Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) continues its expansion efforts with the recent acquisition of Welin Lambie Ltd., a renowned British-based designer and manufacturer of davits used for launch and recovery of ships, as well as shore-based installations.
According to a release, this acquisition expands FMD’s capabilities and service solutions for shipyard, defense and commercial marine customers. This includes the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard.
“As naval forces around the world upgrade existing vessels and expand their fleets, the demand for local, high-quality aftermarket services is greater than ever before,” said George Whittier, CEO of FMD. “Our acquisition of Welin Lambie brings Fairbanks Morse Defense one step closer to becoming a full-service provider for our core marine customers so we can better support their mission-critical operations. Welin Lambie’s products and services easily align with our service solutions, and we’re excited to have them join the FMD brand.”
The products crafted through the initiative, currently under development, will include U.S. Navy amphibious vessels and aircraft carriers, U.S. Coast Guard cutters, and frigates for the Royal Saudi Navy.
The release stated, that since 1901, Welin Lambie has been involved in maritime history, as it designed and built davit systems for world-renowned ships including the Titanic and the ship for the 1997 film. The United Kingdom-based company has had a strong relationship with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard for several decades and has operations around the world on offshore supply vessels, oil rigs and ferries. Welin Lambie has also been employed by NASA to support solid rocket booster recovery systems.
This acquisition is part of ongoing expansion by FMD which involves increasing capabilities, inventory and a geographic presence in the defense industry, the release stated. The company also recently acquired naval valve manufacturer, Hunt Valve, as well as Ward Leonard, a motor and control solutions provider. In November 2020, FMD bought BRECO, a diesel engine repair and rebuilding service provider.
For more than 100 years, FMD, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, has supplied power systems, parts and aftermarket services for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command and the Canadian Coast Guard.