Trelleborg A.B.'s Sealing Solutions unit has acquired Automated Dynamics, an advanced composite components manufacturer.
Trelleborg said in a news release that the bolt-on deal provides new, strategic technology to develop next generation composites for the marine, hydro and aerospace global industries. The deal closed on Dec. 1.
Financial details were not disclosed, but Trelleborg said the firm reported sales of about $7.8 million in 2016. It operates manufacturing, research and development, and engineering out of its facility in Niskayuna, N.Y.
"Automated Dynamics is an excellent fit for Trelleborg," Kristian Brok, TSS president of global operations, elastomers, said in an email. "The acquisition offers the opportunity for Trelleborg to enhance its technology portfolio in the area of composites.
"It offers new, strategic technology to develop the next generation of composites for industries such as marine, hydro and aerospace. This acquisition will strengthen Trelleborg's position in an attractive market segment and enhance our ability to provide customers with innovative and high-performing solutions."
Automated Dynamics designs and manufactures advanced custom composite solutions, including composite bearings, advanced anti-extrusion solutions for elastomeric seal applications, and gas chromatography vessels among others.
Brok said Trelleborg does not expect any immediate changes to Automated Dynamics' work force.
Trelleborg said the expanded scope of capabilities and technology gained from Automated Dynamics will be leveraged within its global market presence. Brok said the firm's automation of the production of composite products also could be leveraged into other Trelleborg manufacturing facilities.
"Composites are a strategic, adjacent technology for Trelleborg with high potential in a multiple of industries," Brok said. "This complements our existing capabilities initially for our marine, hydro and aerospace customers, and then potentially for other industries. Very specifically, Automated Dynamics focuses on advanced fiber placement and other automated manufacturing methods for polymer-based composites."
The executive added that aerospace manufacturers have a continuous objective to improve aircraft fuel consumption and flight hours, making composite materials a good fit because of their strength, stiffness-to-density ratios and strong physical properties.
The hydro and marine industries are demanding smaller turbines and engines to be run for longer intervals between planned maintenance. Brok said composites provide an alternative to metal in bearings, allowing for downsizing with a longer lifespan. They also meet growing environmental requirements because they run without lubricants that can be a pollutant to marine life.
"Composites have potential in numerous markets," Brok said. "We already see many opportunities for new products, applications and materials for the markets we currently serve, and in the long term also for other adjacent markets such as automotive, health care and medical."