Fairbanks Morse Defense continues on acquisition trail

Beloit, Wis.-based Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, has acquired Cincinnati, Ohio-based Federal Equipment Company (FEC).

The transaction includes both FEC Military and FEC’s commercial business.

FEC Military is a specialist in designing and manufacturing components and systems for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, including cargo elevators, engineered doors and specialized material handling equipment. The commercial business delivers handling solutions to manufacturing customers outside the defense market

In recent years, FMD has completed multiple acquisitions to better serve defense customers, including its acquisitions of Hunt Valve Company, Ward Leonard, and Welin Lambie. It says this latest acquisition significantly expands its product capabilities and service solutions for shipyard, defense, and industrial customers – with emphasis on its support for and offerings to the U.S. nuclear navy.

“Fairbanks Morse Defense is committed to the values that define us as a leading defense contractor. The capabilities, experience, and quality reputation that we’re acquiring with FEC reinforce this commitment and solidify our position as a proven, single-source provider to our naval customers,” said FMD CEO George Whittier. “Both FEC and Fairbanks Morse Defense have highly experienced teams who understand the critical role that our customers play in protecting the nation, and they are all dedicated to delivering the highest quality service in support of that mission. Combining our knowledge and capabilities makes us a powerful asset for the defense industry.”

FEDERAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY

Founded in Ohio in 1982, FEC has approximately 145 employees. The company is headquartered on its campus near Cincinnati, Ohio, which includes two facilities totaling 100,000 square feet. In addition, FEC has begun construction on a 50,000 square foot facility, which will further increase its manufacturing capacity and capabilities. This building is expected to open in mid-2022.

“Through the process of designing and creating the systems for today’s and tomorrow’s marine fleets, we’re proud to have earned a reputation for successfully taking on some of the most difficult engineering and manufacturing challenges for the Navy, Marines, and the Coast Guard,” said FEC President Doug Ridenour. “Fairbanks Morse Defense has earned a similar reputation for excellence in the defense industry, which makes this a great fit for both companies.”