Company Overview

Micro-Poise Measurement Systems, LLC is the leading global provider of precision measurement and inspection systems and associated aftermarket parts and service for the global tire industry. Micro-Poise’s systems are used by manufacturers for process control and quality assurance to assess and correct the balance, uniformity and geometry of tires, wheels and powertrain components.

Partnership Overview

Acquisition Dynamic / AIP Differentiation

• Complex carve out from Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
• Addressed product failure concerns during sales process
• Industry recapitalization into higher growth and lower cost regions

Investment Rationale

• Significant opportunity to improve earnings profile
• Leading product performance
• Large installed customer base
• High barriers to entry
• Mission critical nature of products
• Large aftermarket growth opportunity

Value Creation Accomplishments

• Introduced new products including the Modular Test & Measurement System (“MTMS”), the first in industry to integrate all final testing functions in one system
• Moved headquarters to state-of-art facility, resulting in $80 million of additional annual production capacity and improved operations and process flow
• Successfully integrated add-on acquisition of X-ray technology purchased out of German receivership
• Expanded Company’s international footprint including the opening of a large manufacturing facility in Beijing and a sales office in India
• Implemented comprehensive lean manufacturing to increase revenue and gain market share by reducing lead times and direct labor costs
• Implemented strategic procurement function (including global sourcing) to lower material costs

Exit

Sold to a strategic buyer in October 2012
 

Company Highlights