Paris-based private equity firm Jolt Capital has pumped in EUR15 million into Germany-based 4JET GmbH, joining shareholders e-Capital, a Münster-based alternative investment fund manager, and CEO/Founder Jörg Jetter to further scale up the company.
4JET, through its subsidiaries 4JET Technologies & 4JET microtech, develops process technology and integrated production systems for laser-based surface processing with a focus on technical glass, automotive components and tyres.
The investment is primarily geared towards allowing 4JET to further expand its global delivery platforms for sales & service, and also to accelerate its very promising development initiatives, say the companies.
In parallel to the injection of new ‘smart’ capital to reinforce the company in the face of surging demand, a corporate reorganisation has also been completed to further foster efficiency in the next stage of 4JET’s development.
Driven by multiple underlying trends towards increased usage of functional glass coatings, a push for tyre traceability, as well as a steady rise in the number of use cases for laser cleaning technology, both divisions of 4JET will contribute to a 40% growth in revenues for 2018, with 2019 expected to be another bumper year.
Commenting on the deal, Founder/CEO Jörg Jetter said, ”4JET has been a growth story since the beginning and we’re confident that this is set to continue for the foreseeable future, especially so with Jolt’s investment and added value. Given their impressive track record as high-tech hardware investors, teaming up made a lot of sense, and already we’re seeing the benefits of this.”
Antoine Trannoy, the Partner at Jolt Capital leading the deal remarked, “4JET’s growth to date, built from strong market demand for its technology and integrated offering, underpinned by strong intellectual property, is the perfect example of what we like at Jolt. Knowing well the challenges & opportunities facing hardware companies, Jolt Capital is delighted to be partnering with 4JET for the next phase of expansion.”
Founded in 2006, the Alsdorf-based 4JET currently employs around 130 staff across Germany, China and the US, who have together installed over 400 laser machines in about 40 countries.
A pioneer in laser material processing in the automotive sector, 4JET Technologies serves most large tyre makers with solutions for tyre marking, tyre mould cleaning and other customised solutions. Clients also include large OEMs and automotive suppliers.
A specialist in micromachining systems since 2015, 4JET microtech supplies laser systems for processing technical glass, solar cells and other components. 4JET microtech also runs a laser micromachining job shop in Prutting near Rosenheim, showcasing its latest technology.