Jenoptik has acquired 100 per cent of the US company Five Lakes Automation (FLA). All conditions precedent for the transaction are fulfilled as of today.
FLA was founded in 2013 and is a full-service turnkey provider of complex automated manufacturing solutions. The company plans and designs automated production lines and integrates them in the customer’s environment including all production systems. The services and products around process engineering and implementation of automated manufacturing solutions include for example design, system layout, simulation, controls hardware and software design, robotic handling systems as well as transfer devices. FLA has specific expertise in the joining of complex metal components, especially welding systems. Customers include leading US car manufacturers and automotive suppliers. Headquarters is Novi, Michigan and thus close to the new technology campus in Rochester Hills, the US location of Jenoptik Automotive.
With the FLA know-how Jenoptik will develop from a machine supplier to an integrated specialist for metal and plastic processing
While Jenoptik is specialized in efficient, precise and safe 3D laser processing, FLA contributes comprehensive experience in the handling of devices and the integration of individual production systems into automated process lines.
'The acquisition allows us to win new know-how around automated production and new customers because not only can we offer stand-alone machines now but complete process solutions from a single source,' stated Stefan Traeger, President & CEO of JENOPTIK AG.
FLA benefits from the worldwide presence and the financial strength of the Jenoptik Group. “We are glad to have found a strong partner in Jenoptik that does not only complement our process know-how and specialization productwise but which will also allow us to open up new markets and industries,” added President of FLA Keith LaPointe, who is also one of the founders of FLA. He will merge the competencies of Jenoptik’s laser machine business and the process know-how of his company and will be responsible for the Laser Processing business unit of Jenoptik in North America in future.
In May this year Jenoptik inaugurated its new 14m euro technology campus in Rochester Hills. Around 110 Jenoptik employees develop, manufacture and assemble modern metrology and laser machines for the American automotive industry. The new facility with around 9.300 square meters has been geared to growth, offering free production space to be used in part for future process automation projects.
