The industrial machinery manufacturing industry in the US plays a critical role in supporting various sectors, ranging from construction to food processing. Companies in this sector design, produce, and maintain equipment such as engines, turbines, conveyors, and packaging machines. With advancing automation and an increasing focus on sustainability, the industry is evolving rapidly. Innovations in smart technology are enhancing efficiency, allowing manufacturers to produce better equipment with less environmental impact. As demand grows, especially from emerging industries, companies are positioning themselves to leverage new technologies and capitalize on global market opportunities.


This list highlights an array of investors, including corporate entities and private equity firms. Located in various parts of the US, these investors vary in size, from small firms to those with thousands of employees. Founded between 1869 and 2023, these investors made a significant impact in 2024 by completing a total of over 400 investments within the industrial machinery manufacturing sector, emphasizing both innovation and operational efficiency.


Top 16 Industrial Machinery Manufacturing Investors in the US


1. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. Notably, Advantage Capital has also made significant investments in the industrial machinery manufacturing sector. They have provided debt financing to companies such as Gleason Corporation and Advance Industrial Maintenance & Machine, as well as venture funding to Monarch Machine Tool. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, while also actively participating in the industrial machinery manufacturing industry. Their flexible capital solutions are designed to help these businesses grow and thrive, showcasing their dual focus on social impact and industrial development.


2. The Middleby Corporation

  • Website: middleby.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Elgin, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1888
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: middleby-corporation

The Middleby Corporation is a corporate investor based in Elgin, Illinois, specializing in the manufacturing of commercial and residential cooking and industrial process equipment. Founded in 1888, Middleby has established itself as a leader in providing innovative solutions for foodservice operators and consumers, focusing on enhancing efficiency and quality in food preparation. In recent years, Middleby has actively expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions in the industrial machinery sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Escher Mixers, a manufacturer of spiral and planetary mixers for the industrial baking sector, and GBT GmbH Bakery Technology, which specializes in specialty bread systems. These acquisitions, along with others like Cozzini Inc.'s Food Equipment Division and Gorreri Food Processing Technology, highlight Middleby's commitment to enhancing its industrial machinery offerings, particularly in the food processing and baking industries. Their diverse product range and focus on advanced technology further solidify their position as a significant player in the industrial machinery manufacturing landscape.


3. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the industrial machinery manufacturing sector, including a $32 million Series B investment in Machina Labs, which focuses on advanced manufacturing technologies, and significant funding rounds for Divergent Technologies, which is scaling its DAPS process across automotive, aerospace, and defense production. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovation in the manufacturing space.


4. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities primarily in the technology sector. Notably, they have invested in Gideon Brothers, a Croatian startup specializing in industrial robots, which raised $765K in a seed round, highlighting their engagement in the industrial machinery space. Additionally, they participated in funding for Pivot Electric Machines, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Pre-Seed round in 2024. These transactions reflect Plug and Play's active role in supporting advancements in industrial machinery manufacturing.


5. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, headquartered in Washington, D.C. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit, Carlyle serves a diverse range of institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. The firm has a global presence and extensive expertise in various sectors. Notably, Carlyle has made significant investments in the industrial machinery manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Flender GmbH, a leader in mechanical and electrical drive technology, from Siemens AG for €2 billion. They also acquired Kito Corp., Japan's leading hoist and crane manufacturer, for approximately JPY 13.4 billion, aiming to enhance its business in North America and China. Additionally, Carlyle's acquisition of Allison Transmission Holdings, specializing in automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems, for $5.575 billion, and Marelli Motori, a manufacturer of industrial generators and electric motors, for €212 million, further solidify their commitment to the industrial machinery sector. These transactions highlight Carlyle's strategic focus on driving long-term value in the industrial machinery manufacturing industry.


6. Ametek

  • Website: ametek.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berwyn, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1930
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: ametek

AMETEK, Inc. is a leading manufacturer specializing in electronic instruments and electromechanical devices, founded in 1930 and headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. The company provides advanced analytical and measurement solutions across various sectors, including aerospace, energy, and medical. Ametek has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the industrial machinery manufacturing space. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Bison Gear & Engineering, a manufacturer of motion control solutions, which enhances Ametek's capabilities in automation. Additionally, the acquisition of Dunkermotoren GmbH, a leader in advanced motion control solutions, and Precitech, known for ultra-precision machining systems, further solidifies Ametek's focus on precision and motion control technologies. The recent acquisition of Kern Microtechnik, a manufacturer of high-precision machining and optical inspection solutions, also aligns with Ametek's strategy to expand its industrial machinery portfolio. These acquisitions reflect Ametek's commitment to innovation and operational excellence in addressing complex challenges faced by its customers.


7. The Riverside Company


The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses across various industries. Founded in 1988, Riverside has built a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Among its notable transactions, Riverside has acquired several companies relevant to the industrial machinery manufacturing sector, including Nordco, which specializes in rail maintenance equipment, Integrated Power Services, a provider of power generation services, and iAutomation, which focuses on automation solutions. These acquisitions demonstrate Riverside's commitment to investing in and supporting the growth of companies within the industrial machinery space, alongside its broader investment strategy.


8. Emerson

  • Website: emerson.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1890
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: emerson

Emerson Electric Co. is a leading industrial automation company based in St. Louis, Missouri, founded in 1890. With over 10,000 employees, Emerson provides a wide range of engineering services, industrial automation equipment, and software solutions across various industries, including oil and gas, power generation, and chemicals. The company has been actively acquiring firms to enhance its technological capabilities and market presence. Notable acquisitions include Groveley Detection Ltd., which specializes in ultrasonic gas leak detection, and Aventics GmBH, a provider of smart pneumatics technologies. These acquisitions not only strengthen Emerson's safety monitoring and fluid automation portfolios but also position the company as a key player in the industrial machinery manufacturing sector. Emerson's strategic focus on enhancing efficiency and safety in operations aligns well with the needs of the industrial machinery market.


9. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR provides asset management solutions to both institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes to achieve strong financial returns. KKR operates globally, leveraging its extensive expertise and resources. Among their notable transactions in the industrial machinery manufacturing sector, KKR acquired LS Mtron, a company known for its manufacturing capabilities, on July 26, 2017. They also acquired Koki Holdings for $1.3 billion on January 13, 2017, further solidifying their presence in the machinery sector. More recently, KKR completed the acquisition of Bettcher Industries, a manufacturer of food processing equipment, on November 3, 2021. These transactions highlight KKR's commitment to investing in the industrial machinery manufacturing industry, making them a relevant player in this field.


10. DXP Enterprises, Inc.

  • Website: dxpe.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1908
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: dxp-enterprises-inc-

DXP Enterprises, Inc. is a Houston-based industrial distributor founded in 1908, specializing in a diverse range of products and services tailored for various sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and renewable energy. The company focuses on rotating equipment, supply chain management, and safety solutions, which are essential for enhancing operational efficiency in industrial settings. DXP has been actively expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, such as Quadna, which distributes fluid and air handling pumps, and Jerzy Supply, acquired for $5.3 million in 2012. More recently, in 2025, DXP acquired Arroyo Process Equipment, a distributor of pumps and process equipment, further solidifying its position in the industrial machinery sector. Other notable acquisitions include Falcon Pump & Supply and Tool-Tech Industrial Machine & Supply, both of which contribute to DXP's comprehensive offerings in industrial machinery and equipment.


11. Northstar Capital

  • Website: northstarcapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1993
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: northstar-capital

Northstar Capital is a private equity investment management firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 1993. The firm specializes in junior capital investments and equity co-investments for lower middle market companies. With nearly $2 billion raised since inception, Northstar Capital provides tailored financing solutions to financial sponsors, business owners, and management teams across various industries. Notably, they have invested in several companies within the industrial machinery manufacturing sector, including Columbus Hydraulics, where they invested $15 million in total, and Quick Attach Attachments LLC, showcasing their active role in this industry. Other relevant transactions include investments in Industrial Magnetics and Drives, further emphasizing their engagement in the industrial machinery space.


12. Lincoln Electric

  • Website: lincolnelectric.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1895
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: lincoln-electric

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. is a prominent manufacturer of welding products and equipment, serving various industries including automotive and construction. Founded in 1895 and based in Cleveland, Ohio, the company has a global presence and offers a wide range of products such as welding machines, cutting equipment, and safety gear, along with training programs to enhance customer skills. In recent years, Lincoln Electric has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the industrial machinery manufacturing sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of the welding-related assets of Techalloy Co. Inc. and Applied Robotics Inc. in 2011, which expanded their product offerings. In 2018, they acquired Pro Systems, further enhancing their market position. More recently, in 2023, Lincoln Electric acquired Powermig Automacao E Soldagem Ltda., a Brazilian firm specializing in industrial welding solutions, demonstrating their commitment to advancing automation capabilities in the welding industry. These acquisitions reflect Lincoln Electric's strategy to enhance its product portfolio and maintain its leadership in the industrial machinery manufacturing space.


13. American Industrial Partners


American Industrial Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, specializing in operationally-oriented investments in industrial businesses. Founded in 2005, AIP focuses on enhancing the performance of its portfolio companies through strategic financial support and operational improvements. Their clients are primarily industrial firms seeking to optimize their operations and drive growth. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Flow International Corporation, which manufactures industrial cutting and waterjet systems, and manroland Goss web systems, a key player in the printing machinery sector. Additionally, AIP has acquired Heil Trailer International, a manufacturer of trailers and related equipment, further solidifying their presence in the industrial machinery manufacturing landscape. With a total of 8 investments in 2024, AIP continues to demonstrate its commitment to the industrial sector.


14. Wabtec Corporation

  • Website: wabteccorp.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1869
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: wabtec-corporation

Wabtec Corporation, founded in 1869 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading transportation equipment manufacturer that specializes in providing a diverse range of products and services for the rail, transit, mining, and marine industries. The company is dedicated to enhancing safety, efficiency, and productivity through innovative solutions and advanced technologies. Wabtec has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the industrial machinery sector. Notably, they acquired Nordco, a rail equipment manufacturer, for USD 400 million, which is expected to significantly enhance their financial performance. Additionally, their acquisition of Faiveley Transport for $1.8 billion and Napier Turbochargers, a manufacturer of large axial turbochargers, further illustrates their commitment to expanding their footprint in industrial machinery manufacturing. These transactions highlight Wabtec's strategic focus on enhancing its product offerings and market reach within the industrial machinery landscape.


15. Advent


Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm founded in 1984 and based in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across various sectors, focusing on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies. Advent has a global presence and partners with companies to provide capital and strategic guidance to help them achieve growth and navigate market challenges. Among their notable transactions in the industrial machinery manufacturing context, Advent acquired Moeller, one of Germany's largest privately-owned industrial and building electronics component producers, and Ammeraal Beltech, a manufacturer of conveyor belts and related products. Additionally, they acquired TES Group, a Czech manufacturer of electric motors and generators for the renewable energy sector. These transactions highlight Advent's active role in the industrial machinery manufacturing industry.


16. MassVentures

  • Website: mass-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: massventures

MassVentures is a venture studio based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 1978. It specializes in supporting early-stage companies, particularly those focused on deep tech innovation. The firm offers a variety of funding options, including venture capital and grants, along with business guidance and accelerator programs. MassVentures primarily serves startups looking to commercialize their research and technology. Among its notable transactions, MassVentures has invested in Harvest Automation, which raised significant funding across multiple rounds (Series A, B, and C) to develop robotic systems for use in commercial nurseries and greenhouses. This involvement highlights MassVentures' commitment to advancing technology that intersects with industrial machinery applications, further solidifying its role as a relevant investor in this sector.



Industrial Machinery Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
The Middleby CorporationElgin, Illinois, United States (USA)5001-1000018885
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
AmetekBerwyn, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)10001+19301
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
EmersonSt. Louis, Missouri, United States (USA)10001+18904
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
DXP Enterprises, Inc.Houston, Texas, United States (USA)1001-500019086
Northstar CapitalMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)11-5019931
Lincoln ElectricCleveland, Ohio, United States (USA)10001+18953
American Industrial PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20020058
Wabtec CorporationPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)10001+18693
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828


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