Ares Management Corporation, Los Angeles, USA (NYSE: ARES today announced the formation of Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. (” AIR “or the” Company “), a newly formed industrial automation company designed to capitalize on the growing global demand for manufacturing automation solutions. Ares Private Equity Fund (” Ares “) has committed significant equity capital to support AIR’s acquisition and organic growth strategy.

DSA-MTR12A2 AIR is focused on acquiring and facilitating the growth of differentiated industrial automation companies that serve diverse end markets, have long operating histories and lifelong management teams. Founded on a culture of safety, transparency and customer experience excellence, AIR seeks to leverage complementary teams and technologies to deliver innovative, cost-competitive solutions to meet the complex and challenging needs of global enterprises. AIR will seek to grow through strategic investments in future technologies in pursuit of automation excellence.

Ares co-founded AIR with Brian Klos and Darragh de Stonndun, who are AIR’s executive chairman and chief executive officer, respectively. Mr. Klos most recently served as a partner at Ares Private Equity Group and has more than 17 years of experience in cross-industry M&A, organizational development and strategic consulting, including industrial technology and automation. Mr. de Stonndun is an industrial Automation industry veteran with more than 20 years of leadership and operational experience, DSA-MTR12A2 including managing ATS Automation’s global key account and co-founder BBS Automation.

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DSA-MTR12A2 With the launch of AIR, the company acquired two foundation companies: Totally Automated Systems (” TA Systems “) and Modular Automation (” Modular “). Based in Detroit, Michigan, TA Systems has more than 45 years of experience designing and manufacturing fully integrated and self-contained assembly machines for the automotive, home appliance and other industries. Modular is headquartered in Shannon, Ireland and has been in operation for almost 10 years. For 40 years, it has been a leading provider of automation solutions to the medical technology industry. The two companies bring strong cultural and technology alliances as well as deep industry verticals and experience.

Mr. Klos and Mr. de Stonndun said, “We are excited to partner with Ares to bring AIR to the global market. Industrial automation is a high-growth industry that benefits from many long-term tailwinds, and we believe AIR is well positioned to build a competitive global platform through strategic acquisitions and organic growth.” With our initial investments in TA Systems and Modular, we are building a relationship-driven team with a blue-chip customer base across industries. Through integration, we will share our respective strengths, continuously improve efficiency, drive technological innovation, and deliver industry-leading automation solutions to our customers around the world.”

Matt Cwiertnia, co-head of Ares’ Private Equity Group, said: “I strongly believe that AIR, with Ares’ support, has a unique opportunity to build scale in the highly fragmented industrial automation industry. Together, Brian and Darragh bring a wealth of experience in acquiring, DSA-MTR12A2 integrating and operating businesses, and we are excited to work with them to help deliver long-term growth for the company.”

Ted Brown, CEO of TA Systems, said: “TA Systems is excited to join AIR, which marks a critical moment in our growth and diversification journey across technology and industry verticals. As part of AIR, we remain committed to providing superior value and service to all our customers and to contributing to the continued evolution of automation technology.”

Vivian Farrell, Modular’s chief Executive Officer, said: “This is an important milestone for Modular, allowing us to expand our range of innovative solutions and advanced automation capabilities for medical technology customers around the world. Looking ahead, our team is energized and continues to live our shared values to serve our customers wherever they operate.”