Mechanix Wear, a designer and manufacturer of hand protection and protective apparel, announced it has acquired OTEX, a developer of technology-enabled personal protective equipment. The acquisition expands Mechanix Wear’s portfolio of advanced safety products and represents the company’s third acquisition since being backed by private investment firm Gryphon Investors.
OTEX develops research-driven safety apparel and protective solutions incorporating patented technologies. The company is particularly known for its SMARTHOOD technology, which integrates protective hood systems with air-quality monitoring innovations and cooling capabilities designed to improve worker safety and comfort in demanding environments.
Following the transaction, OTEX will operate under Mechanix Wear’s Chicago Protective Apparel division. OTEX CEO Jake Weidert will remain with the organization as Vice President of Technology and Materials, where he will help guide future product development and ensure continuity for the company’s technologies.
Mechanix Wear said the acquisition aligns with its strategy to strengthen its protective equipment platform through research-driven innovation and specialized safety technologies. The company plans to leverage OTEX’s advanced air-quality and PPE capabilities alongside its own manufacturing scale and distribution network.
Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Valencia, California, Mechanix Wear produces protective gloves and apparel for automotive, construction, industrial, and tactical applications. The company’s products are sold in more than 20,000 retail locations across over 70 countries, as well as through industrial distributors.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
KEY QUOTES
“OTEX’s patented technologies and leadership in air-quality-driven PPE align perfectly with our mission to deliver trusted, innovative protection to workers. OTEX has been a true disruptor, and its deep investment in research and development will continue to accelerate the creation of our next-generation safety solutions. We are excited to collaborate with the OTEX team and welcome them to the Mechanix Wear platform.”
Jesse Spungin, CEO, Mechanix Wear
“Mechanix Wear continues to build a differentiated platform of premium, R&D-led protective equipment, and OTEX further strengthens that vision. We’re pleased to support the company’s continued strategic expansion and investment in innovation and growth.”
Ryan Fagan, Partner in the Consumer Group, Gryphon Investors
“We are thrilled to join the Mechanix Wear family. Mechanix Wear’s manufacturing scale, resources, and commitment to innovation make them the ideal partner to advance OTEX’s mission of improving safety and air quality for workers. This partnership ensures long-term support for our customers, strategic partners and the technologies we’ve worked hard to develop.”
Jake Weidert, CEO, OTEX
