Gryphon-Backed Mechanix Wear Buys PPE Developer OTEX
Transaction marks third acquisition for Mechanix Wear under Gryphon ownership
OTEX develops safety apparel and protective equipment such as protective hoods, flame-resistant garments, and safety apparel used in industrial environments where workers are exposed to heat, airborne contaminants, or hazardous materials.
March 25, 2026|John McNulty
Mechanix Wear, a portfolio company of Gryphon Investors, has acquired OTEX, a manufacturer of personal protective equipment.
OTEX develops safety apparel and protective equipment such as protective hoods, flame-resistant garments, and safety apparel used in industrial environments where workers are exposed to heat, airborne contaminants, or hazardous materials. Many of OTEX’s customers are active in the utilities, construction, energy, and industrial manufacturing sectors.
OTEX is known for its SMARTHOOD system, which combines protective hood designs with integrated airflow, air-quality monitoring, and cooling features intended to reduce heat stress and improve breathing conditions for workers performing tasks in confined or hazardous environments.
Rohester, New York-headquartered OTEX was founded in 2015 by Jake Weidert, who is remaining with the company post-closing as vice president of technology and materials. OTEX will operate within Mechanix Wear’s Chicago Protective Apparel division.
“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,” said Keith Christiansen, president of the Chicago Protective Apparel division.
Mechanix Wear designs and manufactures high-performance hand protection and protective apparel for automotive, construction, industrial, and tactical applications. The company’s products, sold through more than 20,000 retail outlets, include The Original work glove, M-Pact impact-resistant gloves, and FastFit gloves, used by mechanics, construction workers, military personnel, and industrial technicians.
Mechanix Wear sells its products through industrial distributors and retail channels in more than 70 countries.
The buy of OTEX is Mechanix Wear’s third add-on acquisition since being acquired by Gryphon in 2020 and follows the buys of Kinco, an Oregon-based designer and distributor of work, outdoor, and recreational gloves and work and safety suspenders used in farming, construction, cold-weather, and industrial applications (June 2025); and Chicago Protective Apparel, an Illinois-based manufacturer of personal protective equipment designed to protect workers from arc flash hazards and for use in foundry and welding environments (August 2021).
Mechanix Wear, headquartered north of Los Angeles in Valencia, California, was founded in 1991 by James Hale and is currently led by CEO Jesse Spungin. “OTEX’s patented technologies and leadership in air-quality-driven PPE align perfectly with our mission to deliver trusted, innovative protection to workers,” said Mr. Spungin.
Ryan Fagan
“Mechanix Wear continues to build a differentiated platform of premium, R&D-led protective equipment, and OTEX further strengthens that vision. We’re pleased to support the company’s continued strategic expansion and investment in innovation and growth,” said Ryan Fagan, a partner in the consumer group at Gryphon Investors.
Gryphon Investors is a middle-market private investment firm with more than $10 billion of assets under management. The firm invests across sectors including business services, consumer, healthcare, industrial growth, software, and technology services.
