Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) announced today the launch of Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. (“AIR” or the “Company”), a newly formed industrial automation company designed to capitalize on increasing global demand for manufacturing automation solutions. An Ares Private Equity fund (“Ares”) 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.
Ares founded AIR with Brian Klos and Darragh de Stonndún, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AIR, respectively. Mr. Klos, most recently a Partner in the Ares Private Equity Group, brings over 17 years of M&A, organizational development, and strategic advisory experience across a breadth of industries, including industrial technology and automation. Mr. de Stonndún, an industrial automation industry veteran, brings over 20 years of leadership and operational experience, including managing global key accounts at ATS Automation and co-founding BBS 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.
Mr. Klos and Mr. de Stonndún said, “We are excited to work with Ares in bringing AIR to global markets. Industrial automation is a high-growth industry benefitting from a number of secular tailwinds, and we are confident that AIR is well-positioned to build a competitive global platform through strategic acquisitions and organic growth. With our initial investments in TA Systems and Modular, we are establishing a relationship-driven team with a blue-chip customer base across diverse industries. Through our integration, we will share our respective strengths as we continue to enhance efficiencies, drive technological innovation, and industry-leading automation solutions to customers around the world.”
Matt Cwiertnia, Co-Head of the Ares Private Equity Group, said, “I firmly believe that AIR, with the support of Ares, has a differentiated opportunity to build a scaled player in the highly fragmented industrial automation industry. Brian and Darragh together bring substantial experience in acquiring, integrating, and operating businesses, and we are excited to work with them to position the Company for long-term growth.”
Ted Brown, CEO of TA Systems, said, “TA Systems is thrilled to join AIR, marking a pivotal moment in our journey of growth and diversification in both technology and industry verticals. As part of AIR, we remain committed to delivering exceptional value and service to all customers and contributing to the continued evolution of automation technologies.”
Vivian Farrell, CEO of Modular, said, “This represents a significant milestone for Modular and empowers us to expand the reach of our innovative solutions and advanced automation capabilities for our global medical technology clients. Looking ahead, our teams are energized to continue building on our shared values and serving customers wherever they operate.
