Private investment firm Auxo Investment Partners announced today that it has acquired SOS Manufacturing, a manufacturer of specialized wire harnesses, cable assemblies and complete box builds for customers in the computing, aerospace, agricultural, appliance, automotive, electronics, and food processing industries. The addition, which expands Auxo’s growing wire harness and cable manufacturing platform, comes on the heels of several acquisitions, including Golden State Assembly (GSA), a vertically integrated, complete lifecycle wire/cable assembly and harness manufacturer, as well as Morgan Royce Industries (MRI) and TACK Electronics—both manufacturers of custom wire harnesses, cable assemblies and box builds. Nick Stoner and Dave Rogers, CEO and Sales Manager for SOS, respectively, will remain in their current roles.
Headquartered in Roberts, Wis., SOS manufactures specialized wire harnesses, cable assemblies, heavy power cables, cable braiding and custom-designed, complex box builds. With decades of electro-mechanical expertise, SOS is known for its ability to integrate wire harnesses into subassemblies through state-of-the-art panel and box builds.
The deal comes as growing demand for cable assembly and electronic manufacturing designs drives industry expansion across the world. Additionally, steady growth throughout the sectors in which SOS operates, including computing and electronics, will enable the company to expand its manufacturing role with existing industry leading partners.
“Throughout the years, SOS has cultivated deep and longstanding relationships with suppliers and end-customers, and as part of Auxo’s growing platform, we know we’ll be able continue that time-honored tradition,” said Nick Stoner, CEO of SOS. “As we look for ways to build on our dedicated customer base and attract new clients, Auxo’s reputation for purposeful expansion and tight collaboration with founder-led businesses make them an ideal partner. We couldn’t be happier—especially as the industry continues to see strong growth.”
Opportunities on the Horizon
Since its founding in 2001, SOS has experienced consistent revenue growth and facility expansion, driven by strong customer retention, leading-edge manufacturing capabilities and superior product quality. The recent push toward domestic reshoring and supply chain reliability has led to increased reliance on regional manufacturers like SOS, which enables customers to diversify production sources and in turn, ease the effects of supply chain disruptions.
“Bringing SOS into the fold further expands one of the foremost wire harness and cable manufacturing platforms in the U.S. while bolstering its diversified range of offerings and national footprint,” said Jeff Helminski, co-founder and managing partner of Auxo Investment Partners. “As supply chains face unprecedented disruptions, the company’s technology-driven manufacturing capabilities, tailored set of customer solutions and exceptional client service will be instrumental to driving further growth in today’s highly fragmented wire harness and cable manufacturing industry.”
“The platform’s major inroads with partners in the aerospace, defense, marine and agricultural sectors will allow SOS to break into new sectors, deliver new programs, tap into industry growth and attract new blue-chip clientele,” said Jack Kolodny, managing partner of Auxo Investment Partners. “We’re thrilled to work with the team at SOS and deploy Auxo’s growth-focused playbook to help drive profitability, expand production capacity, and capitalize on the company’s already-strong customer base.”
Advisors and lenders on the transaction included Miller Johnson PLC, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, BDO USA LLP, Advantage Benefits Group, Aon Plc, Krauter & Co., and Mercantile Bank of Michigan.
With the addition of SOS, Auxo has acquired 21 companies which comprise several leading platforms and brands. Together, GSA, MRI, TACK Electronics and SOS Manufacturing make up Auxo’s Wire Harness and Cable Manufacturing platform, a growing and diversified provider of complex wire harnesses and cable assemblies. Auxo’s Precision Products Group, a brand of specialty manufacturers producing niche products, consists of Breyden Products, Euclid Medical, Saylor Technical Products and Paramount Tube. In late 2021, Auxo acquired Genesis Rail Services and Ferrovia Services as part of its burgeoning Railroad Maintenance platform. Additionally, the firm has acquired Bernal Rotary Dies, Atlas Die, AtlasFlex, Midway Rotary Die Solutions, DieCraft Engineering & Manufacturing, and GC Dies, which comprise its Impact Converting and Systems Solutions platform. Its marine platform, Auxo Marine, was formed via the acquisitions of M/G Transport Services (which sold to Maritime Partners in Q4 2022) and Andrie. Other acquisitions include Altus industries, Prestige Stamping and its sister company, Securit Metal Products.
A Long-Term, Collaborative Approach
Auxo was named after the ancient Greek goddess of growth, and the firm seeks to partner with companies that meet the following investment criteria:
- North America-based
- Manufacturing, industrial, value-added distribution or business services industries
- EBITDA (cash flow) of $2-$20 million
- Owner-operators seeking retirement, family succession planning solutions, or existing teams seeking to grow their businesses
- Prefer majority-control investments but will consider select minority-partner opportunities
About Auxo Investment Partners
Auxo Investment Partners is a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based private investment firm that partners with owners and management teams of companies at transition points in their history. Auxo’s flexible capital model allows for long-term, growth-oriented decision-making without artificial deadlines. The structure was specifically designed for family businesses facing a generational transition or management teams seeking a partner to fuel growth and achieve their full potential with a long-term investment approach. Auxo’s unique philosophy aligns the interests of its companies, their employees, the communities in which they are located and its investors to achieve optimal outcomes for all. As our name reflects, we are not merely investors, but partners. For more information, please visit www.auxopartners.com.
