Detroit Manufacturing Systems, a contract manufacturer specializing in the production of automotive parts and components, has entered into an agreement to join together with Android Industries and Avancez, two industry experts in complex module assembly, sequencing, and related value-added services.
The new combined entity, Voltava, unifies the complementary strengths of the three companies under one brand. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Android Industries, founded in 1988, is a complex module assembler and manager of a global supply chain. It offers tooling and equipment design, building, and integration. It is headquartered in Auburn Hills.
Founded in 2012 to serve OEM customer partners, Avancez is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise specializing in sequencing and value add assembly. Headquartered in Warren, Avancez operates nine facilities in the United States and Canada, and has 2,800 employees.
Going forward, Voltava states it now has a stronger financial capacity, more operational scale, and added opportunities to advance innovation.
Voltava will be headquartered in Auburn Hills, and wholly owned by Bruce Smith, who will serve as chairman and CEO. He owns and serves as CEO and chairman of Detroit Manufacturing Systems. Kathy Nichols, current CEO of Android and Avancez, will remain part of Voltava’s leadership team in an advisory role.
“The transformational combination of DMS, Android and Avancez represents a significant milestone for all three companies and the customers we serve,” says Smith. “We are bringing together highly complementary businesses and corporate cultures to form a premier, global supplier partner to deliver unparalleled value to our customers worldwide while fostering an environment of collaboration, social responsibility, respect, diversity, accountability, and excellence.”
Nichols says, “Additionally, the powerful industrial logic in this transaction strengthens our ability to meet our customers’ needs while creating enhanced value across the new enterprise. We’re forming a company with a more resilient supply chain, broader reach, stronger design and manufacturing expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Voltava offers:
- Automotive
- Industrial
- E-mobility and micromobility
- Heavy truck
- Government and defense
- Technology
- Tooling & equipment design and manufacturing
Voltava’s combined workforce of approximately 5,400 employees will operate across 20 global locations, including 18 in North America, one in South America, and one in Europe.
“We believe in the power and success of Voltava because DMS, Android, and Avancez share very similar cultures, safety programs, and value systems,” says Smith. “We hold our employees in the highest regard, as they are at the heart of all we do. All three companies were originally founded on core principles of teamwork and respect — and this people-first ethos will remain the cornerstone of our combined workforce moving forward.”
Advisors to the transaction include Palm Tree Securities and CMD Global Partners serving as financial advisors to Detroit Manufacturing Systems, and Foster Swift Collins & Smith serving as legal advisor.
J.P. Morgan Securities serving as financial advisor to Android Industries, and Kerr, Russell, and Weber, serving as legal advisor.
Detroit Manufacturing Systems reports annual sales of $1.2 billion and has 1,200 employees. The company primarily serves major OEMs such as Ford and Volvo Trucks. For more information, visit dmsna.com.
Android Industries, a complex module assembler and manager of an Android has more than 1,300 employees in 10 facilities and five countries around the world. For more information, visit android-ind.com/.
Founded in 2012 to serve OEM customer partners, Avancez is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise specializing in sequencing and value add assembly. For more information, visit avancezassembly.com/.
Together, Android and Avancez reported nearly $570 million in 2024 sales. They serve major OEMs, including General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., Stellantis, and Toyota.
