Exciting News in St. Louis: Afinitas Expands its Concrete Portfolio

Exciting News in St. Louis: Afinitas Expands its Concrete Portfolio

Hey, concrete aficionados! Big things are happening in St. Louis as Afinitas, a prominent player in the concrete pipe and precast equipment industry, has just announced a thrilling new development. In a bold move to enhance its offerings, Afinitas has officially acquired the concrete division assets and intellectual property from Elk River Machine Co. based out of Minnesota. This strategic acquisition marks a significant expansion of their already impressive lineup of machinery and accessories.

A New Chapter for Elk River Machine Co.

You might be wondering about the reasons behind this acquisition. Well, the private equity-backed Hutchinson Manufacturing LLC decided to divest this division to focus on their core expertise in custom metal fabrication and related contract work. This means that they are transitioning to other areas while paving the way for Afinitas to step up and offer a more robust suite of products.

What does this mean for Afinitas? With the transaction, they’re not just gaining equipment; they are adding some exciting new tools to their arsenal. Afinitas is bringing in a variety of new offerings including a wire mesh bender and roller, a cage expander, wET and dry cast forms, as well as retaining wall formwork into their already solid portfolio led by renowned brands like HawkeyePedershaab, New Hampton Metal Fab, and Spillman Co.

A Message from Leadership

Afinitas CEO, Jason Duncan, believes this acquisition is a game-changer. “The acquisition of ERMC’s technology, combined with our extensive offering, enables us to serve customers with an even more comprehensive selection,” he said excitedly. He also added that they are committed to being a trusted resource for the existing customer base of Elk River Machine Co., as they transition into this new chapter.

The Integration Team

As part of the acquisition, Paul Gill, a senior designer from ERMC, will be joining the Afinitas team. He’ll be working alongside Dave Stoller, the Global Vice President of Engineering, to ensure a smooth integration of the newly acquired assets. If you’re curious about this integration process or want to connect with Dave, you can reach him at 319/394-2218 or via email at [email protected].

Insteel Industries Takes Major Steps Forward

Insteel Industries has made headlines of its own by acquiring Engineered Wire Products (EWP) in a stunning $70 million asset transaction. EWP, based in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, brings a wealth of experience with facilities dedicated to wire drawing, welding, and mesh fabrication in multiple locations like Warren, Ohio and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Expanding Horizons

Insteel’s new acquisition focuses on reinforcement products crucial for both residential and non-residential construction, and they reported an impressive $93.3 million in sales for the twelve-month period ending September 30. Talk about growth!

According to Insteel Industries CEO, H.O. Woltz III, this acquisition will not only expand their geographic reach but also strengthen their competitive edge in the Midwest market. “This move will expand our geographic footprint and bolster our competitive position in the Midwest market,” he stated. “The acquisition of EWP will enhance our customer service capabilities and drive down costs through operational synergies.”

What’s Next?

As we watch these exciting developments unfold, it’s clear that both Afinitas and Insteel Industries are positioning themselves for tremendous growth in the vital construction sector. We’re all eagerly waiting to see how these strategic actions positively impact their customers and the broader industry.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to track these dynamic businesses and their innovations in concrete and wire products!