High-performance hand protection and protective apparel maker Mechanix Wear announced March 16 that it has acquired OTEX — a developer and manufacturer of tech-enabled personal protective equipment specializing in arc flash safety.

Valencia, CA-based Mechanix Wear is backed by private investment firm Gryphon Investors.

OTEX is Mechanix Wear’s third acquisition completed under Gryphon’s ownership. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

OTEX develops and manufactures premium, R&D‑driven safety solutions and apparel featuring patented technologies. The company is known for its SMARTHOOD, which integrates hood protection with advanced air‑quality innovations and cooling systems.

In a news release, Mechanix Wear said that OTEX CEO Jake Weidert will remain with the organization as Vice President of Technology and Materials for the platform to ensure that the vision and innovation behind OTEX’s technologies continue to shape future product development.

OTEX will operate under Mechanix Wear’s Chicago Protective Apparel division.

“OTEX’s patented technologies and leadership in air‑quality‑driven PPE align perfectly with our mission to deliver trusted, innovative protection to workers,” Mechanix Wear CEO Jesse Spungin said.

Keith Christiansen, President of Mechanix Wear’s Chicago Protective Apparel division, added, “OTEX has been a true disruptor, and its deep investment in research and development will continue to accelerate the creation of our next‑generation safety solutions. We are excited to collaborate with the OTEX team and welcome them to the Mechanix Wear platform.”