New York, NY – May 26, 2026 – Axel Johnson Inc. (“AJI”), a family-owned investment company focused on building enduring, sustainable businesses, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement (“Agreement”) to acquire 100% ownership of Fort Wayne Metals Research Products, LLC (collectively, with its subsidiaries, “Fort Wayne Metals”), a global leader in medical wire manufacturing.
Since 2021, AJI has been a minority owner of Fort Wayne Metals in partnership with the Glaze family. Founded in 1970, Fort Wayne Metals has grown from a small, founder-led operation into a trusted global partner by focusing relentlessly on materials expertise, process discipline, and long-term customer relationships. Under the terms of the Agreement, AJI will acquire the remaining ownership. Upon closing, Fort Wayne Metals will become a wholly owned company of AJI.
“Fort Wayne Metals is a company we have come to know deeply over the past several years,” said Axel Mörner, Chairman of AJI. “What stands out is not only the strength of the business, but the strength of its culture, people, and purpose. We are honored to build on our partnership and take on the responsibility of stewarding Fort Wayne Metals for the long term. Our focus will be on preserving what makes the company special while continuing to invest in its future growth.”
Fort Wayne Metals has established itself as a trusted partner in the medical device industry, delivering high-performance materials that enable life-impacting products around the world. Through its deep expertise in materials science, the company supports technologies used in minimally invasive procedures and other applications that improve patient outcomes and quality of life, as well as advanced industrial and technology applications.
This work reflects a broader purpose shared with AJI: using business as a force for good by advancing solutions that contribute to a safer, healthier world. Its reputation for innovation, precision, and close customer partnership has made it a leader in its field and a meaningful contributor to society.
“This transition is about stewardship, not change,” said Scott Glaze, Owner and Chairman of the Board of Fort Wayne Metals. “My father built this company on craftsmanship, integrity, and deep respect for customers and employees. Over the past several years, AJI has shown they share those values and understand what makes Fort Wayne Metals special. I’m confident they will protect that foundation while supporting and propelling the company into its next chapter.”
Building on that shared commitment to stewardship, Fort Wayne Metals will continue to operate with the same customer focus that has defined the company for more than five decades. Day-to-day operations and customer partnerships will continue seamlessly, supported by the company’s commitment to precision, quality, and reliability.
The transaction reflects AJI’s long-term ownership model and commitment to investing in businesses where culture, leadership, and performance are closely aligned. Fort Wayne Metals will continue to operate independently while benefiting from AJI’s support, resources, and long-term perspective.
The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
About Axel Johnson Inc.
Founded in 1920 and headquartered in New York City, Axel Johnson Inc. (AJI) is a family-owned investment company committed to using business as a force for positive change.
AJI takes a partnership-based, long-term approach to ownership, acquiring and growing businesses that deliver meaningful societal impact and lasting enterprise value. Across this family of businesses, each company contributes to a healthier, safer, and more sustainable world.
Home to more than 5,500 employees, AJI operates globally as an independent member of the Axel Johnson Group, a five-generation family enterprise built by the Johnson family of Stockholm, Sweden, with approximately 40,000 employees across the group, including Axel Johnson AB, AxFast, and Altocumulus.
Learn more at www.axeljohnson.com.
About Fort Wayne Metals Research Products, LLC
Fort Wayne Metals is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance materials for medical and industrial applications. With a strong legacy of innovation and quality, the company partners with customers to deliver solutions that support life-impacting products around the world. Learn more at fwmetals.com.
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Joakman@axeljohnson.com
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