News release
Mechanix Wear, a Valencia-based designer and manufacturer of high-performance hand protection and protective apparel, announced it has acquired OTEX, a developer and manufacturer of tech-enabled personal protective equipment.
Mechanix Wear is backed by Gryphon Investors, a middle-market private investment firm, and OTEX marks Mechanix Wear’s third acquisition completed under Gryphon’s ownership, said a news release from the company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“OTEX develops and manufactures premium, R&D‑driven safety solutions and apparel featuring patented technologies,” the release said.
The company is known for its “Smarthood,” which integrates hood protection with advanced air‑quality innovations and cooling systems, the release said.
CEO Jake Weidert will remain with the organization as vice president of technology and materials for the platform, according to the release. OTEX will operate under Mechanix Wear’s Chicago Protective Apparel division.
“OTEX’s patented technologies and leadership in air‑quality‑driven PPE align perfectly with our mission to deliver trusted, innovative protection to workers,” Mechanix Wear CEO Jesse Spungin said in the release.
Keith Christiansen, president of Mechanix Wear’s Chicago Protective Apparel division, added: “OTEX has been a true disruptor, and its deep investment in research and development will continue to accelerate the creation of our next‑generation safety solutions. We are excited to collaborate with the OTEX team and welcome them to the Mechanix Wear platform.”
Ryan Fagan, partner in the Consumer Group at Gryphon Investors, said in the release: “Mechanix Wear continues to build a differentiated platform of premium, R&D-led protective equipment, and OTEX further strengthens that vision. We’re pleased to support the company’s continued strategic expansion and investment in innovation and growth.”
“We are thrilled to join the Mechanix Wear family,” Weidert said in the release. “Mechanix Wear’s manufacturing scale, resources, and commitment to innovation make them the ideal partner to advance OTEX’s mission of improving safety and air quality for workers. This partnership ensures long‑term support for our customers, strategic partners and the technologies we’ve worked hard to develop.”
