Blackwell Capital Group Acquires Custom Production Grinding

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.

Blackwell Capital Group Acquires Stack Equipment

September 30, 2021

Industrial Services

Blackwell Capital Group, a Milwaukee-based private investment firm, has acquired Stack Equipment, a Hartford, Wisconsin supplier of refurbished aerial access and material handling equipment. The seller/previous owner Jim Lenahan (via Keystone Holdings) will remain a stockholder and Stack's management and staff will stay in place as Blackwell aims to grow the business and expand its reach and services.

Production Saw and Machine Acquires Jackson Grinding Co.

December 4, 2025

Manufacturing

Clark Lake-based Production Saw and Machine has acquired Jackson Grinding Co. of Jackson, Michigan. The acquisition, driven by Jackson Grinding president Michael Alexander's planned retirement, will keep the Jackson Grinding name and location while expanding Production Saw and Machine's customer base and capabilities.

Blackwell Capital Group Acquires Advance Fittings Corp.

November 4, 2021

Manufacturing

Blackwell Capital Group, a privately held investment firm based in Milwaukee, has acquired Advance Fittings Corp., a U.S. manufacturer of stainless steel and BPE fittings. Advance Fittings' founder Edward Mentzer will retire while several existing managers (including COO Peter Mentzer and VP of Operations Dean Perona) remain in leadership and as shareholders; Blackwell said it will provide resources and expertise to support the company's growth and operations.

ARCH Global Precision (Strength Capital) Acquires American Tool Service and OrthoGrind

February 1, 2019

Manufacturing

ARCH Global Precision, a platform backed by Strength Capital Partners, has acquired American Tool Service, Inc. and OrthoGrind LLC, both headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The two businesses will join ARCH’s Cutting Tools division to expand its manufacturing and medical-instrument grinding capabilities as part of the platform’s continued add-on strategy.

Cognitive Capital Partners Acquires Grand Equipment Company from Blackford Capital

June 16, 2022

Industrial Services

Chicago-based Cognitive Capital Partners has acquired Grand Equipment Company, a Hudsonville, Michigan multi-line construction equipment dealer, from Blackford Capital. The transaction represents Blackford’s exit and positions Grand Equipment for further regional growth, expanded market share and continued investment in its rental fleet, parts and service capabilities.