Detroit Manufacturing Systems, Android Industries and Avancez Join to Form Voltava: Combining Strengths to Drive Growth, Innovation, and Global Reach Across Industries
Bruce Smith Chairman and CEO
Kathy Nichols Current CEO of Android and Avancez
Detroit / Auburn Hills, MI, Feb. 26, 2025 — Detroit Manufacturing Systems, LLC (DMS), a leading contract manufacturer, proudly announces it has entered into an agreement to join together with Android Industries, LLC (Android) and Avancez, LLC (Avancez), two industry experts in complex module assembly, sequencing and related value-added services. The new combined entity, Voltava LLC, (Voltava), will unify the complementary strengths of three established automotive leaders and deliver an enhanced value proposition to its customers through stronger financial capacity and operational scale, to support innovation and long-term profitable growth.
Voltava will be headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and wholly owned by Bruce Smith, who will serve as Chairman and CEO. Kathy Nichols, current CEO of Android and Avancez, will remain part of Voltava’s leadership team in an advisory role.
“The transformational combination of DMS, Android and Avancez represents a significant milestone for all three companies and the customers we serve,” said Smith. “We are bringing together highly complementary businesses and corporate cultures to form a premier, global supplier partner to deliver unparalleled value to our customers worldwide while fostering an environment of collaboration, social responsibility, respect, diversity, accountability and excellence.”
“Additionally, the powerful industrial logic in this transaction strengthens our ability to meet our customers’ needs while creating enhanced value across the new enterprise,” added Nichols. “We’re forming a company with a more resilient supply chain, broader reach, stronger design and manufacturing expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
With deep industry knowledge and experience, Voltava is well-positioned to lead across multiple industries, including:
- Automotive
- Industrial
- E-mobility and micromobility
- Heavy truck
- Government and defense
- Technology
- Tooling & equipment design and manufacturing
Voltava’s combined workforce of approximately 5,400 employees will operate across 20 global locations, including 18 in North America, one in South America and one in Europe. This expanded geographic reach will allow the company to better serve its OEM partners in all global markets.
“We believe in the power and success of Voltava because DMS, Android and Avancez share very similar cultures, safety programs and value systems,” said Smith. “We hold our employees in the highest regard, as they are at the heart of all we do. All three companies were originally founded on core principles of teamwork and respect—and this people-first ethos will remain the cornerstone of our combined workforce moving forward.”
