Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR) Acquires KAON Automation

Automated Industrial Robotics Acquires Owens Design

August 20, 2025

Industrial Services

Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR) has acquired Owens Design, a Fremont, California-based industrial automation firm, in a transaction funded by an Ares Management private equity fund alongside an equity roll by Owens Design leadership. The acquisition—bringing Owens Design's ~100 employees and 60,000 sq. ft. facility into the AIR platform—strengthens AIR's engineering capabilities and presence in the semiconductor, medical products and renewable energy end markets.

Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. Acquires Robotics & Drives

October 10, 2024

Industrial Services

Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. (AIR), a PE-backed industrial automation platform, has acquired Ireland-based Robotics & Drives (RDS). The acquisition, funded primarily by an additional Ares Management private equity fund investment, expands AIR's robotics software and systems design capabilities and strengthens its presence in Europe; terms were not disclosed.

Applied Industrial Technologies Acquires Automation, Inc.

November 2, 2022

Industrial Services

Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) has acquired Automation, Inc., a Minneapolis-based provider of automation products, engineered solutions, and value-added assembly services. The acquisition expands Applied's automation capabilities and geographic footprint in the U.S. Upper Midwest, adding a team of more than 50 associates and established customer relationships across pharmaceutical, manufacturing, life sciences, and consumer products markets.

American Industrial Acquisition Corporation Acquires KI USA Corporation

November 21, 2024

Manufacturing

An affiliate of American Industrial Acquisition Corporation (AIAC) has acquired KI USA Corporation from Keiaisha Co., Ltd. The deal includes KI USA’s Berea, Kentucky manufacturing facility and its subsidiary in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico; AIAC intends to maintain technical support from Keiaisha during transition and pursue additional long‑term automotive contracts.

The Krones Group Acquires R+D Automation

December 18, 2023

Manufacturing

The Krones Group acquired R+D Automation (formerly R+D Custom Automation) in 2022, bringing the Wisconsin-based specialist in life‑sciences automation into Krones’ global portfolio. R+D is rebranded as R+D Automation and is leveraging Krones’ international footprint and resources to expand installations, service and sales in the medical, pharmaceutical and biotech markets.

Automated Industrial Robotics Inc Acquires Sewtec Automation from Endless

August 21, 2024

Manufacturing

Automated Industrial Robotics Inc (AIR), a U.S.-headquartered industrial automation platform backed by Ares Management, has acquired Sewtec Automation from Endless. Sewtec — a bespoke automation design and manufacturing business based in Wakefield, UK with over 170 employees — will join AIR's portfolio alongside TA Systems and Modular Automation to expand AIR's global automation capabilities.