Introducing Optimas OE Solutions

GLENVIEW, Ill.

Optimas OE Solutions, which specializes in the distribution and manufacturing of highly engineered fasteners and C-Class components, was introduced last month as an independent company. Formerly the OEM Supply – Fasteners division of Anixter Inc., Optimas was acquired by American Industrial Partners (AIP), a leading middle-market private equity firm focused on acquiring, improving and growing North American-headquartered industrial businesses.

As a new and well capitalized standalone AIP portfolio company, Optimas will leverage its existing industry presence and expertise, along with the AIP partnership, to forge stronger relationships with existing and potential customers in the commercial vehicle, luxury automotive, agricultural equipment, power generation equipment, construction and general industrial markets.

“Optimas is committed to providing supply chain solutions for our OEM customers that allow them to focus on the bigger picture rather than the minutia of the day-to-day. Supported by the deep operating and industry expertise of AIP, we are now able to help our customers excel in ways previously unachievable” said Ian Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of Optimas.

The company is recognized for providing its customers with superior solutions in logistics and distribution, engineering, manufacturing and implementation.

“As Cummins has moved from a multinational to global company, the complexity of our supply chain has increased considerably. Optimas (formerly the OEM Supply – Fasteners division of Anixter Inc.) has been a key strategic supplier partner with Cummins for many years. [As we] focus on transforming our supply chain, we will rely on Optimas to play a key role for us across a broad range of product and service categories. The partnership with AIP will be a key enabler for Optimas to grow and invest [in service of] our future collaborations” said Tim Millwood, Vice President of Purchasing for Cummins Inc., an industry leader and a long standing customer.

The Optimas team – which includes nearly 2,000 employees throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia – consists of seasoned and respected industry leaders, bringing years of experience to the table. Strengths include an ability to bridge the gaps between distributors, engineers, suppliers and OEM customers, while ensuring that each customer experiences the highest caliber of quality and service, wherever they are in the world.

About Optimas OE Solutions

Headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, Optimas OE Solutions has nearly 2,000 employees throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia; 74 distribution centers; and 9 ISO-certified quality labs regionally based around the world.

About American Industrial Partners

American Industrial Partners (“AIP”) is an operationally oriented middle-market private equity firm that makes control investments in North American-based industrial manufacturing and distribution businesses serving domestic and global markets. The Firm has deep roots in the industrial economy and has been active in private equity investing since 1989. To date, AIP has completed over 50 transactions and is currently managing more than $1.1 billion in equity capital. AIP invests in all forms of corporate divestitures, management buyouts, recapitalizations, and going-private transactions of established businesses with revenues of $100 million $1 billion.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150728005321/en/

Optimas OE Solutions
Harmony Merwitz, Vice President of Global Marketing
1-224-521-8276
harmony.merwitz@optimas.com
or
American Industrial Partners
Ben DeRosa, Partner
212-627-2360, extension 200
or
Matt Rainwater, Partner
212-627-2360, extension 219