A Gloucester-based company has bought a Norwegian specialist in polymer-based products for various industries.
AIS has acquired Ovun, which has production facilities in Åndalsnes, Innlandet and Molde.
Ovun combines plastics engineering and embedded electronics, specifically tailored for subsea and marine applications.
It offers distinct advantages to customers, having diversified into renewable energy, navigation, maritime safety and advanced industrial solutions, as well as maintaining its strong position in the oil and gas industry.
The acquisition was said to mark a “significant step” in AIS’ strategic growth plans, as Ovun’s 30+ years of proven expertise in buoyancy and subsea engineering make it a natural fit with AIS’ existing operations and customer base.
Ovun’s location in Norway also enhances AIS’ position in one of the world’s most advanced and demanding offshore markets.
The presence places AIS at the heart of key subsea and energy developments in the North Sea and beyond, providing strategic access to customers and partners across Scandinavia and Northern Europe.
Andrew Bennion, CEO of AIS, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ovun into the AIS family. Their deep technical knowledge and specialised manufacturing processes are a perfect complement to our own. As we continue to grow, particularly in the renewables sector, Ovun’s rotational and PU moulding capability, along with their innovative engineering and electronics development, will be instrumental in delivering added value to both our customers, and to Ovun’s long-standing customer base, who will now benefit from the broader capabilities of the combined group.”
Jan Møllerhaug, Ovun chief executive said: “With AIS as our new owner, we gain both the strength and capacity to take the company further. We can scale faster, reach new markets and at the same time continue our commitment to sustainable and circular production in Norway.
“Our new factory at Rudshøgda opened as planned in September, marking a new chapter for us. I am proud of what we as an organisation have achieved, and greatly appreciate both the strategic guidance and financial support our current owners and board have given us over time. With AIS’ long-term vision and resources behind us, we are very well positioned for the next growth phase.”
