Modernization Strategy
Investor and Private Equity Support
Turning operational complexity into investment clarity
In manufacturing and industrial automation, technology decisions have a direct impact on performance, scalability, and enterprise value. Private equity firms and investors are increasingly exposed to risks tied to outdated systems, underperforming operations, and poor integration strategies. Without the right expertise, portfolio companies can struggle to deliver the efficiencies and reliability needed to hit growth targets.
Joltek provides independent consulting support for investors and private equity firms, helping them assess risk, validate opportunities, and unlock long-term value in industrial assets. With deep experience in manufacturing operations, control systems, and digital transformation, we translate technical complexity into clear business decisions.
Why it matters
What this costs when it is left alone
The reasons this work gets deferred are usually the reasons it gets expensive.
Operational risks reduce enterprise value
Legacy equipment, poor maintenance strategies, and outdated systems increase downtime and capex exposure.
Integration challenges slow growth
Newly acquired companies often struggle to align IT, OT, and enterprise systems.
Technology obsolescence creates hidden costs
Unsupported platforms and scarce spare parts can quickly erode returns.
Market pressure demands speed
Investors need rapid, objective assessments that provide clarity during diligence and early integration.
Our approach
How the work runs
We bring a structured, business-oriented lens to manufacturing and automation investments.
Operational Due Diligence
- Assess plant floor operations, maintenance practices, and system maturity
- Evaluate SCADA, MES, ERP, and automation platforms for risk and scalability
- Provide objective reporting on strengths, gaps, and modernization needs
Risk and Obsolescence Assessment
- Identify critical vulnerabilities in equipment, networks, and data flows
- Quantify downtime exposure and cybersecurity risks
- Highlight capital requirements for modernization
Post-Acquisition Integration Support
- Develop roadmaps for aligning IT/OT and enterprise systems
- Guide management teams through modernization priorities
- Provide oversight to ensure portfolio companies deliver intended efficiencies
Value Creation Strategy
- Identify operational improvements that boost EBITDA
- Recommend training and workforce alignment initiatives
- Support long-term scalability and digital readiness
What we deliver
What you end up holding
- Independent, board-ready reports on operational and technology risks
- Clear integration and modernization roadmaps tied to financial outcomes
- Vendor-agnostic recommendations for systems, partners, and technologies
- Execution guidance that protects value and accelerates portfolio growth
Who we support
Who this is for
- Private Equity Firms
- seeking confidence in an acquisition, before and after close.
- Investors
- evaluating industrial or manufacturing assets.
- Boards and Executives
- wanting clarity on modernization spend and risk exposure.
Why Joltek
What you are actually buying
Operational Depth
Experience managing manufacturing operations and modernization projects across industries.
Strategic Insight
Ability to translate technical findings into financial and business terms.
Independent Expertise
Vendor-neutral perspective focused solely on protecting and growing value.
Client scenarios
What this looks like in practice
Anonymised engagements. Client names are withheld; the situations are not.
PE Firm — Technology Risk Hidden in Pre-LOI Due Diligence
A private equity firm was evaluating a packaging manufacturer and wanted an independent operational technology assessment before signing an LOI. The target’s financials looked strong, but the deal team had no way to assess the condition of plant floor systems from the CIM alone. Joltek conducted a two-day on-site assessment covering all PLCs, SCADA, MES, and network infrastructure. The report identified $4.1M in near-term capital requirements not reflected in the model, including two end-of-life control systems at risk of imminent failure. The PE firm used the findings to renegotiate the purchase price and build a post-close technology budget before signing.
Portfolio Company — 100-Day Operational Improvement Plan Post-Acquisition
Following the acquisition of a food manufacturer, a PE sponsor needed to deliver measurable operational improvement in 100 days to meet its investment thesis. Joltek was engaged immediately post-close to assess operations, identify the highest-impact opportunities, and lead execution. Within 60 days, Joltek had completed an OEE baseline across three production lines, identified a $1.8M annual saving from downtime reduction, and launched two improvement initiatives. By day 100, the first initiative was complete and the portfolio company had measurable results to report to the board.
PE Platform — Standardizing Operations Across Multiple Acquisitions
A PE firm building a manufacturing platform through add-on acquisitions needed a consistent technology and operations playbook that could be applied each time a new company was added. Each acquisition had different systems, different reporting, and different maturity levels, making it impossible to manage the portfolio with consistent visibility. Joltek developed a platform-wide digital maturity framework, a standard KPI reporting structure, and an OT architecture standard that could be applied to each new acquisition. The firm now has a repeatable process for onboarding add-ons and a shared data model that allows cross-portfolio benchmarking.
Questions
Answered before you ask
What does operational technology due diligence involve?
OT due diligence is an on-site assessment of a manufacturer’s control systems, automation infrastructure, and operational technology stack. It documents every PLC, SCADA, MES, historian, and network asset with its age, vendor support status, condition, and capital replacement timeline. The output is a risk-adjusted investment requirement that financial models can incorporate, plus an assessment of how well the technology supports the company’s operations.
How quickly can Joltek complete a pre-acquisition technology assessment?
Most single-facility assessments can be completed within 5–7 business days from engagement. On-site work typically takes 1–2 days. The written report with findings, risk ratings, and capital estimates is delivered within 3–5 business days after the site visit. For multi-site or complex acquisitions, timelines are discussed during scoping.
What operational improvements can PE firms realistically expect in the first 100 days?
In the first 100 days, the most achievable improvements are those that reduce immediate operational risk and establish measurable baselines. This typically includes completing an OEE assessment, identifying and initiating the top 2–3 improvement opportunities, and setting up the reporting infrastructure for ongoing visibility. Quick wins such as maintenance schedule optimization, changeover reduction, or data integration fixes can often deliver measurable results within the first 60 days.
Does Joltek work with PE firms on exit preparation as well?
Yes. Joltek supports both entry and exit. Pre-exit, we help portfolio companies clean up technical debt, document systems properly, and position operational improvements in a way that demonstrates value to the next buyer. A well-documented and modernized OT environment reduces perceived risk for acquirers and supports higher valuations. We can also help prepare the operational technology section of a Quality of Earnings or CIM package.
Have a project that needs technical ownership?
Send us the situation. If it is not something we should take on, we will say so.