Hypertherm acquires waterjet manufacturer OMAX

OMAX Corporation, a manufacturer of abrasive waterjet systems headquartered in Kent, Wash., is joining Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software.

The deal, which establishes OMAX as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hypertherm, is expected to close on April 9, 2019.

OMAX’s direct drive pumps, software, and applications technologies will combine with Hypertherm’s portfolio of intensifier-based pumps and abrasive recycling systems, to form an extensive waterjet technology offering.

“Hypertherm is excited to welcome OMAX to our family and to bring together the leading waterjet R&D and engineering team in the world with our hardworking and talented waterjet team in Minnesota,” said Hypertherm president and CEO Evan Smith.

The company does not plan to make significant changes to OMAX’s operations, management structure, or distribution channels. The company’s current operations in Kent, Washington, will remain intact, with no consolidations or reductions planned, in keeping with its no-layoff philosophy.

Hypertherm also anticipates continuing both the Hypertherm and OMAX waterjet product offerings and brands, as the companies’ technologies and business models balance each other.

“When the late Dr. Olsen and I founded OMAX 25 years ago, our goal was to combine new motion control technology with software to create an abrasive waterjet system unlike anything else on the market,” said John Cheung, co-founder and CEO of OMAX. “In planning for the future, we wanted to partner with a company that shared our values and vision. We wanted a company that would protect our culture, provide stability for our employees, and give our customers products and services consistent with our mission statement.”