Exciting Developments in St. Louis: Afinitas Grows its Concrete Game!
St. Louis has been buzzing with excitement lately as Afinitas makes a significant leap forward in the world of concrete pipes and precast equipment. The company recently announced the acquisition of the concrete division assets and intellectual property from the Elk River Machine Co. based in Minnesota. This strategic move comes as a result of private equity-backed Hutchinson Manufacturing LLC choosing to divest the division in pursuit of bigger opportunities in custom metal fabrication and other related areas.
What Does This Mean for Afinitas?
With this latest acquisition, Afinitas is set to expand its already impressive portfolio. The addition of the wire mesh bender and roller, cage expander, as well as wet and dry cast forms, enhances their offerings significantly. These assets are not just important—they round out the capabilities of their existing brands like HawkeyePedershaab, New Hampton Metal Fab, and Spillman Co..
A Word from the CEO
In a statement full of enthusiasm, Afinitas CEO Jason Duncan expressed, “The acquisition of ERMC’s technology, combined with our extensive offering, enables us to serve customers with an even more comprehensive selection.” This is great news for customers and contractors alike, as it means better access to advanced and reliable concrete solutions.
Commitment to Current Customers
But it’s not just about expanding the offerings; Afinitas is committed to being a trusted resource for the current ERMC customer base. In a smooth transition, Paul Gill, Senior Designer at ERMC, will be joining the Afinitas team to assist Global Vice President of Engineering, Dave Stoller, as they integrate the ERMC assets into the Afinitas family.
Insteel Industries Expands Its Reach with Another Acquisition
Meanwhile, right from Mt. Airy, North Carolina, Insteel Industries is also making waves in the construction industry. Their subsidiary, Insteel Wire Products Co., has recently purchased Engineered Wire Products located in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in a deal valued at $70 million.
Enhancing Services with New Facilities
This acquisition is more than just a financial transaction; it significantly enhances Insteel’s operational capabilities. Engineered Wire Products operates multiple facilities dedicated to wire drawing, welding, and mesh fabrication across two states: Warren, Ohio, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. They supply vital reinforcement products for cast-in-place or precast concrete, especially valuable in both residential and commercial construction.
Growth and Opportunities Ahead
Insteel Industries has reported an impressive $93.3 million in sales for the 12-month period ending September 30, showcasing their solid position in the market. CEO H.O. Woltz III highlighted the positive implications of this transaction, saying, “This move will expand our geographic footprint and bolster our competitive position in the Midwest market.”
Better Service and Cost Reduction
Furthermore, the acquisition is geared to enhance customer service capabilities and drive down costs through operational synergies. This means that customers can look forward to improved service and possibly even better pricing down the line as efficiencies kick in.
Looking Ahead
Both Afinitas and Insteel Industries are setting the stage for exciting advancements in their respective sectors of the manufacturing industry. As they grow and evolve, their enhanced capabilities will likely lead to better products and services for clients across the board. St. Louis, along with the regions served by Insteel, can expect some big improvements in the concrete and wire products markets, which are poised for growth and innovation!
