Fairbanks Morse Defense to Acquire Truflo Marine from IMI

Maritime November 27, 2025

Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a US-based portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, has announced its entry into a definitive agreement to acquire Truflo Marine from the British engineering group IMI plc.

The acquisition, announced on 24 November 2025, will see the Birmingham-based naval valve specialist integrated into FMD’s global operations. This strategic move significantly expands FMD’s design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities in the maritime sector and reinforces its supply chain support for allied naval forces, including the Royal Navy and over 30 other international fleets. The acquisition provides a notable example of inward investment into the UK’s specialist defence manufacturing base.

Truflo Marine is a recognised leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance valves and control solutions for mission-critical systems on both submarine and surface naval vessels. The company holds a substantial portfolio of intellectual property and its products are currently in service with more than 34 allied navies worldwide. The acquisition includes Truflo Marine’s primary manufacturing facility in Birmingham, securing the roles of its approximately 270 employees. For Fairbanks Morse Defense, the addition of Truflo Marine’s advanced design expertise is intended to complement its existing build-to-print manufacturing capabilities, allowing the firm to offer more comprehensive, integrated solutions to its naval customers.

According to FMD, the integration of Truflo Marine’s product lines, which include highly-engineered hull valves, will enhance its capacity to deliver critical components that ensure the operational readiness and survivability of naval platforms. The deal strengthens FMD’s operational footprint within the United Kingdom, establishing a key engineering and manufacturing base to better serve its international clients. For the UK defence supply chain, the acquisition signals a strengthening of a key domestic supplier under new ownership focused on growth within the global naval market. The completion of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, which include all necessary regulatory reviews and approvals.

Image: UK MOD Crown Copyright

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