FBR Partners with Industrial Robotics to Launch Mantis Welding Robots in North America

Strategic Distribution Deal Opens North American Market

FBR Limited (ASX:FBR) has taken a significant step to commercialise its Mantis™ welding robot in North America by signing a five-year Master Distribution Agreement with Industrial Robotics LLC. The Louisiana-based distributor, founded by the team behind State Machinery & Equipment Sales, will market, sell, and support Mantis™ robots across the United States and Canada, with an initial focus on southern states including Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, the Florida Panhandle, and Eastern Texas.

This partnership allows FBR to leverage Industrial Robotics’ established local networks and operational capabilities, including operator training, mechanical maintenance, installation, and customer satisfaction. Industrial Robotics will also maintain local inventory for demonstrations and distribute spare and wear parts for FBR’s Mantis™, Hadrian®, and Firehawk™ robots across the 48 contiguous US states.

Operational Responsibility and Market Focus

Industrial Robotics assumes full operational responsibility for the Mantis™ platform in North America, a move that helps FBR avoid expanding its Perth-based workforce while accelerating market entry. The distributor’s roots in State Machinery, a leader in construction equipment sales along the Mississippi River transportation corridor, provide a strong foundation for penetrating industrial fabrication and shipbuilding sectors.

FBR’s CEO Mark Pivac highlighted the alignment with the company’s strategy to scale through partners with local expertise and infrastructure. He noted that Industrial Robotics brings the necessary field operations and parts logistics hubs to support Mantis™ deployment effectively, allowing FBR to focus on product innovation and delivery.

Mantis™ Technology and Commercial Prospects

The Mantis™ robot features an 8-meter reach and uses advanced twin wire welding technology combined with FBR’s Dynamic Stabilisation Technology® (DST®) to deliver fast, efficient welding for heavy fabrication, shipbuilding, and defence industries. Initial welding trials have been conducted in test rigs, with the system nearing production standard as specialist equipment arrives.

Ed Renton, founder of Industrial Robotics, expressed enthusiasm about introducing Mantis™ to the US market, particularly given his company’s diverse industrial connections and proximity to the Mississippi river transportation industry. He emphasised the importance of robust customer support alongside the technology’s capabilities.

Implications for FBR’s Growth Strategy

This distribution agreement validates early commercial demand for Mantis™ in North America and provides a clear path into lucrative industrial sectors without the need for FBR to increase headcount. It follows the company’s initial international Mantis sale earlier in 2026, signalling growing traction for its welding automation technology.