OakRiver Technology is now part of the new PaR Life Science and Process Automation group.

OakRiver has supplied process automation equipment to some of the world’s largest medical device companies to enhance manufacturing efficiency, particularly for single-use medical devices deployed into the cardiovascular, neurology, peripheral vascular and drug delivery markets. OakRiver has also designed and built equipment for highly specialized, complex manufacturing operations for industrial and semiconductor markets.

OakRiver will continue to support its market base with three primary business units:

• Process Automation: Designs and builds equipment primarily for the manufacture of medical devices and other high tech products, integrating precision motion, laser systems, measurement and inspection tools, vision systems, and software.
• Applications Engineering & Services: Concept and process development, equipment upgrades, installation assistance, field services and system troubleshooting, validation support, and turnkey contract manufacturing and support.
• OakRiver Products: Proprietary line of medical coating equipment and precision measuring devices including Hydrophilic Dip Coaters, and Durability/Lubricity Testers.

Automated systems are key in addressing increased product complexity, developing robust manufacturing processes and scaling up production. Combined with PaR Systems’ expertise in lab automation equipment and larger project integration, OakRiver, as a part of PaR Life Science and Process Automation led by President Rick Shand, will be a complete supplier of equipment, systems, and services to a broad range of clients seeking solutions to complex and challenging manufacturing needs for quality, safety and reliability.

Rick Shand notes:

“The entire OakRiver team is committed to continue building upon our 14 years of automation and manufacturing experience with a company that has over 50 years of history delivering complex engineering solutions. Our values, expertise, and operational capabilities align well.

Mark Wrightsman, President and CEO of PaR Systems adds:

“OakRiver Technology brings to PaR deep engineering talent with superior technology know-how. They have a great combination of strong operational and engineering expertise and focus while sustaining steady growth. Like PaR, their customer base views them as a trusted partner for demanding and complex solutions and they continually adopt new technologies to add to their solutions arsenal. We are excited about the market opportunities OakRiver brings to the mix, and pleased to add this quality organization to the PaR family.”

PaR Systems, a portfolio company of MML Capital Partners, is a world leader in providing advanced engineered equipment, systems, and services for critical material handling and automation applications to improve customer quality, safety, and productivity. Since 1961, PaR has created custom-engineered, and often times, first-of-a-kindmanufacturing solutions for a broad range of industries including aerospace, defense/marine, hazardous material/nuclear, heavy material handling, industrial manufacturing, and life sciences.

OakRiver is the third acquisition MML has supported PaR to make since its original investment in 2008, following the acquisitions of South African based SDI Lasers in 2011 and UK based MST earlier this year.