Business Talk: Manufacturing Moves From Air Technical Industries, Lantek, Sonic Tools, and More
Key Highlights:
- Air Technical Industries founder Pero Novak remembered for building a legacy in heavy-duty lifting equipment since 1964.
- Lantek expands in Asia-Pacific with new Japan subsidiary through merger with Tokyo-based FA Service.
- Sonic Tools USA launches 'No Lost Tools' Guarantee, adding $250 coverage to its industry-leading lifetime warranty.
- Ati Motors secures $20M Series B to grow AI-powered industrial robotics across North America and Asia-Pacific.
- AGY rebrands to spotlight role in reshoring and U.S. supply chains for defense, AI, and infrastructure sectors.
Business Talk is a recurring round-up where each installment tracks the latest manufacturing business developments and strategic moves within the industry.
Air Technical Industries Founder Pero Novak Passes, Legacy Lives On
Move: Founder Pero Novak passes, company continues under longtime leadership
Details: Pero Novak, founder of Air Technical Industries, passed away on April 21 at the age of 89. He started the company in 1964, building it into a trusted name in heavy-duty lifting equipment. Known for his ingenuity and vision, Novak guided the company through decades of growth and innovation.
Insight: Air Technical Industries remains a strong force in the material handling sector under the established leadership of his son, Vida Novak, who has served as company president for several years.
Lantek Expands With New Japan Subsidiary via FA Service Integration
Move: Expands Asia-Pacific footprint by merging with Tokyo-based FA Service
Details: Lantek has established a new subsidiary in Japan, integrating Tokyo-based FA Service to strengthen its position in the Asia-Pacific region. The move enhances Lantek's ability to serve the Japanese sheet metal market with localized support and deep industry expertise.
Insight: With more than 25 CAD/CAM specialists joining the team, Lantek Japan will provide tailored Smart Factory software solutions, including MES, ERP, and AI-driven analytics. The expansion supports Lantek’s broader global growth strategy and gives Japanese manufacturers access to a global network of over 400 experts and 35,000 customers. With this expansion, Lantek now operates in 16 countries.
Sonic Tools USA Launches 'No Lost Tools' Guarantee to Boost Lifetime Warranty
Move: New "No Lost Tools" Guarantee offers up to $250 to replace missing tools.
Details: Sonic Tools USA has launched a “No Lost Tools” Guarantee, offering up to $250 in tool replacements for any missing items from their preconfigured toolkits in the Sonic Foam System (SFS). This guarantee is valid for 1 year from the purchase or ship date. Sonic already offers a lifetime warranty, but this new initiative further addresses tool loss.
Insight: This innovative program is aimed at boosting productivity and reducing tool misplacement, with the SFS designed to improve organization and track missing tools. Sonic's commitment to speedy replacements (within 24 hours) and a hassle-free claims process stands out in the tool industry.
Ati Motors Raises $20M Series B for Global Expansion of AI-Powered Robotics Workforce
Move: Secures funding from Walden Catalyst and NGP Capital to expand in North America and APAC
Details: Ati Motors has raised $20 million in Series B funding to accelerate the global expansion of its autonomous robotics platform for industrial environments. The round was co-led by Walden Catalyst Ventures and NGP Capital, with participation from existing investors including True Ventures, Exfinity Venture Partners, Athera Venture Partners, and Blume Ventures.
The new capital will help the company grow operations in the U.S., Mexico, and Southeast Asia, as well as expand its North America headquarters in Detroit. Ati Motors will also accelerate product development across its autonomous tugs, pallet movers, bin movers, and lifting platforms.
The company has now raised over $37 million in total funding.
AGY Rebrands to Emphasize Role in Critical U.S. Supply Chains
Move: Rebranding initiative showcases the company's commitment to reshoring
Details: AGY has unveiled a full rebranding initiative to emphasize its position as the only U.S. manufacturer of specialty glass fiber reinforcements. The refreshed identity reflects the company’s deepening involvement in defense, AI, and infrastructure supply chains, especially as reshoring becomes a national priority.
Insight: AGY remains a leading global supplier of S2, L, and L2 glass fibers used in aerospace and national security. “AGY is already poised at the forefront of reshoring critical manufacturing—we never left the fight,” said CEO Al Ridilla, citing renewed efforts to reclaim ground lost to overseas competitors.