By Andria Romkema
The Right Place

Today The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with Calder Capital, announced the new ownership and subsequent expansion of Laser Access, LLC. The company will be expanding at their Walker, Michigan facility and investing $1.6 million into the location.

Laser Access, LLC is a privately held company which provides 5-axis lasers cutting, flat laser cutting, forming, assembly and welding services to sheet metal fabrication companies and OEMs. They supply the aerospace and automotive industries and are competing for new opportunities in the defense market. Laser Access employs 28 people at its location at 3691 Northridge Dr NW #10, Walker.

The company is now officially under the new joint venture ownership of Blitzblow USA LLC – third generation Tier One fabricator serving the defense industry, and U.S Advanced Systems LLC which is located in Twinsburg, Ohio and engaged in design, development and manufacturing in two areas: advanced ground support equipment for aircrafts and advanced military platforms and products for ground forces.

The new joint venture is led by Assy Okanin, who is co-owner and the president of the firm and Andrew Picard, partner and the general manager. Laser Access had been represented for sale through local mergers and acquisitions firm, Calder Capital, LLC. The Right Place’s senior business development manager, Eric Icard, connected Assy Okanin to the opportunities available through Calder Capital, which resulted retaining Laser Access in Walker. 

“We are looking forward to continuing the growth of Laser Access in the Walker community, by adding new technologies and by merging the design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities of the new ownership companies into the outstanding team, culture and experience of Laser Access,” said Assy Okanin, president, Laser Access, LLC. “We sincerely appreciate the assistance and connections provided by the teams at The Right Place and Calder Capital throughout this process, which made this acquisition possible. Without this support, we could not do that!”

 “Many local companies are facing leadership transitions,” said Birgit Klohs, president and CEO, The Right Place, Inc. “These transitions can potentially put a company’s future growth in the region into question. We are pleased to have been able to connect Laser Access with new ownership committed to investing in the Greater Grand Rapids region, and we look forward to helping them grow in Walker.”

Calder Capital’s managing partner, Max Friar had this to say about the transaction, “Laser Access is a very nice business with tremendous upside. It was a pleasure working with ownership throughout this transaction. We enjoy working with local manufacturing businesses and local buyers. I look forward to watching Assy grow the business and can’t wait to see where they take it!”