Mechanix Wear Acquires Chicago Protective Apparel

Gryphon Investors Makes Strategic Investment in Mechanix Wear

August 19, 2019

Consumer Products

Gryphon Investors has signed a definitive agreement to make a significant investment in Mechanix Wear, the Valencia, California–based designer and manufacturer of high-performance work gloves. The transaction (terms not disclosed) is intended to help Gryphon build a PPE platform, accelerate Mechanix Wear's organic growth, drive product innovation, expand channels and geographies, and pursue add-on acquisitions; CEO Michael Hale will retain an ownership stake.

Mechanix Wear Acquires Kinco

June 23, 2025

Consumer Products

Mechanix Wear, a portfolio company of Gryphon Investors, has acquired Kinco, the 50-year-old family-owned maker of premium work, farm, and outdoor gloves; terms were not disclosed. Travis Kindler will remain as Kinco President and retain a minority stake; the acquisition (which includes Kinco-owned Welch suspenders) is the second add-on for the Mechanix Wear platform and is expected to broaden product offerings and channel reach.

Mechanical Power Acquires Clark Engineering

August 23, 2022

Manufacturing

Mechanical Power of Wauconda, Illinois acquired Clark Engineering of Owosso, Michigan. The strategic purchase gives Mechanical Power in-house manufacturing capabilities for rod, wire, and tube formed products—enabling vertical integration and more efficient production and distribution for its industrial parts customers. The sellers were owners Chad Heckler and Paul West; terms were not disclosed.

Blue Point Capital Partners Recapitalizes National Safety Apparel (NSA)

May 21, 2024

Manufacturing

Blue Point Capital Partners has completed a recapitalization of National Safety Apparel (NSA), a Cleveland-based manufacturer of flame-resistant clothing, electrical PPE and industrial workwear. The Grossman family will remain involved (CEO Chuck Grossman will stay in his leadership role) while Blue Point provides capital and operational resources to accelerate growth, geographic expansion and strategic M&A.

Protective Industrial Products Acquires Honeywell's Personal Protective Equipment Business

May 22, 2025

Manufacturing

Protective Industrial Products, a portfolio company of Odyssey Investment Partners, has completed the acquisition of Honeywell's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) business in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.325 billion. The deal adds well-known brands (including Howard Leight, North, Miller, Salisbury and others), expands PIP's product offering and global footprint, and represents a divestiture by Honeywell to simplify its portfolio.

Protective Industrial Products (PIP) Acquires Primax Manufacturing (Caiman Gloves)

November 17, 2020

Manufacturing

Protective Industrial Products, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, has acquired Primax Manufacturing & Trading, Inc., the maker of the Caiman high-performance glove brand, headquartered in La Mirada, California. The acquisition expands PIP's premium glove and welding/utility PPE offering and strengthens penetration with distributors serving demanding end markets.