Industry Pulse: Recent Acquisitions From Motion, Skolnik, Alliance Machine Systems, and more
Highlights:
- Motion acquires M.B. McKee, a family-owned Texas distributor of motion control components.
- Critical packaging provider Skolnik has been purchased by private equity firm Pelican Energy Partners.
- GoEngineer purchases Canadian 3D software reseller CAD MicroSolutions, expanding its footprint across North America.
- Alliance Machine Systems International, part of Barry-Willhelmer, has acquired J.D. Engineers B.V.
- KCooper Brands Acquires Torch Packaging to expand its Dempsey International Packaging brand
Welcome back to our regular look at who's buying who in the manufacturing equipment world. We've rounded up the latest deals that matter to your business—from major industry shakeups to smaller strategic moves.
Keeping tabs on these acquisitions helps you stay ahead of the curve—whether you're wondering about future product lines, service changes, or where prices might be heading. So grab your coffee and let's dive into the latest manufacturing acquisitions and what they mean for your equipment decisions.
Motion Acquires Texas Distributor
Motion Industries, Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts, has purchased the operating assets of M.B. McKee Company, Inc.
Established in 1943, M.B. McKee is a family-owned distributor of mechanical bearings, belts, chain, conveyor systems/components, motors, drives, and power transmission components. Its end markets include industrial, commercial equipment, agriculture, and textile.
Employing ~30 team members, the company is headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, with two locations in Amarillo and Hereford. As M.B. McKee President and majority owner Cindy Cole works to transition the business, her husband Kirk Cole (vice president, sales) and brother Mark McKee (vice president, partial owner) will continue their roles in the business after the acquisition.
Skolnik Acquired by Private Equity Firm
Skolnik Industries has been acquired by Pelican Energy Partners. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Skolnik is a manufacturer of customized industrial packaging solutions for critical contents in commercial and regulated end industries. Over the last 40 years, Skolnik has provided steel drums to domestic and international customers, including NQA-1-certified drums to the nuclear industry.
Skolnik will continue to be run by Dean Ricker, the Company's president.
"The management team is excited about Pelican's new ownership in the Company. While Skolnik's nuclear business was instrumental in Pelican's acquisition, we will continue to focus on providing the same level of service and attentiveness to all customers, regardless of sector," stated Ricker.
GoEngineer Expands North American Presence With Purchase of CAD MicroSolutions
GoEngineer, a provider of engineering design solutions, has acquired CAD MicroSolutions, a Canadian reseller of SOLIDWORKS, 3D printing technologies, and engineering services. With a focus on Dassault Systèmes products, including SOLIDWORKS, 3DEXPERIENCE, DraftSight, and Cadence, CAD MicroSolutions has built a strong foundation of trust and loyalty within the Canadian market.
Customers can expect an expanded portfolio of products, enhanced support services, and access to a broader network of resources and expertise providing them with increased opportunities for innovation.
Alliance Machine Systems International Acquires JD Engineers B.V.
Alliance Machine Systems International, a manufacturer of automated paperboard packaging equipment for corrugated boxes, has purchased JD Engineers B.V., a producer of specialty folder gluers.
“After more than 10 years of successful collaboration in Europe, Alliance and JD Engineers have decided to become part of the same business structure. This acquisition is a pivotal step in enhancing our position as a comprehensive full-range solution provider for our customers. Over the last 25 years, JD Engineers has established itself as a strong, reliable, innovative, and dynamic company in the corrugated and folding carton industry. Their success is due to the enthusiasm and hard work of the entire team, as well as the constant focus on innovation and quality. Those values align perfectly with our mission, enabling us to deliver unparalleled service and optimized one-stop equipment and services for all folding and gluing applications alongside our other product lines. The entire JD Engineers team will remain in place, continue to grow and develop state-of-the-art equipment, with additional global engineering, sales, and customer care support from Alliance Machine Systems alongside the Alliance J&L product line,” said Alliance Machine Systems International President Marius Batrin.
In 2015, Alliance was acquired by Barry-Wehmiller, the 139-year-old, $3.6 billion global capital equipment and engineering solutions firm led by CEO Bob Chapman and President Kyle Chapman.
KCooper Brands Acquires Torch Packaging to Expand Dempsey International Packaging
KCooper Brands, Inc., a global leader in supply chain development and business solutions, has purchased Torch Packaging, LLC's customer and vendor portfolio.
Torch Packaging's portfolio will be integrated into KCooper Brands' Dempsey International Packaging division, enhancing the division's capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the packaging industry.
"The Torch Packaging portfolio perfectly complements the vision and goals of our Dempsey International Packaging division. This addition will empower our team to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional value while strengthening partnerships and expanding our reach within the packaging industry," said George W. Dempsey, CEO and Chairman of KCooper Brands.
As part of the acquisition, Hemang Mehta, CEO of Torch Packaging, will join the advisory board of KCooper Brands. In his new role, Mr. Mehta will provide strategic guidance to drive growth and innovation, particularly within the Dempsey International Packaging division.