Fairbanks Morse Defense Acquires Fluid Filtration Specialists LLC

Single-source provider for marine defense customers adds fluid filtration and testing services to a growing range of capabilities

BELOIT, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management (Arcline), has acquired Fluid Filtration Specialists LLC (FFS), a leader in flushing and filtration services for marine vessels and other facilities that operate large, highly sophisticated engines and systems. The acquisition of FFS further expands FMD’s capabilities and service solutions for shipyard, defense, and commercial marine customers, including the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Canadian Coast Guard.

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“Fluid Filtration Specialists has a stellar reputation for doing quality work correctly and on time, which makes it a natural fit for our turnkey service offerings,” said George Whittier, CEO of FMD. “Our growing shipbuilding solutions are operating on the military’s most advanced naval vessels and adding services like those provided by FFS helps us serve as a single, proven partner who knows those ships from stem to stern. This allows us to respond faster with just the right parts, services, and maintenance solutions.”

Founded by engineering experts, FFS focuses on proven fluid separation and cleaning systems that were specifically designed to address the maintenance and reliability concerns of heavy equipment used in critical operational systems, often under challenging conditions.

“Quality care of high-performance mechanical systems creates opportunities to lower costs, reduce downtime, and prolong the reliability and lifespan of valuable assets,” said Shane Sims, owner of FFS. “Becoming part of Fairbanks Morse Defense enables us to leverage its robust service center network to expand our reach among defense customers that so many communities depend on.”

Over the past year, FMD has expanded its capabilities, inventory, and geographic presence with several key acquisitions to become a single-source provider of equipment and services to the marine defense industry. In 2021, FMD acquired Welin Lambie, a military and commercial davit manufacturer; Hunt Valve, a specialty naval valve manufacturer; and in 2020, FMD acquired Ward Leonard, a motor and control solutions provider. FMD also acquired diesel engine repair and rebuilding service provider BRECO International in November 2020.

About Fairbanks Morse Defense

Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) is a leading provider of the highest value equipment for naval defense customers. For more than 100 years, FMD has been a principal supplier of reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and the Canadian Coast Guard. Through its six strategically located service centers and a robust aftermarket team, FMD is able to provide round-the-clock field service and parts support. Additionally, its suite of full lifecycle solutions extends asset life and enables it to run more efficiently. With a growing portfolio of companies under the FMD brand, the company continues to integrate these mission-critical products and innovative service solutions to power marine defense. FMD, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, is based in Beloit, Wisconsin. Learn more about FMD at www.FairbanksMorseDefense.com.

About Fluid Filtration Specialists LLC

FFS is a proven leader in filtration and cleaning services. The U.S.-based company’s filtration, cleaning, and inspection systems provide critical mechanical reliability to diesel engines, piping for various commercial and industrial uses, and hydraulic systems.