Machine Solutions Buys Vante

Flagstaff, Ariz.-based Machine Solutions Inc. has expanded its presence in the medical device manufacturing equipment market with the acquisition of Vante Inc., which had been privately owned by Engineering & Research Associates Inc.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Tucson, Ariz.-based Vante designs, develops and manufactures process systems for the disposable medical device and biopharmaceutical industries, specifically products requiring the precise manipulation of medical plastics. Vante has been a leader in the medical device manufacturing industry since 1976. Specializing in the four categories of catheter manufacturing equipment, biopharmaceutical equipment, industrial applications and OEM solutions, Vante’s products include their own manufacturing systems, industrial tube sealers, and plastic sealing and welding technology.

In the medical device industry, Machine Solutions has specialized in automating manual processes within catheter and stent manufacturing operations. Machine Solutions officials say the company has more than 10,000 machine installations, annual revenues approaching $35 million and more than 150 employees worldwide.

“The addition of the Vante brand broadens our reach into the emerging space of medical device process automation and diversifies Machine Solutions Inc.’s market leadership position within our existing product lines,” said Daniel Kasprzyk, CEO and president of Machine Solutions Inc. “This acquisition signals the initiation of a thoughtfully planned strategy for continued growth through our partnership with Forsyth Capital.”

St. Louis, Mo.-based investment firm Forsyth Capital acquired Machine Solutions in 2011.

“Vante is excited to be teaming up with Machine Solutions and to bring our combined customers around the world an even broader range of best of breed, cutting-edge products and services in the exciting and growing medical device field,” said Vante’s new president, Brent Fausett. Fausett had been Vante’s executive vice president.

Former Vante CEO and President Roger Vogel left the company. Other management positions remain unaffected, according to a Machine Solutions spokesman.