Sumitomo Heavy Industries and ARMADA's IMIA Formalize Strategic Alliance to Support U.S. Navy Readiness in Japan
Signing at Sumitomo Heavy Industries headquarters marks the launch of a long-term partnership focused on operational readiness and mission-critical ship maintenance.
Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (SHI) and IMIA, an operating company of ARMADA, today announced the signing of their Alliance Agreement, launching a strategic partnership to support U.S. Navy operations in Japan and surrounding regions. The in-person signing ceremony was held at Sumitomo Heavy Industries' headquarters building, Sumitomo Kaikan, in Tokyo.
The alliance brings together SHI's long-established industrial presence and execution capabilities that have supported the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet in Japan for decades with IMIA's deep experience in U.S. Navy ship maintenance and repair operations. Under the agreement, SHI will serve as prime contractor in Japan where applicable, with IMIA providing specialized personnel, technical expertise, and operational support to enhance speed and readiness for mission-critical maintenance activities. Through this agreement, IMIA also brings the full resources and support of its parent company ARMADA, which is majority owned by Carlyle (NASDAQ:CG) and Stellex Capital Management and provides integrated mission-critical solutions across its national footprint of operating companies.
"This partnership is not just about signing an agreement. It is about beginning a shared mission," said Koichi Miyajima, President of Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd., during the ceremony. "By combining SHI's local execution strength in Japan with IMIA's proven operational experience, we are creating a team focused on readiness, speed, and quality for the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet."
The alliance is designed to address the realities of forward-deployed naval operations in the Pacific theater, where maintenance timelines are compressed and operational demands are high. A key focus of the partnership is improving readiness under real-world conditions, including rapid response to unplanned maintenance and battle damage scenarios.
"Today marks more than the execution of a contract. It marks the beginning of a collaboration built on trust, shared values, and a common commitment to excellence. We are honored to be Sumitomo Heavy Industries' partner in this mission," said Yehuda Chakoff, Chief Executive Officer of ARMADA "Together with Sumitomo Heavy Industries, we are aligning complementary strengths to support the readiness of the U.S. Navy Seventh Fleet here in Japan, where speed, reliability, and uncompromising standards are essential."
The agreement also reflects the broader significance of U.S.–Japan industrial cooperation. By working side by side, including engineers, planners, technicians, and leaders, SHI and IMIA aim to strengthen interoperability, localize capability, and continuously improve how they support forward-deployed naval forces.
The signing underscores both companies' long-term commitment to collaboration, transparency, and disciplined execution in support of maritime security and fleet readiness.
About ARMADA
ARMADA is an independent multi-discipline marine contractor with a full suite of integrated services including structural and mechanical, preservation, access solutions, combat systems electronics, radiological and remediation services, and project management. Primarily serving the U.S. Navy, ARMADA supports mission-critical operations through its fleet of operating companies, including IMIA, American Scaffold, Main Industries, Poseidon Industrial, and Craft and Technical Solutions (CTS). ARMADA's mission is to unify the strength of its fleet to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality solutions, on time, every time.
About Carlyle
Carlyle (NASDAQ:CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit, and Carlyle AlpInvest. With $477 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2025, Carlyle's purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies, and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 2,500 people in 27 offices across four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group.
About Stellex Capital Management LLC
With offices in New York, London, Pittsburgh, and Detroit, Stellex Capital is a private equity firm with over $5 billion in assets under management. Stellex seeks to identify and deploy capital in opportunities that stand to benefit from its operationally focused and hands-on approach to investing. Portfolio companies are supported by Stellex's industry knowledge, operating capabilities, network of senior executives, strategic insights, and access to capital. Sectors of particular focus include aerospace, defense and government services, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, real economy and business services, food processing, and tech-enabled services. Additional information can be found at www.stellexcapital.com.
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ARMADA Parent Inc. (d.b.a ARMADA)
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BusinessDevelopment@armadainc.com
Carlyle
Brittany Bensaull
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For Stellex Capital Management LLC
Prosek Partners
Mike Geller / Rachel Goun
Email: pro-stellex@prosek.com