The solar industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation, largely driven by advancements in automation technology. From silicon ingot formation to wafer slicing and cell assembly, nearly every stage of solar panel manufacturing relies heavily on automation to achieve the precision, efficiency, and scale required for sustainable energy production.
While automation has significantly streamlined the manufacturing process, there were still areas where human intervention was necessary. Tasks involving delicate handling, such as silicon wafer inspection and installation of large solar arrays, were traditionally performed manually. However, recent breakthroughs in robotics and automation have opened up new possibilities for further efficiency gains.
Advanced Robotics for Precision Handling
Modern robots are now equipped with advanced features such as six-axis articulation, pressure-sensitive grips, and artificial vision systems. These can handle fragile silicon wafers with exceptional care. The robotic operators can perform tasks with greater speed and accuracy than humans, reducing the risk of damage and increasing overall production efficiency.
Automated Quality Control with Vision Systems
Ensuring the quality of solar panels is paramount due to the delicate nature of silicon wafers. Traditionally, visual inspections were conducted manually, which is a time-consuming and error-prone process. Advanced vision systems can now automate these inspections, enabling manufacturers to test more frequently, reduce costs, and improve accuracy.
Mobile Robotics for Outdoor Operations
The installation and maintenance of large-scale solar arrays often involve significant manual labor. Mobile robots can now assist in these tasks, from unloading cargo to performing routine maintenance. This not only speeds up the process but it also creates a safer working environment for human crews and allows them to prioritize more valuable tasks.
Industry 4.0 for Smart Solar Fields
Industry 4.0 technologies are transforming solar fields into intelligent systems. By tracking energy efficiency and implementing automated cleaning schedules, companies can optimize the performance of their solar arrays and reduce water consumption. This adds greater value for their potential customers who are interested in solar technology.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Automated solar manufacturing systems offer numerous benefits, including increased production efficiency, reduced waste, and lower costs. This makes solar energy a more attractive option for consumers who are looking to get more value out of solar energy before they invest in it. It also offers greater sustainability for people who prioritize the environmental impact solar systems can offer above all else.
Investment in R&D
By automating routine tasks, companies can free up resources to invest in research and development. This enables them to explore new technologies and improve the efficiency and sustainability of solar energy systems.
The world is transitioning towards a cleaner energy future. Solar manufacturing automation plays a crucial role in driving innovation, reducing costs, and ensuring a reliable supply of renewable energy. By embracing these technologies, the solar industry can continue to contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous world.
As the solar industry continues to evolve, automation offers a powerful tool for businesses seeking to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to a sustainable future. If you’re interested in exploring how automation can benefit your solar manufacturing operations, contact CONVERGIX Automation Solutions today. Our experts can provide tailored solutions to meet your specific needs and help you achieve your sustainability goals.
Automation is reshaping the future of work. Businesses should be optimistic, and prepared.
In the middle of the last century, the rise of computers and information technology spurred huge economic advances around the world. At the time, many feared that the disruption brought about by computers and their related technologies would lead to a massive displacement of workers—which it did. But this wasn’t a bad thing. As we now know, whole industries and careers exist today that did not exist even a few decades ago, and many of these jobs are the kind of high-skilled labor that pays well and promises long-term stability.
However, many of these same anxieties are now raised about manufacturing automation. These concerns are not unfounded, as automation is certainly reshaping the economy. However, just like the technologies that preceded it, manufacturing automation will lead to a rise in productivity and employment, not the elimination of it.
To understand the state of automation and manufacturing, let’s look at some statistics about factory automation, and the lessons we can draw from them.
The skills gap continues to be a challenge facing workforces, with 40% of workers requiring reskilling of six months or less, and 94% of business leaders expecting employees to learn new skills on the job.
Aging populations mean that automation is necessary to prevent worker shortages.
Industrial automation is reaching a key phase of the technology adoption life cycle.
The adaption of new technologies follows a predictable bell curve. First, there are the innovators, who invent and experiment with new technologies. Once they have found a technology that seems to work, they introduce it to others. Those who take the innovators up on this new technology are the early adaptors. They are the first to recognize the potential of a new way of doing things, and are willing to handle some amount of risk to take advantage of it.
As an idea gains steam and becomes mainstream, the number of adopters goes over the hump of the bell curve. The predicted growth of the industrial automation market over the next five years indicates that the market is currently in this burgeoning area of growth. Companies who fail to automate now will find themselves lagging behind the competition, out of step and struggling to make up ground.
Even with the increased adaption of automation technology, there’s still room for more integrated systems, even in companies that have automated. Early adopters can fall behind if they don’t keep looking for places to integrate new technologies. This indicates that the growing market for industrial automation is likely to continue expanding for years to come.
The major draw for automation is to keep up with increasing production requirements.
While many outside the industry habitually view automation as a way for factories to cut workers, most businesses are adopting automation in order to keep up with a growing demand for more product. The critical need is not to cut workers—who are often needed in high-level tasks to keep the business running—but to expand production capacity in areas where there are widespread worker shortages.
Increasing automation in manufacturing plants has an additional benefit of lowering the cost of goods, which strengthens the purchasing power of consumers across the economy more broadly. This is leading to new opportunities outside manufacturing, enabled by more affordable goods.
Industry automation is creating new opportunities for better jobs — and an increased need for training.
As robots take over high-precision, repetitive tasks from human workers, those workers will need new training to fill shortages in other areas of skilled work. Some of this training can be learned on the job, but other training needs must be met by the society more broadly, including through technical and trade schools, apprenticeship programs like the one we run here at Convergix, and increased awareness for the kinds of jobs that exist for skilled workers in manufacturing.
Overall, these jobs will pay better, promise more benefits, and be more stable for workers than the manufacturing jobs currently being replaced by automation. The faster we can build a workforce capable of handling them, the better we will be.
Automation will make economies more resilient and will lead to better work environments for employees.
Overall, automation is good for workers and economies. Factory automation helped businesses respond more rapidly during the Covid-19 pandemic, as it allowed businesses to keep running even when workers had to stay home. And while automation does displace some workers from traditional manufacturing jobs, it also creates new jobs that are more desirable, and better suited to the tasks that people are capable of doing.
The key takeaway for businesses should be that people are not robots, so we should stop expecting workers to function that way. Instead, manufacturers should be proactive in finding ways in which automation can free human employees from repetitive tasks, and look for areas where they can put their skills to use, where their creativity and good judgment will be properly valued.
As with any disruptive technology, automation brings with it opportunities for growth, as well as a need for businesses and individuals to adopt. Understanding the realities surrounding the adoption of automation is necessary for businesses to prepare themselves strategically for the future.
If you are looking for automated solutions to your manufacturing challenges, contact Convergix today.
We’re excited to announce that CONVERGIX Automation will be exhibiting at Automate 2024 Chicago at the McCormick Place from May 6-9. Come visit our booth #3218 in the south building to meet some of our industry experts and to learn more about the CONVERGIX family.
Automate is a premier event in the world of automation, robotics, vision, motion control, and related technologies. It’s a massive gathering that brings together industry professionals, experts, and enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements, trends, and solutions in automation.
As a tradeshow, it has a rich history that spans several decades. The roots of Automate can be traced back to 1976 when the first Robots Show was established. This show focused on showcasing robotics technology and its applications in various industries. Over the years, the Robots Show evolved and expanded its scope to include other automation technologies like vision and motion control. This reflected the growing convergence of these technologies in modern automation systems.
In 2011, the Robots Show merged with the Vision Show and Motion Control Show to form the first-ever Automate event. This brought together all the key players in the automation industry under one roof. Automate has witnessed remarkable growth in terms of exhibitor participation, attendee numbers, and show floor space. It has become the largest and most comprehensive automation show in North America.
Automate has continuously adapted to the changing needs of the industry by incorporating new technologies and trends. It has expanded its focus to include areas like artificial intelligence, collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots, and more. It has become a must-attend event for a wide range of professionals, including engineers (automation, robotics, manufacturing, etc), plant and operations managers, business leaders looking to improve efficiency and productivity, systems integrators, end users and researchers.
Why should people attend?
See the latest technology: Automate showcases cutting-edge technologies, products, and solutions from leading automation manufacturers and providers. Attendees get a firsthand look at the newest innovations that can improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness in their operations.
Educational Opportunities: The event offers a wide range of educational sessions, workshops, and training programs. Attendees can learn from industry experts, gain valuable insights, and enhance their knowledge in areas like robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision, motion control, and more.
Networking: Automate provides a platform to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential partners. Attendees can share experiences, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships that can benefit their careers and businesses.
Industry Insights: The event features keynote speakers and thought leaders who share their perspectives on the future of automation and its impact on various industries. Attendees can gain valuable insights into emerging trends and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Problem Solving: Automate is a hub for problem-solvers and innovators. Attendees can find solutions to their specific challenges, discover new approaches to improve their operations, and learn how to leverage automation to achieve their business goals.
Automate is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in automation technology, learn from industry experts, and connect with peers. It’s a place to explore the future of automation and discover how it can transform businesses across various sectors.
CONVERGIX Automation Solutions is proud to have been showcased in a feature article in BOSS Magazine. It covers the history of the company and its business units, and a full scope of what we have to offer interested customers.
Here is a snippet of the profile:
“Launched in 2021 to meet the needs of the $500 billion-plus global automation solutions market, a powerful new player is poised to change the way companies automate processes and systems. In two years, CONVERGIX has established 25 locations in North America, Europe, and Asia, and has assembled a team of roughly 900 experts in automation and integration. They serve a variety of end markets, including food and beverage, life sciences, consumer products, emerging renewable energy solutions, automotive, defense, logistics, and traditional energy companies, to name a few.“
Take an in-depth look into our story and vision to be the world’s best-in-class diversified global industrial automation integration leader. Click here for the full feature article in November issue of Boss Magazine.
We’re excited to announce that CONVERGIX Automation will be exhibiting at Rockwell Automation Fair in Boston, Massachusetts from November 8-9th! Stop by our booth #1426 to talk with our industry professionals and learn more about the CONVERGIX family.
The Rockwell Automation Fair is one of the premier industry events held in the country every year. It is attended by over 10,000 people from the industry connections, including hundreds of top experts in the field as well as C-suite executives from top companies in the world.
This tradeshow provides hundreds of hours of advanced training and educational session opportunities held by hundreds of expert presenters. You can see many interactive exhibits, including our very own, across the vast square footage of Expo floor space. These are all the reasons why it is one of the must-attend events in the Automation sector, even from companies and people from all over the globe.
Rockwell Automation is one of the foremost Industrial Automation leaders in the world, and shares their expertise through their own tradeshow and educational webinars. They frequently partner with other top companies and subject matter experts on robotics, automation integration, and more.
Why should you attend?
Latest Innovations: The fair showcases cutting-edge technologies, products, and solutions from Rockwell Automation and its partners. Attendees get a firsthand look at the newest innovations that can improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in their operations.
Educational Opportunities: The event offers a wide range of educational sessions, workshops, and training programs. Attendees can learn from industry experts, gain valuable insights, and enhance their knowledge in areas like automation control, data analytics, robotics, and more.
Networking: The fair provides a platform to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential partners. Attendees can share experiences, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships that can benefit their careers and businesses.
Industry Insights: The event features keynote speakers and thought leaders who share their perspectives on the future of automation and its impact on various industries. Attendees can gain valuable insights into emerging trends and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Problem Solving: The fair is a hub for problem-solvers and innovators. Attendees can find solutions to their specific challenges, discover new approaches to improve their operations, and learn how to leverage automation to achieve their business goals.
Overall, the Rockwell Automation Fair is a must-attend event for anyone involved in industrial automation or looking to leverage technology to improve their operations. It offers a unique opportunity to learn, network, and explore the latest advancements in the field.
We’re excited to announce that CONVERGIX Automation will be exhibiting at Fabtech 2023 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois from September 11-14! Stop by our booth #B29085 to talk with our industry professionals and to learn more about the CONVERGIX family.
Our team is standing by to showcase how we can help any customers in the industrial space that deal with fabrication, welding, and more. Our industrial automation processes can improve efficiency and reduce costs, and we will welcome all visitors!
FABTECH is North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event. It’s a massive show that brings together industry professionals, suppliers, and manufacturers to showcase the latest technologies, equipment, and solutions in the metalworking world.
It has a rich history dating back to 1981 when it debuted in Cleveland, Ohio. It started as a regional trade show with 161 exhibitors covering 42,925 net square feet. Over the years, it has grown exponentially to become North America’s largest and most authoritative event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing.
In its initial years, FABTECH focused on showcasing metal forming and fabricating technologies. It quickly gained popularity and recognition within the industry. However, to meet the growing demands of the industry, FABTECH expanded its scope to include welding and finishing processes. This broadened the show’s appeal and attracted a wider audience.
FABTECH’s success is also attributed to its strong partnerships with leading industry associations like the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA), SME, the American Welding Society (AWS), the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), and the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI). These partnerships have brought in expertise, resources, and a vast network of industry professionals.
Why should people attend?
See the latest technology: FABTECH is where you can see firsthand the newest advancements in metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing equipment. From cutting-edge lasers to robotic welding systems, you’ll find it all here.
Networking: The show attracts a wide range of industry professionals, making it a great place to connect with peers, suppliers, and potential customers. You can build relationships, share ideas, and find new partners.
Education: FABTECH offers educational sessions and workshops where you can learn about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. This is a great way to stay up-to-date and improve your skills.
Problem-solving: If you’re facing challenges in your metalworking operations, FABTECH is the place to find solutions. You can talk to experts, see new equipment, and learn about innovative approaches to improve efficiency and productivity.
Stay competitive: By attending FABTECH, you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure that your business is using the latest technologies and best practices. This will help you stay competitive in the ever-evolving metalworking industry.
FABTECH is held annually in the United States, rotating between different locations. If you’re involved in any aspect of metal forming, fabricating, welding, or finishing, it is a must-attend event.
We’re excited to announce that CONVERGIX Automation will be exhibiting at Pack Expo 2023 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from September 11-13. Come visit our booth #6663 in the South Lower Hall to meet some of our industry experts and to learn more about the technology and capability we have to offer customers in the consumer, packaging, palletizing, and material movement sectors. We will have a team attending our booth and standing by to speak to all visitors and answer any questions.
Looking to optimize your packaging line? Want to improve the efficiency and costs of your material movement processes within your warehouse? If you are coming to PACK EXPO in Las Vegas this year, come by our booth and connect with our team! We’re here to showcase our expertise in automating material flow, logistics, packaging, palletizing, and more. From concept to completion, we design and implement custom solutions tailored to your specific needs. Stop by our booth to discover how we can help you enhance your overall operations. Let’s discuss your challenges and explore the possibilities!
Not sure if you want to attend? PACK EXPO is a series of trade shows focused on packaging and processing technology. It’s a major event for professionals in industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and more.
Why should people attend?
When you attend the show, you get to see the latest technology used in these industries to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of many operations. PACK EXPO showcases the newest advancements in packaging machinery, materials, automation, and related technologies. Attendees can see demonstrations, learn about new solutions, and get ideas for improving their own operations. Other benefits for attending the show includes:
Networking: The shows bring together a wide range of industry professionals, including suppliers, manufacturers, and potential customers. It’s a great opportunity to make connections, build relationships, and find new partners.
Education: PACK EXPO often features educational sessions and workshops where attendees can learn about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.
Problem-solving: Attendees can find solutions to their specific packaging and processing challenges by talking to experts, seeing new equipment, and learning about innovative approaches.
Stay competitive: By attending PACK EXPO, professionals can stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and technologies, which helps them keep their businesses competitive.
PACK EXPO has several events throughout the year in different locations, giving you a greater opportunity to meet even more experts and top companies throughout the country.
–Transaction Represents Convergix’s Fourth Acquisition in Plan to Build a Market Leading Automation Solutions Provider Targeting a $500 Billion+ Global Market–
DETROIT, MI and BRIDGMAN, MI April 3, 2023 – Convergix Automation Solutions (“Convergix”), an automation solutions company backed by leading private equity firm Crestview Partners (“Crestview”), has completed the acquisition of Eagle Technologies (“Eagle”), a Bridgman, Michigan-based systems integrator specializing in turnkey automated production and testing solutions. Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021, Classic Design in February 2022, and AGR Automation in August 2022, Eagle marks the fourth acquisition in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
With operations dating back to 1953, Eagle is a leading designer, developer, and integrator of innovative and high-value automated systems to multinational customers across a variety of sectors, including electric vehicle & battery, life sciences, and consumer products. With end-to-end systems integration capabilities and advanced product testing capabilities, Eagle’s nearly 300 employees work across three locations in southwest Michigan. Eagle’s President Emeritus Mike Koziel will remain in an advisory role, and its President Brandon Fuller will continue in his current leadership role.
“The acquisition of Eagle accelerates Convergix’s growth and adds significant scale and capabilities to the platform, bringing Convergix’s pro forma revenue to approximately $250 million,” said Mike DuBose, Executive Chairman of Convergix. “Eagle brings longstanding customer relationships and market-leading technical capabilities serving a variety of strategic end markets. We are excited to partner with the Eagle team to continue building a world-class provider of custom automation solutions and services to global customers, and we look forward to leveraging our existing operations across North America, Europe, and Asia to create more opportunities for Eagle to continue delivering exceptional customer solutions.”
Mike Koziel noted, “I am immensely proud of the innovative capabilities, quality solutions, exceptional customer relationships, and most importantly the outstanding team and culture that we have built and nurtured every day at Eagle. The Eagle team is thrilled to join Convergix and to leverage its operational expertise, systems and experience to accelerate Eagle’s growth and enhance our ability to serve our valued customers.”
Following the acquisition of Eagle, Convergix has over 900 employees in 25 locations globally serving a broad range of end markets. Convergix has extensive experience delivering innovative solutions to customers in sectors including food and beverage, electric vehicles, renewable energy, life sciences, consumer products, automotive, general industry and more.
About Convergix Automation Solutions
Convergix Automation Solutions elevates the automation industry through comprehensive products, technology and services that improve productivity and maximize talent. By closing gaps in automation and through earned trust, Convergix leverages creative and solutions-oriented engineering and technology to allow its customers to reach their complete potential to develop, create and drive industries forward.
About Crestview Partners
Founded in 2004, Crestview is a value-oriented private equity firm focused on the middle market. The firm is based in New York and manages funds with approximately $10 billion of aggregate capital commitments. The firm is led by a group of partners who have complementary experience and backgrounds in private equity, finance, operations and management. Crestview has senior investment professionals focused on sourcing and managing investments in each of the specialty areas of the firm: industrials, media and financial services. For more information, please visit www.crestview.com.
About Eagle Technologies
Originally founded in 1953, Eagle Technologies is a leading provider of engineering and factory automation solutions to diverse customers across the globe with extensive expertise in assembly, test, and process applications, industry 4.0 solutions, and robotics. Headquartered in Bridgman, MI with over 1,000 installations worldwide and a focus on developing and training local engineers, Eagle is an established integrator providing automated manufacturing services to some of the world’s most dynamic businesses. For more information, please visit eagletechnologies.com/.
–Transaction Represents Convergix’s Third Acquisition in Plan to Build a Market Leading Automation Solutions Provider Targeting a $500 Billion+ Global Market–
DETROIT, MI and ARBROATH, SCOTLAND August 31, 2022 – Convergix Automation Solutions (“Convergix”), an automation solutions company backed by leading private equity firm Crestview Partners (“Crestview”), has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry. Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1970, AGR is a leading designer, developer, and integrator of innovative and high-value automated systems to multinational customers across a variety of sectors, including life sciences and consumer goods. With end-to-end systems integration capabilities and a focus on precision applications, AGR’s approximately 130 employees work across three locations in Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. AGR’s Managing Director Derek Gaston will remain in an advisory role, and its senior managers will continue in their current leadership roles.
“The acquisition of AGR and its subsidiary company Aylesbury Automation accelerates Convergix’s planned global expansion and marks our first foray into Europe,” said Mike DuBose, Executive Chairman of Convergix. “AGR brings market-leading technical capabilities and exposure to strategic end markets such as life sciences and consumer goods, while expanding Convergix’s capacity for growth. We are excited to partner with the AGR team to continue building a world-class provider of custom automation solutions to global customers. AGR’s focus on engineering quality and commitment to customer satisfaction are well aligned with Convergix’s culture and strategy. We look forward to leveraging our existing operations across North America and India to create more opportunities for AGR to deliver exceptional customer solutions.”
Derek Gaston noted, “I am honored to have been part of building an innovative and high-quality provider of automated systems, which would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of our exceptional team members and the loyalty of our customers. The AGR team is excited to join Convergix and to leverage its operational expertise to accelerate AGR’s growth and enhance our ability to serve our valued customers.”
About Crestview Partners
Founded in 2004, Crestview is a value-oriented private equity firm focused on the middle market. The firm is based in New York and manages funds with approximately $10 billion of aggregate capital commitments. The firm is led by a group of partners who have complementary experience and backgrounds in private equity, finance, operations and management. Crestview has senior investment professionals focused on sourcing and managing investments in each of the specialty areas of the firm: industrials, media and financial services. For more information, please visit www.crestview.com.
About Convergix Automation Solutions
Convergix Automation Solutions elevates the automation industry through comprehensive products, technology and services that improve productivity and maximize talent. By closing gaps in automation and through earned trust, Convergix leverages creative and solutions-oriented engineering and technology to allow its customers to reach their complete potential to develop, create and drive industries forward. For more information, please visit www.convergixautomation.com.
About AGR Automation
Founded in 1970, AGR is a leading automation integrator with extensive expertise in vibratory and centrifugal technologies, vision recognition, and robotics. Headquartered in Arbroath, Scotland with three locations across the U.K. and a strong commitment to innovation, AGR is an established partner capable of delivering highly specialized solutions across diverse systems and applications. For more information, please visit www.agr-automation.com.
Automation Integrator Created to Become Global Market Leader in Fragmented Industry
NEW YORK and DETROIT – Crestview Partners (“Crestview”), a leading private equity firm, is announcing the launch of its portfolio company, Convergix Automation Solutions (“Convergix”), as part of its strategy to build a $1 billion global automation solutions company. Convergix seeks to benefit from significant tailwinds driving growth in the automation industry driven by evolving labor markets, affordable robotics and demand for resilient supply chains.
Crestview invested in Convergix to create a global automation solutions provider, following its ownership of JR Automation from 2015 to 2019. Crestview has allocated up to $200 million in equity capital to support Convergix and fuel its growth. To date, the company has acquired two established automation companies – JMP Solutions (“JMP”) and Classic Design (“Classic”).
As a global solutions provider, Convergix offers its customers technical expertise and creative solutions to dramatically improve and enhance their processing, manufacturing and logistics operations. Targeting the global $750+ billion automation market, with a particular focus on the $150 billion global automation systems and connectivity segments, Convergix delivers best-in-class technology, integration and support to customers in a variety of industries.
The company specializes in automation, robotics, information systems, material handling and control systems and is positioned to be an innovative automation partner providing comprehensive solutions to a wide range of industries and applications. Today, the company provides automation solutions to companies in industries ranging from food and beverage, consumer products and postal and courier industries to the automotive, semiconductor, energy, water and wastewater industries.
“We are making proactive investments in the future,” explains Mike DuBose, Executive Chairman of Convergix and Operating Executive at Crestview. “Our experience in automation has demonstrated that companies, regardless of industry, prefer a single automation source for multiple applications, yet functionally the industry is highly fragmented. Convergix solves that problem by providing scalable automation solutions across our customers’ entire value chains. Our strategy is to build on these capabilities to become the leading automation partner to our customers while relentlessly driving to provide best-in-class flexible solutions.”
Convergix’s first two acquisitions, JMP and Classic, provide a strong base of automation engineering capabilities and blue chip customer relationships as well as a global geographic reach, with 18 offices throughout the U.S. and Canada and a scalable engineering and manufacturing presence in India. Headquartered in London, Ontario, JMP provides controls engineering services and system design and integration solutions to a diverse customer base. Classic, based in Troy, Michigan, has been a leading supplier of automation systems design and integration solutions for nearly 50 years. Together, the two operating companies advance Convergix’s customers’ capabilities by helping their facilities and equipment to run more efficiently with improved quality and at a lower cost.
“Through strategic acquisitions, our streamlined approach to integration, and our team’s deep knowledge and experience, we are building the foundation for something that is unique in our industry,” says Convergix Chief Executive Officer John Bubnikovich. “We operate at the intersection of technology, people, integration and support, which enables us to provide solutions that empower our customers to reach their full potential and compete on a new level.”
Bubnikovich and Convergix’s leadership team will be on hand for one-on-one conversations at Automate, June 6-9, 2022, in Detroit, Michigan. Automate is the largest solutions-based showcase of robotics, vision control, motion control and automation in North America.
About Crestview Partners
Founded in 2004, Crestview is a value-oriented private equity firm focused on the middle market. The firm is based in New York and manages funds with approximately $10 billion of aggregate capital commitments. The firm is led by a group of partners who have complementary experience and distinguished backgrounds in private equity, finance, operations and management. Crestview has senior investment professionals focused on sourcing and managing investments in each of the specialty areas of the firm: industrials, media and financial services. For more information, please visit www.crestview.com.
About Convergix Automation Solutions
Convergix Automation Solutions elevates the automation industry through comprehensive products, technology and services that improve productivity and maximize talent. By closing gaps in automation and through earned trust, Convergix leverages creative and solutions-oriented engineering and technology to allow its customers to reach their complete potential to develop, create and drive industries forward. For more information, please visit www.convergixautomation.com.
