Premix and Quantum Composites acquired by investment firms

Premix, a North Kingsville, Ohio, based manufacturer of thermoset composite materials and custom-moulded components, will combine with another Highlander / Capstone company, Hadlock Plastics LLC of Geneva, Ohio, a custom moulder and finisher of engineered composite products.

The combined enterprise will offer customers a full range of engineering and manufacturing processes, from prototype through to production.

Hadlock Plastics President Terry Morgan will lead the combined company as CEO, and Premix Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tom Meola will assume an expanded role as COO for the new company, which will maintain its three existing facilities and workforce in Ohio and Michigan.

The new enterprise has 430 employees and a manufacturing capacity of more than 500 000 ft2.

“The drive to replace traditional manufacturing materials such as metal and wood with superior-performing, corrosion-resistant, high-strength-to-weight ratio composites is creating new opportunities in a broad range of industries, including aerospace, alternative energy, medical, electrical, HVAC, transportation, defence, construction, and industrial equipment,” says Morgan. “Our complementary skills, technologies and manufacturing processes will broaden and deepen our capabilities, positioning us to capitalise on this growing trend.”

“The new company brings together seasoned engineering teams, experienced, dedicated employees, and a highly motivated sales force who will continue to serve their customers in diverse industries,” adds Meola. “We are eager to build upon the strengths of these longstanding and well-regarded thermoset companies as we expand into more markets and in more areas of the world.”

Premix's products include sheet moulding compound (SMC), bulk moulding compound (BMC) and thick moulding compound (TMC). The company also offers compression, injection and transfer moulding services to customers worldwide. Quantum Composites, Bay City, Michigan, USA, specialises in developing sheet moulding compounds and related services. Hadlock Plastics offers multiple composite molding technologies, including compression moulding, open moulding, resin transfer moulding (RTM) and RTM Light as well as machining, finishing and assembly services.

Highlander Partners is a Dallas-based private investment firm focusing on making investments in middle market businesses in targeted industries. Highlander Partners has established a strategic alliance with Capstone Capital Partners of Cleveland.