Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR) has acquired Owens Design, a Fremont, California-based industrial automation firm known for creating custom solutions in high-tech industries. This acquisition enhances AIR’s engineering capabilities across its operations in the U.S., U.K., and Ireland, allowing it to provide innovative solutions globally.
The purchase was funded through an investment from an Ares Management Private Equity fund and an equity contribution from Owens Design’s leadership.
Since its inception in 1983, Owens Design has helped clients scale production and commercialize products with tailored automation solutions. The company partners with OEMs and manufacturers, from startups to public companies, on complex projects in sectors such as semiconductors, renewable energy, and medical products.
With around 100 experienced team members based in a 60,000-square-foot facility, Owens Design has developed over 3,000 custom tools.
The acquisition strengthens AIR’s position in the semiconductor industry and enables it to leverage Owens Design’s expertise in ultra-high-precision handling and quality management for other markets, including medical products and pharmaceuticals. Following the transaction, AIR now has over 530 employees and a global automation hub spanning over 400,000 square feet.
The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are honored to partner with Bob and the entire Owens Design team on this exciting next chapter, which we believe brings a world-class business with truly differentiated automation capabilities and an impressive breadth of industry experience to the AIR platform. Importantly, the addition of Owens Design marks another transformative step as we work to further link the engineering excellence across AIR’s growing footprint and more effectively deliver cutting-edge, scaled manufacturing to our global customer base.”
AIR Executive Chairman Brian Klos and Chief Executive Officer Darragh de Stonndún
“I am proud of what Owens Design has been able to achieve in over 40 years as an independent company. In AIR, we have found a partner who shares our values of serving customers while creating a rewarding environment for our team members to challenge themselves and grow. AIR brings scale, geographic diversity and exceptional automation experience that will enable Owens Design to realize the significant growth opportunity in front of us. I look forward to continuing my leadership of Owens Design as part of AIR.”
Bob Fung, Chief Executive Officer of Owens Design
