USDATA subsidiary eMake secures $26.5 million in second-round funding

eMake Corp., a subsidiary of USDATA (Richardson, TX) and an Internet solution provider for the make-to-order manufacturing market, completed the $26.5 million second-round funding from Safeguard Scientifics Inc. and SCP Private Equity Partners II L.P.

eMake is an Internet-enabled software, system, and service solution designed specifically for small and mid-size make-to-order manufacturers with less than $50 million in annual revenue. eMake gives these discrete manufacturers the systems and services to better control their business, manufacturing, and supply chain operations without the costly investment typically incurred with traditional plant-management software and technology solutions.

The funding has been designated to support operations and customer development as well as enhancing the eMake suite of offerings, which were initially launched in Q2 of 2000 and are being expanded to selected major markets across the United States through 2001.

"The Internet is becoming an important business tool in almost every industry," says eMake President and CEO Kerry Walbridge. "This second round of funding will help bring eMake to a market segment that needs these solutions to thrive in the new Web-enabled business environment."

eMake was created in August of 1999 by combining USDATA's manufacturing and Internet expertise with the acquisition of Smart Shop Software located in Post Falls, ID. At that time, Safeguard Scientifics Inc., USDATA's primary stockholder, invested $10,000,000 in USDATA in the form of a private placement to help fund the creation and launch of eMake.

This round includes an investment by Safeguard and SCP of $26.5 million in eMake preferred stock, which is convertible into eMake common stock or USDATA preferred stock.

Edited by Jim Lardear
Managing Editor, PlantAutomation.com