Colson Group Holdings Announces Acquisition of ARBCO Industries, LLC

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Colson Group Holdings Announces Acquisition of ARBCO Industries, LLC

Oakbrook, Ill., June 30, 2023 – Colson Group, the leading global manufacturer of casters and wheels, is pleased to announce the acquisition of ARBCO Industries, LLC (ARBCO). ARBCO has been in business for 56 years in Export, PA and is the leading North American manufacturer of phenolic wheels. This acquisition expands Colson Group’s product offerings and strengthens its USA manufacturing footprint.

Paul Hauck, former owner of ARBCO Industries, LLC, will become Director of Operations for ARBCO at Colson Group. “We are excited to join the Colson Group and to bring our expertise in phenolic wheels to their already impressive portfolio,” said Paul Hauck. “This acquisition will allow us to better serve our customers and provide them with even more high-quality products.”

Richard Kobor, CEO of Colson Group, added, “We are happy to welcome ARBCO Industries into the Colson family. The material handling industry knows ARBCO makes the best phenolic wheels. ARBCO’s acquisition allows Colson to expand its industry leading portfolio of wheels, drive additional US manufacturing, and provide an even broader range of solutions to customers.”

Under the umbrella of Colson Group Holdings, ARBCO Industries will continue to provide exceptional products and services to new and existing customers. With this acquisition, Colson Group continues to strengthen its position as the market leader, well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of its customers across the globe.

About Colson Group
Colson Group, with its globally recognized brands, is renowned for creating innovative solutions that empower various industries with specialized mobility options. With a comprehensive product portfolio and a well-established global value chain, Colson Group ensures unparalleled efficiencies and support for its customers. Employing over 1,600 professionals across 26 state-of-the-art facilities worldwide, the company remains steadfast in its dedication to its customers’ success.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

Todd Ohme

Corporate Director of Marketing

todd.ohme@colsongroup.com

269.769.879

Colson Group Announces Expansion in Arizona to Better Serve Customers

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Colson Group Announces Expansion in Arizona to Better Serve Customers

Oakbrook Terrace, IL, June 22,2023 – Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel solutions, is excited to unveil its latest strategic move to better serve its customers with the establishment of a new distribution center in Phoenix, Arizona.

The decision to expand operations into Arizona reflects Colson Group’s unwavering dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its valued customers. Situated in a prime industrial area, the facility will serve as a hub for efficient storage, distribution, and fulfillment operations. This brings enhanced convenience and reliability to customers in the western region.

“The opening of our new warehouse and distribution center in Arizona signifies our commitment to better meet the needs of our customers,” commented Rich Kobor, CEO at Colson Group. “This strategic expansion allows us to strengthen our supply chain capabilities, and foster growth in the region. By doing so, we aim to deliver prompt order fulfillment, reduced lead times, and ultimately elevate overall customer satisfaction.”

About Colson Group
Colson Group, with its globally recognized brands, is renowned for creating innovative solutions that empower various industries with specialized mobility options. With a comprehensive product portfolio and a well-established global value chain, Colson Group ensures unparalleled efficiencies and support for its customers. Employing over 1,600 professionals across 25 state-of-the-art facilities worldwide, the company remains steadfast in its dedication to its customers’ success.

Press Contact:

Todd Ohme

Corporate Director of Marketing

todd.ohme@colsongroup.com

269.769.8798

Colson Group Announces Sale of Colson Brazil Business to Schioppa Casters and Wheels

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Colson Group Announces Sale of Colson Brazil Business to Schioppa Casters and Wheels

OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL., May 3, 2023— Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel product solutions, announces their divestiture of Colson Do Brazil to Schioppa Casters and Wheels, the largest caster and wheel manufacturer in Latin America.

“This sale will streamline our global operations and allow us to focus on our core businesses,” said Richard Kobor, CEO of Colson Group. “We would like to thank the entire Colson Brazil team for their efforts in building a strong and prosperous business and wish them all the best for their future.”

In November, 2021 Colson announced an all-employee Equity Ownership Program designed to share our success of increasing the value of the Colson Group. Since that announcement, the value of the Colson Group has increased, due in part to the success and hard work by the Colson Brazil team. Therefore, with this divesture each employee in Brazil, with at least one year of service, will receive a payout from this program, which on average will be slightly less than two months of total compensation.

“Our commitment to share our success with the employees at Colson Brazil reinforces our belief that our employees make our company what it is, and we want all of them to share in our success”, Mr. Kobor concluded.

“We are excited to welcome the Colson Brazil business to the Schioppa Casters and Wheels family,” said Mario Schioppa, CEO of Schioppa Casters and Wheels.

About Colson Group

Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and proprietary global value chain delivery unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 25 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success.

About Schioppa Casters and Wheels

Schioppa is globally positioned to meet the world’s caster and wheel requirements. Schioppa has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility where dedicated engineering and manufacturing teams create some of the world’s finest casters.

Colson Group Acquires Finnish Caster Manufacturer Manner

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OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL., February 8th, 2023— Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel product solutions, announces their acquisition of Manner, a Hanko-based caster manufacturer.

“We are excited to be joining Colson Group, the largest manufacturer and distributor of caster and wheel products in the world,” said Tapio Manner, Chairman of the Board. “Since my family started Manner over 130 years ago, we have grown to become the leading caster manufacturer in the Nordic countries, with a reputation for quality and reliable service to our long-standing customers. I am confident that together with Colson Group, a company that shares our values and commitment to excellence, Manner will continue its long tradition of outstanding production in Hanko for many years to come.”

Manner is a Finnish company that specializes in the design, manufacturing and marketing of casters and caster solutions. Manner is a market leader in the design and manufacturing of more than 2,000 different casters for a variety of applications. Manner’s range includes equipment casters, medical casters, and casters for applications in logistics and in industry.

“We are pleased to have found a trusted partner in Colson Group, with its own long history of business excellence,” said Jukka Immonen, Managing Director of Manner. “I look forward to continuing Manner’s legacy of strong performance and unparalleled commitment to its customers, suppliers and employees.”

“Under the leadership and care of the Manner family, Manner has earned a reputation and track record of quality and reliability, as a leader in the design and manufacture of medical casters,” said Richard Kobor, CEO of Colson Group. “We are proud to welcome Manner to the Colson Group and to support the company’s longstanding leading position in the Nordic region. Across the world, Colson Group’s portfolio brands and products are known for their quality, safety, and innovation, and Manner will continue to excel under our new partnership.”

About Manner
Manner is a traditional family-owned company founded in 1890. Manner has over 80 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of a variety of caster products. The first Manner casters were manufactured in the 1930s, and since 1974, the company has focused exclusively on caster products. Today Manner’s products are used worldwide in demanding environments where quality, reliability and design are required.

About Colson Group
Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and proprietary global value chain delivery unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 25 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success.

Colson Group Launches New Regent High Volume Program

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OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL., December 9th, 2022— Colson Group, the leader in caster and wheel products, announces the launch of their Shepherd brand Regent High Volume program. Customers are now able to have Regent High Volume orders shipped within 2 weeks following the purchase.

Customers can order any combination of wheels and casters up to 10,000 at a time through the new 2-week High Volume program. Multiple fastenings and wheel types exist for the Regent series, providing customers with great flexibility of both style and usage. This new program gives customers a competitive edge in a world where fast shipping is essential to business.

“Colson Group has made a significant investment in inventory as well as modern robotic assembly equipment to leverage our ability to fill large orders in 10 days with high quality products proudly made in the USA” said Brian Crain, Colson Group Product Manager.

Shepherd Regent casters are USA-made with steel rigs for increased strength and durability. These casters have RoHS compliant zinc plating for corrosion resistance and are great for many applications, including in industries like medical, food service, office, janitorial and more.

With all the Regent caster variations and applications, you’ll be sure to find the perfect caster for your business. Ensure that you receive the best quality, value, and delivery for your mobility needs with the Shepherd Regent High Volume program.

Speed up your high-volume orders with the industry leading Regent selection. Learn more about the new Regent High Volume program by getting in contact with Colson Group today.

About Colson Group: Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands, such as Shepherd, provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and global value chain deliver unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 25 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success, ensuring proper products are selected or designed from the start, and always keeping the end-users’ safety, efficiency, and happiness in mind.

Colson Group Completes New State of The Art Manufacturing Facility in Jonesboro Arkansas

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JONESBORO, Ark. (December 6, 2022) – Colson Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of standard and custom application caster and wheel products, recently completed the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Jonesboro Arkansas. Through investments in the new facility, Colson has expanded its production and improved the working environment for its employees.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to reinvest and expand our operations; at the same time continuing our association with the great people and community of Jonesboro.  This expansion opportunity increases our USA manufacturing capabilities and enables us to better support our customers’ needs.” said Joe Bigelow, Vice President of Operations, Colson Group USA.

The new 146,640 square foot facility sits on a 25-acre site located in the Craighead Technology Park. Plating, welding, and stamping investments have exponentially increased production efficiency and output. It has also provided Colson Group with new delivery capabilities due to shorter delivery times for products manufactured and shipped directly from the U.S. rather than internationally.

“The decision to reinvest in Jonesboro and build a new state-of-the-art facility shows Colson’s continued commitment to our city,” said Mark Young, president of Jonesboro Unlimited.  “It demonstrates that we have the infrastructure and workforce that allows companies to have success for decades.”

 Brasfield & Gorrie, one of the nation’s largest privately held construction firms, provided design-build services for the project.

“Colson Group has made a significant investment with the construction of this new facility,” said Brasfield & Gorrie Vice President and Division Manager David Gordon. “By opting for the design-build process, Colson Group maximized the project’s value. This process allows us to work hand-in-hand with the designer, which helps keep the project on budget and on time.”

This new plant gives employees a more work suitable and up to date environment and has increased production capabilities. Popular casters can now be produced even faster, and the facility is now capable of assembling a wider range of low volume and special caster products.

About Colson Group

Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands, such as Colson Caster, provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and global value chain deliver unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 25 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success, ensuring proper products are selected or designed from the start, and always keeping the end-users’ safety, efficiency, and happiness in mind.

For more information, please visit https://colsongroupusa.stg.colsongroup.com

About Brasfield & Gorrie

Founded in 1964, Brasfield & Gorrie is one of the nation’s largest privately held construction firms, providing general contracting, design-build, and construction management services for a wide variety of markets. We are skilled in construction best practices, including virtual design and construction, integrated project delivery, and Lean construction, but we are best known for our preconstruction and self-perform expertise and exceptional client service. Brasfield & Gorrie has 13 offices and more than 3,500 employees. Our 2021 revenues were $4.2 billion. Engineering News-Record ranks Brasfield & Gorrie 24th among the nation’s “Top 400 Contractors” for 2022.

Colson Group Launches New Line of Maintenance Free Casters

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OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL., November 30, 2022— Colson Group, the leader in caster and wheel products, announces their Albion brand launch of a new line of Maintenance Free casters. The new 28 and 38 Series casters are designed for improved ergonomics, long life, and quiet mobility.

The new Maintenance Free casters are equipped with a sealed precision swivel bearing. This makes it so they never require a preventative maintenance schedule, which reduces downtime and increases efficiency. They also feature wheel options such as polyurethane, rubber, and nylon, to fit your specific hand push or towing requirements.

The 28 and 38 Series casters extended leads significantly reduces push / pull force. This increases the safety and effectiveness of equipment operators. Their ease of use helps to prevent employee injuries and provides the performance customers require to keep their business rolling safely and easily.

“With the newly designed 28 and 38 series, maintenance free also means worry-free and helps provide an injury free workplace,” said Scott Fisher, Director of Heavy Duty Vertical Sales.

As a world leader in design and production, Albion is proud to manufacture some of the highest quality made in the USA casters in the market. To stand by their quality and performance, Albion brand’s new line of Maintenance Free 28 and 38 Series casters are backed by a 5-year warranty guarantee.

Maintenance-free casters are designed for harsh industrial environments. The consistent performance of these casters makes a great choice for industries like automotive, warehousing, tow-lines, AGV’s, hospitals and more.

Reduce your replacement costs and injuries, while enhancing your manufacturing efficiency with Maintenance Free casters. Learn more about Maintenance Free casters and their ergonomic and economic benefits by getting in contact with Colson Group today.

About Colson Group: Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands, such as Albion, provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and global value chain deliver unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 25 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success, ensuring proper products are selected or designed from the start, and always keeping the end-users’ safety, efficiency, and happiness in mind.

About Albion: Since Albion’s founding in 1947, they have become The Caster Experts and are one of the most recognized names in the material handling industry. Albion does more than just sell wheels and casters; they deliver custom-engineered, reliable solutions for the most challenging material handling problems. As a brand of Colson Group, you can be sure Albion will have the resources to service and supply your needs.

Colson Group Makes All Employees an Owner with New Employee Ownership Program

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OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL., April 5th, 2022—Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, has unveiled a new equity participation program which grants employees shares in the company and encourages employees to “act like owners.” Chief Executive Officer Rich Kobor announced that the organization will provide this opportunity to all Colson employees worldwide at an employee appreciation event held at the construction site of the new Colson Group facility in Jonesboro, AR.

“We are working to create a culture of ownership and transparency,” said Kobor. “Our employees make our company what it is, and we want all of them to better share in our success. Our goal is to inspire our employees to act like owners, so that they have a stake in our company’s growth and a voice in our direction.”

The program, which is being structured and implemented in partnership with non-profit Ownership Works, aligns with Colson Group’s interest in creating and developing a strong culture of pride and engagement among its employees. The program aims to encourage employees to take greater responsibility for their work at the company by aligning the interests of both the company and the individual.

“Importantly, we believe this program could make a meaningful difference in the lives of our employees and their families, while driving increased value for Colson,” said David Wells, Chief Human Resources Officer.

This approach is based on the conviction that employees are significantly more likely to personally identify with their company if they own a part of it. Employee co-owners are more motivated and committed, willing to assume responsibility, and contribute to their company’s long-term success.

Colson Group is a portfolio company of Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC, New York-based private equity firm that builds stronger businesses by combining financial and operational discipline with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

About Colson Group:
Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and proprietary global value chain delivery unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 25 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success, ensuring proper products are selected or designed from the start, and always keeping the end-users’ safety, efficiency, and happiness in mind.

Press Contact: Eric Gorte
Phone: 989-859-1864
Email: Eric.Gorte@ColsonGroup.com

Introducing: Defender D4 Stainless Steel Casters

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INTRODUCING:
Defender D4 Stainless Steel Casters

Introducing the Defender D4 Series, our strongest and latest advancement in 2″ wide stainless steel kingpin casters. Featuring a robust 3/4″ kingpin construction, Defender D4 rigs outlasted traditional 5/8″ kingpin rigs by up to 2x in internal durability testing—making the Defender D4 your best protection in corrosive environments!

The D4 Series provides an array of solutions ideal for customers requiring lasting performance and corrosion resistance. Constructed from 1/4″ thick Type 304 stainless steel, this new caster series provides a critical defense to applications exposed to washdowns, cleaning agents, steam, caustic solutions, and other environmental conditions that eventually cause oxidation and failure in carbon steel casters.

Below you will find helpful resources to learn more about this new series and even grab CAD models or datasheets.

What makes the Defender D4 unique? 

  • Highly polished Type 304 stainless steel construction
  • 1/4” Thick top plate & legs; legs precision welded to yoke
  • 3/4” Diameter kingpin for durability and long life
  • Food grade performance grease (-40°F to 600°F; FDA approved)
  • Up to 1,250 lb. capacities; 4″-8″ sizes
  • 3-Year warranty
  • NSF listed

 

D4 LITERATURE

Part Numbers & Specifications:  View and download the Colson Defender D4 literature to see the complete product offering.

D4cover

 

WEBSITE + CAD

CAD Models & Datasheets:  Native Defender D4 CAD caster models and 3D interactive datasheets are readily available for download online or on our Caster CAD 3D app. Visit www.colsoncaster.com/D4 and simply change the wheel type to your desired wheel, update the CAD model preview, and download the CAD model/datasheet.

cads

​​ Will the Defender D4 replace any other legacy Colson Group series? 

The Defender D4 importantly allows Colson Group to optimize its 2″ wide premium stainless steel lines into one power-house offering that delivers best-in-class construction, performance, and competitiveness. Previously fragmented inventories across five brands will be consolidated and enhanced under the Defender D4 program to provide reliable, high levels of service for your stainless requirements. Legacy stainless caster series that will be retired and replaced by the new Defender D4 include: Colson 4 Series SS; Albion 05 Series; Jarvis S81/S82; MedCaster SS; and Bassick Prism SS Series. Please contact your Regional Sales Manager with any questions regarding these product transitions.

Colson Group Announces Strategic Acquisition by Blue Wolf Capital Partners

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLSON GROUP ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC ACQUISITION BY BLUE WOLF CAPITAL PARTNERS
Aligned philosophies and vision for increasing customer value and accelerating global growth

 

OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL., March 1, 2021 — Colson Group, a global leader in caster and wheel product solutions, today announced its acquisition by Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC (“Blue Wolf”).

“We are excited to partner with Blue Wolf, a firm that shares our philosophies and vision for Colson Group,” stated Tom Blashill, CEO of Colson Group. “While our strong global brands and experienced team attracted substantial investor attention, Blue Wolf differentiated themselves. Their expertise and deep understanding of industrial businesses and customer channels will be a tremendous asset in our plans for operational and service excellence. Blue Wolf appreciates the work completed so far in our global transformation and their skillset and strategy will help accelerate it with further investments in domestic manufacturing, service technologies, and product solutions that continue to separate us from the competition.”

Blue Wolf is a New York-based private equity firm that builds stronger businesses by combining financial and operational discipline with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The firm works closely with management to create value at companies in specialty sectors including niche manufacturing, industrial & engineering services, forest & building products and healthcare services.

“Our experience building best-in-class industrial manufacturing companies positions Blue Wolf well to support Colson Group in accelerating growth and enhancing its current market position and manufacturing strategy,” said Adam Blumenthal, Managing Partner of Blue Wolf Capital Partners. “We are excited to partner with Tom Blashill and the Colson Group management team to provide the necessary capital and resources to drive long-term growth opportunities for the company and its customers. We look forward to building on Colson Group’s rich legacy of product solutions and long-standing business relationships with our commitment to organizational and operational excellence.”

Former owner Sentinel Capital Partners sold Colson Group to Blue Wolf after acquiring the company in 2012. Prior to Sentinel, the company was held by Robert Pritzker who acquired the Colson caster brand in 1953 and built it into the worldwide caster leader that is now Colson Group.

About Colson Group (www.ColsonGroup.com): Colson Group, a global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and proprietary global value chain deliver unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 30 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success, ensuring proper products are selected or designed from the start, and always keeping the end-users’ safety, efficiency, and happiness in mind.

About Blue Wolf Capital Partners: Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC is a private equity firm that specializes in control investments in middle market companies. Leading by experience, and with a commitment to excellence, Blue Wolf transforms companies strategically, operationally and collaboratively. Blue Wolf manages challenging situations and complex relationships between business, customers, employees, unions, and regulators to build value for stakeholders. For additional information, please visit www.bluewolfcapital.com.

 

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