Fernweh Group

In our latest Titanium Economy episode (https://lnkd.in/gxrz9nuG), we had the pleasure of speaking with Lee McChesney, SVP & CFO of MSA - The Safety Company, a 110-year-old, mission driven industrial safety technology company protecting over 40 million workers annually. With a market cap of ~$7 billion, MSA has delivered LTM net sales of $1.8 billion, along with a 48.2% gross margin and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 25.7%. In his chat with Gaurav Batra (CEO of Ayna), Lee shared three key success factors behind MSA’s impressive performance: 1. Diversified End Markets: MSA's presence in multiple industries—including commercial construction, manufacturing, energy, and waste—helps reduce business cyclicality and ensures stable growth. 2. Cash Management & ROCE Focus: Strong cash management and a sharp focus on improving Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) have driven MSA’s high performance, even helping the company navigate through the COVID period. 3. Technology for Safety: MSA is integrating AI, IoT, and data analytics into its safety products, enhancing worker protection while boosting productivity. Connected solutions allow for real-time tracking of safety conditions, revolutionizing the industry. In addition, with 30 years in finance and leadership, Lee emphasizes the need for finance professionals to gain operational experience and provide insights aligned with strategy. Drawing from 40+ M&A deals, he highlights key success factors: thorough due diligence, seamless core operations, and consistent team involvement in both due diligence and execution. Stay tuned for more episodes from our Titanium Economy series this year. #industrials #industrialspace #industrialsector #safetysolutions #protectivegear #TitaniumEconomy

Fernweh Group is excited to announce that Avail Infrastructure Solutions, one of our portfolio companies, has successfully acquired WASP Critical Power Solutions. Now operating as Avail Critical Power Solutions, this Kewanee, IL-based business specializes in advanced electrical power distribution products, including switchgear, switchboards, remote power panels (RPP), automatic transfer switches (ATS), power distribution units (PDU), and industrial controls. These technologies will further support key industries like data centers, renewable energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure. Read more about the acquisition here: https://lnkd.in/gzHgX2sB To learn more about Fernweh and its portfolio companies, reach out to Siddarth Madhav and Stephen Sonenshine #AvailEnergy #NeverCompromise #ReadyWhenYouAre #Infrastructure #energyinfrastructure #electricalinfrastructure #lowvoltage #mediumvoltage #switchgear #powerdistribution #backuppower

How are AI and Industrial IoT revolutionizing battery manufacturing? Can they unlock higher production yields and better-quality control? In our latest episode of Ayna Insights (https://lnkd.in/gWvfqPnz), Nidhi Arora interviews Shailesh Upreti, founder & CEO of C4V, a lithium-ion battery leader. They dive into C4V's unique franchise gigafactory model in emerging markets like India and South America, cobalt- & nickel-free battery innovations, and the powerful LiSER platform (https://lnkd.in/diEpU8Hk). Shailesh also shares his journey from India to leading iM3NY in New York. Tune in for key takeaways on, 1️. C4V’s Cost-Efficient Battery Tech: C4V’s cobalt- & nickel-free high-voltage phosphate chemistry delivers 20% more energy than standard LFP, cutting production costs and boosting market advantage. 2. Optimized Cell Design: With a cost of $60 per kWh, C4V’s chemistry and cell design lead in energy density and cycle life, driving high efficiency for diverse applications. 3. Seamless Integration: C4V’s modular Gigafactory design integrates easily with renewable energy and EV infrastructure, ensuring long-term flexibility and value for investors. 4️. AI & Industrial Automation: Leveraging AI and IoT for safety and quality, C4V’s automation ensures precision and reduces waste, validated by the U.S. Navy. Tune in now (https://lnkd.in/gWvfqPnz) to uncover the future of energy storage with C4V’s innovations! #BatteryTech #AI #Gigafactory #RenewableEnergy #Innovation #EnergyTransformation

Curious about the future of tech in logistics? How do AI and autonomous trucks fit in? In our latest Titanium Economy episode (https://lnkd.in/gTe5QhTi), Gaurav Batra, CEO of Ayna.AI, chats with Lior Ron, Founder & CEO of Uber Freight, on how advanced tech is transforming logistics. From tackling market fragmentation to driving sustainability, Lior shares how Uber Freight’s digital-first approach and vast networks are redefining supply chains globally. With more than two decades in tech industry spanning Google Maps and Motorola, Lior is now leading the charge at Uber Freight in powering intelligent logistics. Tune in to discover how AI is revolutionizing the industry. Key Highlights: 1. Cutting-Edge Logistics: Digital platforms like Uber Freight provide industries with a competitive edge by optimizing operations, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency. For example, companies in the industrials sector can slash transportation costs by 30%. 2. Reducing Wasted Miles: Up to 15% of trips are empty miles—wasting resources and fuel. Uber Freight's technology tackles this by optimizing routes, aiming to save the industry $25 billion in fuel costs. 3. Commitment to Carbon-Free by 2040: Uber Freight is setting the bar high with its goal to transition 80% of its network to carbon-free transportation by 2040, showcasing their dedication to a sustainable future. Catch the full episode to explore more (https://lnkd.in/gTe5QhTi) about how AI and innovative tech are shaping the future of logistics! Watch this space for more insights from our Titanium Economy series.

Let’s continue to explore AI breakthroughs with Ayna. In our latest episode (https://lnkd.in/gdUFw8wf), Nidhi Arora chats with Antti Karjalainen, co-founder of Sema4.ai, on AI's impact on enterprise automation. Antti explains how Sema4.ai leverages intelligent AI agents to automate business processes like compliance, finance, HR, customer service and more, highlighting the importance of open-source technology in making AI more accessible. Tune in to gain key insights on, 1. $55 Million funding for innovation: Sema4.ai’s $55 million in funding accelerates development with open-source AI models like Meta’s Lama 3.1, offering flexibility and rapid deployment. 2. AI agents set to soar: Antti predicts 2024 will be a game-changer for AI agents. Sema4.ai’s upcoming platform promises to unlock significant value for enterprises, with early interest from diverse industries. 3. Generative AI’s impact on industrial automation: AI agents are revolutionizing industrial tasks, like customer order processing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. For instance, AI agents can now reconcile complex 100-page PDF documents against ERP systems in minutes, a task that previously took human workers several days. 4. Boosting AI adoption: AI is gaining traction across industries—banking, finance, insurance, and manufacturing. Sema4.ai’s technology is helping companies enhance productivity and scale without increasing headcount. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on AI’s transformative role in shaping the future of enterprises. #artificialintelligence #ImpactofAI #AIforenterprises

On our Titanium Economy podcast series, we had the pleasure of hosting, John Dyck, CEO of Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII), a key leader shaping the national manufacturing strategy in the US. John discusses CESMII's mission to make smart manufacturing more accessible for U.S. manufacturers, particularly small businesses, through workforce development, innovative technology, and strategic collaboration. This episode is a must listen (https://lnkd.in/dg-bQ99y) if you are looking for key insights on, 1. Democratizing Smart Manufacturing: CESMII commitment to making smart manufacturing affordable and accessible for all through reducing the cost and complexity associated with implementing these technologies 2. Collaboration as a Catalyst for Innovation: CESMII plays a central role in convening manufacturers, vendors, and academia to work together on solving ecosystem-wide challenges. This drives innovation and addresses the complex technical debt that exists in the industry. 3. Power of Real-Time Data: From reducing waste to improving quality and supply chain performance, smart manufacturing leverages real-time data to drive decision-making for enhancing productivity and profitability. 4. Shaping National Manufacturing Policy: CESMII works closely with policymakers to ensure that the U.S. remains competitive on the global stage while safeguarding the country’s economic and security interests. In the coming days, you'll hear from more leaders of the Titanium Economy, including influential policymakers and CXOs from top industrial tech companies. Stay tuned! Do not hesitate to reach out to Nidhi Arora for any questions or feedback. #TitaniumEconomy #Industrials #Industrialspace #USmanufacturing

Earlier this year we launched The Titanium Economy Index, which showcased 18 top performing industrial companies. Now we're deep diving into these companies. First up, Builders FirstSource (https://lnkd.in/eSAtU_87) How does Builders First Source create value? 1. Strategic M&A: 2021 merger with BMC makes them the largest product supplier in the US (500 locations in 42 states) 2. Digital Innovation: internal and customer facing tools tools to increase ease, transparency and efficiency 3. Productivity Improvements: increased efficiency due to technology improvements and M&A Learn more about Builders First Source & their strategies at www.titaniumeconomy.com What is The Titanium Economy Index (https://lnkd.in/ep8ujMYi)? On average, companies in the S&P 500 see about 3 times their return over ten years, the Titanium Economy Index sees an astonishing 10 times their return.

What does it take to stay ahead in the industrial sector for nearly a century? In our latest Titanium Economy podcast (https://lnkd.in/gP_CmJyn), Nidhi Arora welcomes Mark Sheahan, CEO of Graco, to discuss the company’s journey of innovation and resilience. With nearly 30 years at Graco, holding various leadership roles before becoming CEO in June 2021, Mark talks about their pioneering work as a provider of fluid handling technology including the importance of niche markets and continuous innovation. Tune in for exclusive insights from Mark on, 1. Innovation in a century-old legacy: Graco adapts to customer needs, expanding from oil changing equipment to EV battery solutions. Innovation keeps them competitive and opens new markets. 2. Broad Product and Market Reach: Graco's diverse segments—Contractor (45%), Industrial (30%), and Process (25%)—reduce market dependency, ensuring revenue stability and growth opportunities. 3. Drivers of shareholder returns: Graco targets 10% growth, primarily from organic sources. With minimal debt and high returns, Graco's stock outperformed the S&P 500 in the past decade. Its financial health also allows continued investment in growth and R&D. Stay tuned as we continue to unveil the hidden gems of one of America’s leading sectors, i.e. Industrial Technology.

We're excited to announce that at the 2024 G-49 Summit, Napa Valley, CA, on Aug 29-30 (co-hosted by Fernweh Group and Ayna.AI) several industrial leaders will share their companies' remarkable transformation stories. Here’s a glimpse of their achievements: Brent Yeagy: President and CEO of Wabash. Transformed Wabash into a Fortune 1000 company, with 1.7x increase in topline in four years. John Pfeifer: President and CEO of Oshkosh Corporation. Led Oshkosh to a 70% rise in operating income since April 2021. Kevin Wheeler: Chairman and CEO of A. O. Smith Corporation. Expanded business in China, increasing stock price by 1.8x since 2018. Mark Sheahan: President and CEO of Graco. Nearly doubled the stock price and achieved “Best Workplace” status. Mike Pettit: SVP and CFO of Wabash. Co-architect of Wabash’s transformation with Brent Yeagy. Paul Sternlieb: President and CEO of Enerpac. Share price grew 1.7x and operating income 1.6x in two years under his leadership. Shyam P. Kambeyanda: President and CEO of ESAB Corporation. Doubled share price and increased operating income by 60% since going public in 2022. Tom Ferguson: President and CEO of AZZ Inc. Revenue and operating income grew by 70%+, stock price nearly doubled. Acquired Precoat Metals for $1.3 billion in 2022. We are excited for them to share their insights with 65 CXOs, investors, and board members who will attend our G-49 Summit this fall. To learn more about the event, please contact Gaurav Batra, Nidhi Arora, or Marissa Rietman. #industrials #industrialsector #industrialspace #titaniumeconomy

For an upbeat perspective on the US manufacturing sector and its role in the clean energy transition, tune in to our latest podcast (https://lnkd.in/gXEVKA3y), which features Mark Behrman, CEO of LSB Industries, Inc., a leading US-based manufacturer of agriculture and industrial chemical products. Don't miss Mark's insights from a decade of leadership at LSB and years in investment banking, as he discusses low-carbon ammonia production, clean-energy project investments, and the resurgence of US manufacturing. Key highlights include: 1. The decarbonization opportunity with ammonia: As the energy transition revitalizes the ammonia sector, LSB Industries leads with billions invested in new demand centers. Currently, 70-75% of ammonia is used as fertilizer, while the rest serves industrial purposes, including as a hydrogen carrier and potential fuel for power generation and the marine industry.   2. LSB’s diverse end-market focus: The fertilizer industry, with its high prices, operates in spot markets, while industrial contracts are typically long-term (five years). This balance helps optimize production and maximize returns for LSB’s shareholders.   3. Carbon footprint reduction initiatives: LSB’s carbon capture project at its largest facility aims to cut the company’s CO2 emissions by 25%. The company is partnering with Air Liquide, INPEX, and Vopak on a low-carbon ammonia plant. With INPEX, LSB aims to produce 1.2 million tons of low-carbon ammonia annually for energy generation.   The industrial sector includes many hidden gems like LSB Industries. Ayna.AI continues to shed light on them in its Titanium Economy podcast series. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks. #industrials #industrialspace #cleanenergytransition #decarbonization #carbonfootprint