customers and contributing to the continued evolution of automation technologies.”
Vivian Farrell, CEO Modular Automation explained, “This pivotal step marks a significant milestone as Modular Automation becomes the flagship for Med Tech Automation within AIR. Joining AIR empowers us to expand the reach of our cutting-edge automation solutions and advanced automation expertise to our global Med Tech clients and builds on our shared values of serving customers wherever they operate. This strategic move will unlock growth opportunities by providing reach into new markets with a particular focus on the Med Tech sector in North America. I am excited to collaborate with Detroit-based Totally Automated Systems (TAS), who have also joined AIR, alongside other leading automation, and tech firms in the pipeline. I would like to thank our loyal customers whose support has fueled our success over the past four decades”.
About TA Systems
Located in the Metro Detroit area, TA Systems has been providing custom Automation Assembly Systems across many industries, applying a wide range of proven technologies in the manufacturing environment.
For 45 years, TA Systems vertical manufacturing processes have provided unparalleled speed, quality, value, and service to its customers. Its comprehensive product line reflects an in-depth understanding of the most critical technologies essential for automation in the decades ahead, showcasing its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence.
TA Systems takes pride in its commitment to ensuring the success of its customers. It prioritizes delivering the highest value, quality, and effective risk management tailored to its customers’ manufacturing requirements. With a wealth of experience spanning hundreds of man-years and the integration of TA’s Enterprises Profitability Improvement (EPI) System, it empowers its clients with a transparent pathway for continuous improvement in both production and quality enhancements.
Visit the TA Systems website at https://www.ta-systems.com/
About Modular Automation
Modular Automation, based in Shannon, Ireland, designs and delivers bespoke manufacturing automation to some of the largest global customers in medical device manufacturing. It has been a leading provider of exceptional custom automation, build-to-print, and tooling solutions catering to the needs of the most cutting-edge manufacturers worldwide. The company’s excellence is rooted in a fusion of pioneering design, advanced engineering, and an unwavering dedication to precision.
Over its almost 40-year history, it has garnered a significant reputation with its customers for delivering high quality, reliable automation solutions. Its purpose is to enable the world’s leading MedTech companies to manufacture sophisticated, ultra-high quality, life-changing products, at scale. Modular has transformed into a beacon of innovation, fostering a team of 150 professionals committed to delivering automated solutions specifically tailored for their medical device customers.
Visit the Modular website at www.modular-global.com
About Ares Management Corporation
Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure asset classes. It seeks to provide flexible capital to support businesses and create value for its stakeholders and within its communities. By collaborating across its investment groups, it aims to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of September 30, 2023, Ares Management Corporation’s global platform had approximately 2,800 employees operating across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and approximately $395 billion of assets under management. For more information, please visit www.aresmgmt.com. Follow Ares on Twitter @Ares_Management.
Ares Management | Leading Alternative Investment Manager (aresmgmt.com)
