Michigan Instruments Acquires KEM Enterprises in July Deal
The acquisition adds the Osto-EZ-Vent product line to the portfolio of the Kentwood-based medical device manufacturer.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Healthcare
Live Poll
Does the acquisition of small medical device makers make you trust their future product quality less?
Michigan Instruments, a Kentwood-based medical device manufacturer, acquired Ada Township's KEM Enterprises in July 2026. The deal brings the Osto-EZ-Vent product line into the portfolio of a company currently focused on CPR and lung simulation technology.
Why it matters
The acquisition reflects a strategic effort by Michigan Instruments to diversify its medical device offerings. Owner Chris Blanker pursued the deal to integrate a complementary product into the company's existing manufacturing and distribution operations.
The transaction unites two Michigan-based medical device manufacturers into one organization. The total financial value and specific terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
The players
Michigan Instruments
A Kentwood-based medical device company that manufactures automated CPR devices and lung simulation equipment.
KEM Enterprises
An Ada Township-based manufacturer known for producing the Osto-EZ-Vent medical accessory.
Chris Blanker
The owner of Michigan Instruments who initiated the strategy to acquire complementary medical device businesses.
Aaron James
The former owner of KEM Enterprises who sought a buyer familiar with the specific market for the Osto-EZ-Vent.
Hans Butterwegge
The inventor of the Osto-EZ-Vent product line.
The details
Michigan Instruments, known for producing automated CPR devices and lung simulators, expands its catalog with the Osto-EZ-Vent. This device, invented by Hans Butterwegge, is designed to release air pressure from ostomy pouches. The acquisition process involved advisory support from Calder Capital for Michigan Instruments and the NuVescor Group, which represented KEM Enterprises owner Aaron James during the sale.
Timeline
The acquisition transaction officially closed in July 2026.
Market Landscape
This acquisition follows the documented industry trend of specialized medical device manufacturers seeking product portfolio diversification through targeted acquisitions. The move aligns with wider regional consolidation efforts within the Michigan healthcare technology sector.
Operators in the medical device space should evaluate how their current distribution channels align with potential product additions. Reviewing how acquired product lines affect operational capacity and inventory management remains a critical step following a merger.
The takeaway
The acquisition of the Osto-EZ-Vent line demonstrates a shift toward integrating specialized niche devices into broader medical manufacturing platforms. Business owners looking to scale should track how the integration of new product technologies influences their existing production workflows and target markets.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry trends in our Healthcare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOODTV.
Live Poll
Does the acquisition of small medical device makers make you trust their future product quality less?
