It's just business: Manufacturing moves from Stratasys, Dole, Forge Nano, and more
As manufacturers strive to optimize and improve profitability, they often use various business strategies to stay competitive. These actions include mergers, acquisitions, promotions, layoffs, funding, and much more. Below are just a few of the companies that are making moves and making headlines in the industrial sector.
Capital: Forge Nano, Inc., a U.S.-based technology company advancing battery and semiconductor innovation, has secured $40 million in new funding co-led by RockCreek and Ascent Funds. This investment brings the company’s total capital raised to over $140 million, supporting its efforts to scale production and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities. In a recent quote, Paul Lichty, CEO of Forge Nano, said, “RockCreek’s commitment to American manufacturing, energy security and global technology leadership makes them an ideal partner as we continue to scale. This capital allows us to build on our momentum in two crucial industries needed for U.S. manufacturing leadership – lithium-ion batteries and semiconductors. We look forward to expanding our domestic workforce as we scale our production capabilities and grow our customer base.”
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Personnel: Dole Packaged Foods, LLC has appointed Todd Stillwell as Vice President, Supply Chain and Manufacturing, bringing over 25 years of experience in end-to-end supply chain management across multiple industries. In this role, Stillwell will lead Dole's U.S. supply chain operations, including manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and compliance, with a focus on driving efficiency and supporting company growth. In a recent quote, Orzse Hodi, President of Dole Packaged Foods, U.S., said, "As we navigate the industry's evolving landscape, it is critical that we remain agile in optimizing our capabilities, systems and processes for long-term growth. Todd's strategic vision will be instrumental as we modernize our operations to ensure we continue to deliver Sunshine For All® through the highest quality products for our consumers."
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Acquisition: Stratasys has acquired the key assets and operations of Forward AM GmbH in Germany, expanding its Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) materials offerings for the additive manufacturing market. Forward AM will continue as an independent materials brand under a new standalone company within Stratasys called Mass Additive Manufacturing GmbH, maintaining its commitment to quality, service, and platform openness. In a recent quote, Stratasys said, “This transaction will expand the Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) materials offerings for a broad manufacturing audience - and represents another step forward in our mission to lead polymer additive manufacturing with differentiated, innovation-backed solutions.”
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Capital: Frinks AI, a deep-tech startup founded by IIT Hyderabad alumni, has raised $5.4 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Prime Venture Partners, bringing its total funding to $6.25 million. The company is developing next-generation Vision AI systems to automate and enhance quality control in manufacturing, positioning itself as a key player in industrial AI. In a recent quote, Aditya Agrawal, CEO and Co-founder of Frinks AI, said, "With ongoing supply chain disruptions and rising global trade tensions, we're seeing a strong push toward localized manufacturing as countries prioritize internal consumption. This marks the beginning of a new industrial revolution—one powered by advanced technologies that drive higher productivity and cost efficiency. Frinks AI is at the forefront of this transformation, helping manufacturers worldwide become more competitive, resilient, and future-ready."
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Acquisition: Stepan Company announced that its subsidiary, Stepan Philippines Quaternaries, Inc. (SPQI), has agreed to sell its manufacturing assets in Bauan, Batangas, Philippines to Masurf, Inc., a subsidiary of Musim Mas Holdings. As part of the agreement, SPQI will enter into a tolling arrangement with Masurf to continue serving its customers in Southeast Asia following the transaction’s close. In a recent quote, Luis Rojo, Chief Executive Officer of Stepan, said, "The sale of this facility aligns with our strategy to focus on core growth areas; our global manufacturing network and the tolling relationship with Masurf after the transaction closes will allow us to continue to service and grow with our broad customer base in Southeast Asia."
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