Fairbanks Morse Defense Acquires Maxim Watermakers

Fairbanks Morse Defense (Arcline) Acquires Vestdavit

September 10, 2025

Aerospace & Defense

Fairbanks Morse Defense, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, has acquired Vestdavit, a Bergen-based supplier of davits and advanced boat-handling systems, from its four owners for an undisclosed amount. The deal expands FMD's marine handling and OEM capabilities and adds Vestdavit's manufacturing site in Poland plus service centers in the Netherlands and Seattle to FMD's global footprint.

Fairbanks Morse Defense Acquires Rolls-Royce Naval Propulsors and Handling Businesses

September 19, 2024

Industrial Services

Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), backed by Arcline Investment Management, entered into an agreement with Rolls-Royce to acquire its Naval Propulsors and Handling businesses, including propellers, waterjets, and naval handling systems. Rolls-Royce later completed the sale of the Naval Propulsors units to FMD, while the Naval Handling business transfer (Peterborough, Ontario) closed subsequently.

Fairbanks Morse Defense Adds U.S. Marine Suppliers (AMMCON, American Fan, Hunt Valve, Maxim Watermakers, RT&D, Samtan, Ward Leonard, FEC)

April 8, 2024

Manufacturing

Fairbanks Morse Defense (a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management) has expanded its domestic shipbuilding supply chain through a series of add-on acquisitions since 2020, acquiring suppliers including AMMCON, American Fan, Hunt Valve, Maxim Watermakers, Research Tool & Die, Samtan Engineering, Ward Leonard and Federal Equipment Company. The deals broaden FMD's capabilities in fittings, fans/blowers, valves, water treatment, motors and electrical hardware to strengthen onshore production and resilience for U.S. maritime and defense customers.

Fairbanks Morse Defense Acquires American Fan

October 30, 2023

Aerospace & Defense

Fairbanks Morse Defense (an Arcline portfolio company) has acquired American Fan, a Fairfield, Ohio-based maker of axial and centrifugal fans. The add-on expands FMD’s OEM product and service capabilities for naval and marine customers, integrating American Fan’s fans (specified in 30 U.S. Navy shipbuilding programs) into FMD’s turnkey marine solutions.

Fairbanks Morse Defense Acquires Federal Equipment Company

January 5, 2022

Aerospace & Defense

Fairbanks Morse Defense (a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management) has acquired Federal Equipment Company, a designer and manufacturer of mission-critical shipboard cargo elevators, engineered doors, and material handling systems. The add-on expands FMD's manufacturing and service capabilities for shipyard, defense and industrial customers, with particular emphasis on support for the U.S. Nuclear Navy.

Fairbanks Morse Defense Acquires Fluid Filtration Specialists LLC

December 16, 2021

Industrial Services

Fairbanks Morse Defense (a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management) has acquired Fluid Filtration Specialists LLC, a U.S.-based provider of flushing, filtration and testing services for marine vessels and heavy-duty engines. The add-on expands FMD's service capabilities for shipyard, defense and commercial marine customers including the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard.