Global corporation further invests in Aptella to leverage growth opportunities in intelligent positioning solutions throughout Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.  

Melbourne, 1^st July 2022 – Positioning and site automation solutions company, Aptella announces that Mitsui & Co. (Mitsui), through its Australian and Japanese entities, has increased its investment to become the majority shareholder.

With aligned strategies to accelerate the deployment of digital and automated systems on all types of machines, Aptella will further pursue its partnering vision with customers to improve productivity, safety and sustainability in the construction, resources and geospatial sectors with the support of Mitsui’s networks.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with locations in more than 60 countries worldwide, Mitsui invested in Aptella in 2019 to hold a 20% share in the company. Mitsui’s strategy to accelerate digital transformation across multiple sectors including construction, resources, transport, and logistics, aligns with Aptella’ positioning systems and support expertise.

Following Aptella’ strong business performance, Mitsui has become the majority shareholder.

“Since 2019, we have launched initiatives that have been fostered through the Mitsui network, notably in our mining business,” said Martin Nix, Aptella CEO. “Mitsui has also enabled collaborations for two of our key services: Tokara, construction site remote access and data transmission solution; and AllDayRTK, our national GPS network.

“Supporting new growth opportunities and leveraging our capabilities will provide an even better experience for customers,” he added. “Our Southeast Asia and mining systems businesses can expect to be significant beneficiaries of Mitsui’s post investment strategic support.

“Mitsui recognises that our ability to deploy solutions to sites with various types of machinery, systems and software is critical to realising the full potential of digital innovation in the construction, mining and geospatial industries,” Mr Nix said.

To ensure continuity, the existing Aptella executive team remains. The Board will include three nominee Directors from Mitsui.  

Key system and product suppliers have endorsed the change.

“Mitsui looks forward to building on the already strong collaborative relationship we enjoy with the Aptella team, working together toward our shared strategic goals to accelerate digital transformation and contribute to sustainable futures,” said Koichi (Marcos) Wakabayashi, Operating Officer, Mobility Business Unit 1, Mitsui & Co Ltd.

“This announcement represents an exciting next step in our company’s evolution and growth. More opportunities for customers, employees, suppliers and partners can be expected,” Mr Nix concluded.

About Aptella

With more than 350 people in offices throughout Australia, Southeast Asia and New Zealand, Aptella focusses on the distribution and support of intelligent positioning solutions for geospatial, construction and mining projects. Aptella is committed to increasing productivity for customers and building lasting business relationships around high calibre positioning activities.

Aptella distributes Topcon machine control and positioning systems throughout Australia and Southeast Asia. Complementary solutions from other leading technology innovators include fleet management systems, high precision machine guidance, 3D laser scanners, remotely piloted aircraft, weighing and proximity detection systems, along with a range of deformation monitoring options. Advanced hardware systems are powered by sophisticated software platforms that enable customers to analyse, monitor and design efficiently.  

A full range of leading instruments and systems is backed by reliable service and industry expertise to give customers the support they need for any project.

About Mitsui & Co. Ltd.
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (8031: JP) is a global trading and investment company with a diversified business portfolio that spans approximately 63 countries in Asia, Europe, North, Central & South America, The Middle East, Africa and Oceania.

Mitsui has about 5,600 employees and deploys talent around the globe to identify, develop, and grow businesses in collaboration with a global network of trusted partners. Mitsui has built a strong and diverse core business portfolio covering the Mineral and Metal Resources, Energy, Machinery and Infrastructure, and Chemicals industries.

Leveraging its strengths, Mitsui has further diversified beyond its core profit pillars to create multifaceted value in new areas, including innovative Energy Solutions, Healthcare & Nutrition and through a strategic focus on high-growth Asian markets. This strategy aims to derive growth opportunities by harnessing some of the world’s main mega-trends: sustainability, health & wellness, digitalization and the growing power of the consumer.

Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd. is the wholly owned Australian subsidiary of Mitsui & Co, Ltd. A leading exporter of Australia’s mineral  resources by value, Mitsui and its group companies report approximately A$8 billion in total exports annually on an equity basis. Over the past 10 years Mitsui group companies have invested about A$16 billion in Australia. The Mitsui group has over 400 employees across Australia with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

For more information on Mitsui & Co’s businesses visit, www.mitsui.com.