Jason Industries, Inc. has completed a transaction to acquire DRONCO GmbH, a European manufacturer of abrasives. DRONCO becomes an integral part of Jason Finishing Group, a Jason business unit and global producer of technical and maintenance brushes, polishing tools and compounds. The Jason Finishing Group portfolio includes brands such as Osborn, JacksonLea, Lippert-Unipol and Sealeze. The deal allows Jason Finishing Group to enter a targeted and faster growing $6 billion abrasives market segment, according to a spokesperson.
DRONCO's full range, which includes cutting, grinding and abrasive discs, diamond tools, ceramic abrasives, sandpapers and technical brushes, is a complement to Jason Finishing Group's product catalog. "The acquisition opens Jason Finishing Group products to customers and distribution channels where it currently has a limited presence, while allowing the company to become a one-stop shop within the finishing industry," said the spokesperson.
Immediately, DRONCO products will be embedded into Jason Finishing Group's global sales and logistics network, thereby making the DRONCO line available to a broader market. Geographically, DRONCO's product portfolio will be distributed to global markets, with a focus on further expansion in Europe and North America. To support North American sales growth, logistics and distribution of DRONCO products will be added at Jason Finishing Group's Richmond, IN, facility by the end of 2015. In 2016, DRONCO will be expanded into emerging markets to meet increased demand for abrasives in developing and growing economies.
Jason intends to maintain DRONCO's Wunsiedel, Germany, site as the primary manufacturing and R&D center for bonded products. In addition to its Wunsiedel site, DRONCO has three subsidiaries in UK, Sweden and France.
"DRONCO recently introduced a next-generation line of cutting and grinding discs with a lifespan that is three times that of its counterparts," said the spokesperson. "Through the acquisition of DRONCO, Jason Finishing Group expects there to be a sharing of technologies that will lead to the development of innovative new products for Osborn and other brands within the Jason Finishing Group portfolio."
For more information contact:
Jason Industries, Inc.
411 E. Wisconsin Ave., Suite 2100
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-277-9300
www.jasoninc.com
DRONCO GmbH
www.dronco.com