Jenoptik AG has taken full ownership of a U.S. automation company, Five Lakes Automation LLC, as part of a bid to grow in the North American auto market.
FLA, which is based in Novi, Mich., specializes in process automation for the automotive industry. Jenoptik is based in Jena, Germany, and specializes in 3D laser processing.
FLA's know-how, according to Jenoptik, will help the German group “develop from a machine supplier to an integrated specialist for metal and plastic processing.”
“The acquisition allows us to win new know-how around automated production and new customers because not only can we offer stand-alone machines now but complete process solutions from a single source,” said Stefan Traeger, president and CEO of Jenoptik, in an Aug. 22 news release.
FLA, according to Jenoptik, has specific expertise in the joining of complex metal components, especially welding systems.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. FLA was founded in 2013. FLA President Keith LaPointe, one of the company's founders, called Jenoptik a strong partner that will help FLA open up new markets. He will be in charge of Jenoptik's Laser Processing business unit in North America, according to the news release.
Jenoptik already has a base in the United States, near FLA's headquarters in Novi. Jenoptik opened its 14 million euro ($16.5 million) technology campus in Rochester Hills, Mich., in May.
The 10,000-square-foot site serves American automakers and suppliers and has room for growth.