Fairbanks Acquires Truflo Marine

[By Fairbanks]

Fairbanks Morse Defense recently announced the acquisition of Truflo Marine, marking a major expansion of its ability to support allied submarine production. The acquisition brings the Birmingham, UK-based supplier of advanced valves and actuators into the FMD family of companies. This includes Truflo's manufacturing operations and local engineering expertise in the UK and Edinburgh North, South Australia.

The acquisition comes amid a critical expansion of the shared Australian, US and British submarine industrial base, and will enhance the capabilities needed to build and sustain submarines under the AUKUS programme. Truflo, whose valves are deployed with 37 navies worldwide, brings specialised manufacturing capabilities to FMD's global network and local engineering expertise to strengthen its ability to serve Australia's fleet.

Fairbanks Morse Defense has finalized its acquisition of Birmingham, UK-based Truflo Marine, formerly a part of IMI plc. The acquisition is a major step toward FMD’s expansion of valve and actuator design and manufacturing capabilities for mission-critical naval systems serving a global customer base.

“With Truflo Marine now part of Fairbanks Morse Defense, we are strengthening the trusted industrial base that allied navies rely on,” said Fairbanks Morse Defense CEO George Whittier. “Many of the systems that ensure the safety, survivability and operational effectiveness of submarines and surface vessels operate out of sight, but their reliability is absolutely essential to every mission at sea. Truflo Marine’s advanced valve engineering has played a vital role in safeguarding naval platforms and crews for decades. By bringing that expertise into the FMD portfolio, we are strengthening the transatlantic and Indo-Pacific industrial partnerships that keep allied fleets mission-ready.”

Truflo Marine valves are currently operational in more than 37 allied navies worldwide. The acquisition strengthens global support for the integrated systems that power, regulate and protect modern naval vessels. Through its extensive presence in the United Kingdom and Australia, Truflo Marine provides in-country sustainment capability for the AUKUS submarine program, supported by FMD’s decades of expertise in subsea and surface propulsion for U.S. and allied fleets.

From propulsion and cooling to ballast and safety systems, high-performance valves play a critical role in ensuring reliability and survivability. By combining Truflo Marine’s specialized engineering expertise with the Fairbanks manufacturing and service network, both companies will be better positioned to deliver integrated solutions that help allied navies operating in increasingly demanding maritime environments.

The acquisition includes Truflo Marine’s Birmingham, UK facility and approximately 270 employees, further increasing FMD’s operational footprint. This expanded engineering and manufacturing base enhances capacity to deliver high-performance components that advance fleet readiness.