Jenoptik has acquired Michigan-based Five Lakes Automation (FLA) for an undisclosed fee. FLA is a provider of complex automated manufacturing solutions.
FLA’s experience in handling devices and integrating individual production systems into automated process lines will complement Jenoptik’s speciality in 3D laser processing.
‘The acquisition allows us to win new knowhow around automated production and new customers, because not only can we offer standalone machines now but complete process solutions from a single source,’ stated Stefan Traeger, Jenoptik president and CEO.
FLA plans and designs automated production lines and integrates them in a 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 joining complex metal components, especially welding systems. The company has its headquarters is Novi, Michigan, which is close to Jenoptik's new technology campus in Rochester Hills, USA.
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 knowhow and specialisation product-wise, 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 knowhow of his company, and will be responsible for the laser processing business unit of Jenoptik in North America in the future.
In May 2017, Jenoptik inaugurated its new 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 metres offers free production space to be used for future process automation projects.