Shore Capital Partners Announces Formation of ONDEX Automation

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Shore Capital Partners (“Shore” or “Shore Capital”) is pleased to announce the formation of ONDEX Automation (“ONDEX” or the “Company”) with the completion of its first strategic partnership with LIVE Automation (“LIVE”). ONDEX Automation, headquartered in Chicago, IL, is a factory automation systems integrator designed to support North American manufacturers on their most challenging automation and integration needs.

“Shore and ONDEX are proud and excited to partner with Mike Barone and LIVE Automation as the first partnership for our systems integrator platform. Mike has built a great business with extensive expertise in PLC controls and custom automation services and has established a tremendous reputation among their customer base,” said Scott Luby, Vice President at Shore Capital and ONDEX Board Member. “Shore’s extensive resources and network will allow us to identify markets and businesses positioned for continued growth, partner with motivated business leaders like Mike Barone, and provide best-in-class innovative services to North American manufacturers.”

Founded in 2001, LIVE Automation is a factory systems integrator serving customers in the medical device, food & beverage, and aerospace & defense industries, among others. Based in Sterling, MA, LIVE provides a variety of automation and integration services including PLC controls integration, SCADA/MES solutions, and aftermarket support across its customer base.

ONDEX Automation is launching with a talented management team led by Chief Executive Officer, Justin Kerr, a distinguished executive with 20 years of experience driving significant business transformations, large-scale M&A and new market entry initiatives across industrial and technology markets. Prior to joining ONDEX Automation, Justin served as the Vice President & General Manager of the Industrial Solutions Unit at Molex.

“I am thrilled to partner with Shore, LIVE Automation, and our renowned Board of Directors to found ONDEX Automation,” Kerr said. “Our vision is to create a leading systems integrator that supports our North American manufacturing customer base in end markets that include food and beverage, life sciences, medical device, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, water/wastewater, among others. I look forward to working with Shore Capital and our Board of Directors to continue partnering with best-in-class systems integrators.”

“The industrial automation sector is a key focus of Shore’s Industrial Services Fund. We are excited to kick off our platform with Justin Kerr and LIVE Automation, and we are eager to partner with business leaders who share our values and vision for growth,” added John Sznewajs, Partner at Shore Capital and ONDEX Board Member.

Bolstered by a world-class Board of Directors comprised of industry thought leaders and operators, experienced industrial automation business leaders and entrepreneurs, and manufacturing experts, ONDEX and Shore continue to invest in people and processes to support the operations of the integrator partners. The Company will actively pursue opportunities to partner with North American systems integrators with a wide range of capabilities, experienced engineering talent, and a culture that is aligned with the vision of the platform.

To learn more about partnerships with Ondex Automation, please visit www.ondex.ai or contact Justin Kerr (jkerr@ondex.ai).

About Shore Capital Partners
Shore Capital, a Chicago based private equity firm with offices in Nashville, is an investor in lower middle market companies in the Healthcare, Food and Beverage, Business Services, Industrial, and Real Estate industries. Shore’s strategy is to support management partners to grow faster with less risk, through access to capital, world class board and operational resources, and unmatched networking, development, and shared learnings across the portfolio. From 2020-2023 Shore received recognition from Inc Magazine as a 4x Top Founder Friendly Investor and by Pitchbook research for being the global leader in Private Equity total deal volume. Shore targets investments in proven, successful private companies with superior management teams, stable cash flow, and significant potential to grow through industry consolidation and organic growth to generate value for shareholders. Shore has over $7 billion of assets under management and in additional investment platforms to which it provides business and operational consulting services. For more information, including with respect to these awards and investment platforms, please visit: www.shorecp.com

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About Ondex Automation
ONDEX Automation is a Chicago, IL-based factory systems integrator platform with a range of services and capabilities that support the complex automation and integration needs of North American manufacturers. Committed to serving customers across a variety of end markets, ONDEX will deliver innovative, customized solutions via cutting-edge automation and technology to optimize manufacturing processes and boost operational efficiencies. Backed by Shore Capital, ONDEX Automation is supported by a world-class Board of Directors, with deep experience in automation, manufacturing operations, and private equity. For more information, please visit: www.ondex.ai

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