Michigan Instruments Acquires KEM Enterprises
The Kentwood-based medical device manufacturer finalized the acquisition of the Ada Township company in July 2026.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Healthcare
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Michigan Instruments, a firm specializing in CPR and lung simulation technology, has acquired the medical device company KEM Enterprises. The transaction, which closed in July 2026, brings the Osto-EZ-Vent product line under the Michigan Instruments portfolio.
Why it matters
The deal allows Michigan Instruments owner Chris Blanker to expand his firm’s reach into complementary medical device markets. Meanwhile, KEM Enterprises owner Aaron James sought a buyer with specific expertise in the ostomy product sector to steward the invention of Hans Butterwegge.
The deal involved the acquisition of KEM Enterprises, the sole manufacturer of the Osto-EZ-Vent, by the Kentwood-based medical device manufacturer Michigan Instruments. Financial specifics of the transaction remain undisclosed.
The players
Michigan Instruments
A medical device manufacturer headquartered in Kentwood that produces CPR devices and lung simulation equipment.
KEM Enterprises
An Ada Township-based firm that manufactures the Osto-EZ-Vent medical accessory.
Chris Blanker
The owner of Michigan Instruments who initiated the acquisition of the medical device company.
Aaron James
The former owner of KEM Enterprises who sought a buyer familiar with the Osto-EZ-Vent product market.
Hans Butterwegge
The inventor of the Osto-EZ-Vent, a product now held by Michigan Instruments.
The details
Michigan Instruments utilizes its headquarters in Kentwood to produce automated CPR devices and lung simulation equipment. The acquisition integrates the Osto-EZ-Vent, a device designed to release air pressure from ostomy pouches, into the broader operational framework of the parent company.
Timeline
The acquisition transaction officially closed in July 2026.
Market Landscape
This acquisition reflects the broader trend of consolidation among specialized medical device manufacturers within Michigan. It positions Michigan Instruments to expand its footprint against competitors by integrating niche technology into its existing product ecosystem.
Customers of the Osto-EZ-Vent will now interface with the support and distribution networks of Michigan Instruments. This transition intends to provide more robust product availability through the expanded resources of the parent company.
The takeaway
This deal underscores the value of strategic alignment in the medical device sector as manufacturers look to scale niche technologies. Owners of small medical businesses can look to specialized brokerage firms to find buyers who understand their unique product niches.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry trends in the Michigan Healthcare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOODTV.
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