Sak Abrasives Inc. Acquires Jowitt & Rodgers Co.

Airbrasive, LLC Acquires Airbrasive Jet Technologies from Sundara Partners

March 31, 2025

Manufacturing

Airbrasive, LLC of Green Lane, Pennsylvania completed the acquisition of Airbrasive Jet Technologies from Sundara Partners. The private investment will fund product-line investment and expansion of manufacturing capacity, with Airbrasive relocating to a 100,000 sq. ft. Green Lane facility owned by the buyer’s principal investors.

Willis & Smith Capital Acquires R&B Grinding

February 7, 2022

Manufacturing

Willis & Smith Capital, a Plano-based private equity firm, acquired R&B Grinding, a Racine, Wisconsin-based manufacturer of precision machined components; the transaction closed on February 1, 2022. The Biddle Family sold the business and will retain certain senior managers, while Willis & Smith named operating partner Gene Simon as CEO to support the company's next growth phase and continuity for employees and customers.

Tyrolit Acquires Acme Abrasives

October 6, 2023

Manufacturing

The Tyrolit Group acquired all outstanding stock of Acme Holding Company (Acme Abrasives) at the end of September 2023, adding a U.S. manufacturing plant in Michigan to Tyrolit’s global abrasive solutions footprint. The acquisition expands Tyrolit’s product portfolio and strengthens its position in key end markets including steel, foundry and rail.

Vibrantz Technologies Acquires Micro Abrasives Corporation

August 30, 2024

Manufacturing

Vibrantz Technologies has acquired Micro Abrasives Corporation, a U.S.-based manufacturer of specialty calcined alumina used in automotive refinishing, optics polishing and industrial lapping. Micro Abrasives, which employs about 50 people across facilities in Westfield, Massachusetts and Alexandria, Louisiana, will operate as part of Vibrantz’s Advanced Materials segment to expand capabilities and end-market exposure (including semiconductors, optics and automotive).

BlackHawk Industrial Acquires J&S Tool Inc

February 5, 2020

Industrial Services

BlackHawk Industrial, a US-based industrial distributor, has acquired J&S Tool Inc., a cutting-tool distributor, manufacturer and reconditioner located in O'Fallon, Missouri. The acquisition expands BlackHawk's distribution and manufacturing footprint in the St. Louis and Southern Illinois markets and adds precision reconditioning and manufacturing capabilities; financial terms were not disclosed.

Willis & Smith Capital Acquires J&E Manufacturing (with First Capital Partners financing)

July 14, 2022

Manufacturing

Willis & Smith Capital acquired J&E Manufacturing LLC (and affiliate J&E Coatings LLC), with mezzanine debt and a minority equity investment from First Capital Partners supporting the transaction. The deal brings J&E into the same corporate umbrella as Willis & Smith portfolio company R&B Grinding, increasing manufacturing capacity and capabilities across the U.S. and Mexico.