Fairbanks Morse Defense acquires davit specialist

Beloit, Wis.-based Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management has acquired U.K.-based davit specialist Welin Lambie Ltd.

FMD says the acquisition further expands its capabilities and service solutions for shipyard, defense, and commercial marine customers, including the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Canadian Coast Guard.

Additionally, says FMD, the acquisition enhances its product and service offerings for future uncrewed ship programs, as davits that launch and recover crafts and mission packages are expected to be increasingly critical in uncrewed environments.

“As naval forces around the world upgrade existing vessels and expand their fleets, the demand for local, high-quality aftermarket services is greater than ever before,” said George Whittier, CEO of FMD. “Our acquisition of Welin Lambie brings Fairbanks Morse Defense one step closer to becoming a full-service provider for our core marine customers so we can better support their mission-critical operations. Welin Lambie’s products and services easily align with our service solutions, and we’re excited to have them join the FMD brand.”

RELATIONSHIP WITH U.S. NAVY AND COAST GUARD

Over many decades, Welin Lambie has established strong relationships with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. Its products are installed on a wide variety of vessels stationed worldwide, including U.S. Navy amphibious vessels, LCS vessels, CVN aircraft carriers, USCG cutters, and frigates for the Royal Saudi Navy currently under construction at Marinette Marine.

Founded in1901 as Welin Davits & Engineering Company Ltd., Welin Lambie hasdesigned and built integrated davit systems for several historic ships, including the Titanic. Operating from its facility in Brierley Hill, West Midlands, U.K., Welin Lambie serves customers in the U.K., North America, and worldwide.

“Welin Lambie has established strong marine defense customer relationships because of our ability to seamlessly adapt to changing regulations and requirements,” Welin Lambie Managing Director Norman Rose said. “These qualities will be an asset to Fairbanks Morse Defense customers as our products and services are integrated into their offerings. We’re looking forward to expanding our presence under the Fairbanks Morse Defense brand.”