Medical Manufacturing Technologies (MMT), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, has acquired two Ireland-based automation firms: Somex Automation and Ward Automation Galway.

Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Somex Automation provides custom automation equipment and processes for the medical device manufacturing industry while Ward Automation Galway provides custom automation solutions. The addition of these technologies and services enables MMT to better serve its medical device manufacturing customers by offering highly specialized robotization and integrated solutions for their production needs. The Somex and Ward Galway product offerings will go to market under the MMT Automation brand.

“The acquisition of Somex Automation is a milestone for our company,” MMT CEO Robbie Atkinson said. “We are excited to bring a strong business with highly skilled employees into our family. This transaction allows MMT to seamlessly integrate our end-to-end medical device manufacturing to further support our customers on their quest to increase production and expand their ‘lights out’ operation capabilities. The Somex team’s expertise and history of implementation is an asset to our customers.”

Somex’s 34 employees will continue to work from the Cork and Ballyvourney facilities in Ireland, and Ward Galway’s 27 employees will remain at the Galway, Ireland, plant. 
 
“This transaction allows us to grow the bespoke automation and integration solutions offered to medical device manufacturers across the globe,” Somex Founder/Managing Director Michael Wall stated. “We will be able to leverage the strengths of both companies and create an even more powerful offering for our customers.” Wall is joining MMT as technical director.
 
Atkinson stated that MMT launched MMT Automation to streamline its subsidiaries’ automation offerings, further positioning Somex Automation solutions to customers across its portfolio. “We streamlined shared technologies and processes to ensure our customers have access to the solutions they need when they need them,” he noted. “MMT Automation aligns our automation expertise across the portfolio where we can most effectively help our customers create autonomous manufacturing and continuous optimization of production lines.”
 
“Ward Galway is recognized for developing high-performance custom automation solutions encompassing the entire product lifecycle, from design and development through production, testing, and packaging,” Atkinson said. “The acquisition of this division strategically positions us to compete in the high-growth market of advanced robotization and integration for the minimally invasive medical device manufacturing industry.”
 
“This is an exciting opportunity for us as we look forward to being part of a larger organization that supports our growth objectives,” Ward Galway Managing Director Dave McMorrow stated. “Our Galway team is excited to join MMT and its highly respected brand portfolio.” McMorrow will become technical director at MMT.
 
Atkinson added that the recent launch of MMT Automation, its newest division, unites the automation offering across the MMT portfolio to provide a more cohesive and consistent approach to its customers’ manufacturing needs. The alignment will increase the knowledge, capabilities, and custom technology offering to benefit MMT’s customers.
 
Medical Manufacturing Technologies (MMT) is a vertically integrated business serving the medical device manufacturing industry and beyond. The company offers process development, applications and equipment, technical solutions, and aftermarket support. MMT brands include CATHTIP, Engineering By Design, Glebar, Interface Catheter Solutions, MPT Europe, R&D Engineering, SYNEO, and Tridex.
 
Founded in 2003 by Wall, Somex Automation is recognized as one of the leading suppliers of bespoke automation equipment to the medical, food, and beverage sectors in Ireland and Europe. 
 
McMorrow established Ward Automation Galway in 2007 as an extension of Ward Automation to meet the growing demands to automate and integrate the manufacturing of minimally invasive medical devices.
 
Arcline is a growth-oriented private equity firm with $8.9 billion in cumulative capital commitments. Arcline seeks to invest in technology-driven, meaningful to the world industrial businesses that enable a better future.