May River Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm, has announced the creation of Automated Handling Solutions, a new platform offering highly engineered materials handling equipment and automation solutions. 

The platform was formed through the combination of two specialty conveying and materials handling businesses: Spiroflow, a global manufacturer of materials handling equipment and provider of control systems integration, and Cablevey Conveyors, a market-leading manufacturer of patented tubular drag conveying systems for food and beverage and high value industrial applications.

Together, the combined companies will offer a differentiated and comprehensive suite of materials handling equipment and industrial automation solutions to marquee customers globally.

“We are thrilled to welcome Spiroflow and Cablevey to the May River portfolio. We see an extraordinary opportunity to invest and grow these market-leading brands under one platform. With these foundational assets, we expect to further accelerate the profitable growth both Spiroflow and Cablevey have seen during the past several years,” says May River Partner Steve Griesemer. “The specialty conveying sector is a high growth segment serving attractive end markets. Under the new platform, Cablevey and Spiroflow are uniquely positioned to serve this growing demand and build upon their track records of delivering innovative solutions to global customers.”

Spiroflow CEO and co-chairman Jeff Dudas will continue with Spiroflow as interim CEO. 

Brad Sterner, who is acting CEO of Cablevey, will become executive chairman of AHS.