UR Sets Up Shop in Rethink Robotics HQ, Snaps up Valuable Former Rethinkers

The sudden shutdown of collaborative robot pioneer Rethink Robotics came as a shock to many in the industry. While sad, the shutdown released dozens of highly skilled, innovative engineers and other workers into a market hungry for talent. In the aftermath, we’re seeing those valuable workers snapped up by other industry players, such as Rethink’s biggest competitor, Universal Robots.
Besides employment, a major concern stemming from the shutdown has been the customers with Sawyer or Baxter on the floor, left potentially lacking support. The acquisition of Rethink’s IP by HAHN Group, including Sawyer, Baxter, the Intera 5 software, and the innovative ClickSmart gripper kits will likely set many users at ease. However, HAHN has announced that it is now the exclusive distributor of the products, leaving a large global network of third-party distributors high and dry.

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Comfort Systems USA Announces Acquisition

Business Wire | February 01, 2024

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. today announced that it has closed its previously announced transaction to acquire Summit Industrial Construction, LLC (“Summit”) headquartered in Houston, Texas. As previously disclosed, Summit is a specialty industrial mechanical contractor offering engineering, design-assist and turnkey, direct hire construction services of modular systems serving the advanced technology, power, and industrial sectors. Summit’s capabilities encompass a wide range of modular and site-based construction, including process piping, equipment setting, large pipe rack trestles, and related steel erection and specialty concrete work. Summit is a trusted supplier to some of the world’s largest advanced technology, power and industrial companies and is currently deployed on several major chip fabrication projects. Initially, Summit is expected to contribute annualized revenues of approximately $375 million to $400 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $35 million to $40 million. In light of the amortization expense, Summit is expected to make a neutral to slightly accretive contribution to earnings per share in 2024 and 2025. Brian Lane, Comfort Systems USA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delighted to announce the closing of our agreement to acquire Summit, an extremely capable provider of modular and other complex mechanical services. Summit brings a stellar reputation as a modular technology leader in growing end markets, including multiple ongoing and large semiconductor projects. We are happy to welcome Summit’s wonderful leadership team and excellent production and craft workers across many states, and we are confident Summit will continue to innovate and grow as a part of our network of world-class contracting companies. We are grateful that Summit has chosen to become part of Comfort Systems USA.”

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