Afinitas Expands with Exciting Acquisition in St. Louis
St. Louis is buzzing with good news! Afinitas, a well-known name in the concrete pipe and precast equipment industry, has just deepened its lineup of products and machinery by acquiring the concrete division assets and intellectual property of Elk River Machine Co. This acquisition is part of Afinitas’ ambitious strategy to enhance its offerings and support its customers better than ever.
A Bright New Chapter for Afinitas
So, what does this mean for customers and the industry? Well, it’s pretty exciting. Afinitas purchased the concrete division from Hutchinson Manufacturing LLC, which decided to divest this segment to focus on custom metal fabrication and contract work. Consequently, this transition enables Afinitas to add cutting-edge technology to its already impressive suite of products.
Among the new machinery and equipment brought into the fold are a wire mesh bender and roller, a cage expander, and both wet and dry cast forms. Not to mention, it also includes retaining wall formwork offerings. This acquisition seamlessly fits into Afinitas’ established brands, which include HawkeyePedershaab, New Hampton Metal Fab, and Spillman Co.
What the Leadership is Saying
The CEO of Afinitas, Jason Duncan, expressed his enthusiasm about this recent acquisition, stating, “The acquisition of ERMC’s technology, combined with our extensive offering, enables us to serve customers with an even more comprehensive selection.”
Moreover, Duncan emphasized the company’s commitment to the existing customer base of Elk River Machine Co., saying they look forward to supporting them as a trusted resource.
Welcoming New Talent
In a lovely twist, Paul Gill, the Senior Designer from ERMC, will be joining the Afinitas team. He will work alongside Dave Stoller, the Global Vice President of Engineering, to integrate ERMC’s assets into Afinitas smoothly. With their combined experience, customers can expect an even higher caliber of service!
Insteel Industries Expands Horizons
But that’s not all the exciting news coming from the Midwest! Insteel Industries also made headlines recently by acquiring Engineered Wire Products (EWP) in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. This deal totaled a whopping $70 million and is set to significantly impact Insteel’s operations.
Strengthening Together
Insteel Wire Products Co., a subsidiary of Insteel Industries, operates from Mt. Airy, North Carolina. The purchase allows Insteel to tap into EWP’s wire drawing, welding, and mesh fabrication facilities located in Warren, Ohio and Las Cruces, New Mexico. These facilities primarily supply reinforcement products for both residential and nonresidential construction.
With sales hitting $93.3 million for the year ending September 30, EWP brings a robust revenue stream and operational expertise to the table. Insteel’s CEO, H.O. Woltz III, noted, “This move will expand our geographic footprint and bolster our competitive position in the Midwest market.”
A Win-Win Situation
Woltz further added that acquiring EWP would enhance their customer service capabilities and help drive down costs through operational synergies. Sounds like a win-win situation for everyone involved!
As we watch these companies grow and evolve, it’s exciting to think about the innovation and improvements they will bring to the concrete and wire industries. With the right leadership and vision, Afinitas and Insteel Industries are well on their way to shaping the future of construction.
