Shepherd Hardware Enters Definitive Agreement to Acquire Parker & Bailey, Expanding Product Portfolio and Market Reach

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shepherd Hardware Enters Definitive Agreement to Acquire Parker & Bailey, Expanding Product Portfolio and Market Reach

Three Oaks, MI, March 15, 2024 – Shepherd Hardware, a leading provider of hardware solutions for residential and commercial applications, proudly announces the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Parker & Bailey, a distinguished manufacturer of specialty household cleaners, premium woodcare products, and other furniture care accessories.

“At Shepherd Hardware, we are committed to providing our customers with high quality products and services,” stated Ken Buffinga, GM of Shepherd Hardware. “The acquisition of Parker & Bailey is an opportunity to complement, expand and enhance our offerings and deliver greater value to existing and new customers. We are pleased to welcome Parker & Bailey into the Shepherd Hardware family.”

“We are excited to join forces with Shepherd Hardware,” said Andrew Schultz, co-owner of Parker & Bailey. “This partnership represents a natural progression for our company, allowing us to leverage Shepherd Hardware’s resources and distribution network to reach new heights. Together, we will continue to uphold our tradition of delivering superior home care solutions.”

“At Parker & Bailey, we take pride in our ability to operate as a lean and agile company while delivering the level of service expected from a larger enterprise,” added Bill Schultz, co-owner of Parker & Bailey. “Our commitment to excellence, coupled with Shepherd Hardware’s support, positions us for continued success in the years to come.”

As a subsidiary of Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel solutions, Shepherd Hardware is well-positioned to leverage its global footprint and extensive distribution network for continued growth of Parker & Bailey products and brands. The acquisition aligns with Shepherd Hardware’s strategic vision of expanding its market reach and delivering exceptional products and services to customers worldwide.

Parker & Bailey

Parker & Bailey has a storied history dating back to 1879, from its humble beginning as a small business in Maine to its current status as a respected industry leader. Owned and operated by brothers Bill and Andrew Schultz since 2008, Parker & Bailey’s dedication to innovative and superior surface care products aligns seamlessly with Shepherd Hardware’s mission.

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.

For more information about Shepherd Hardware, visit shepherdhardware.com. To learn more about Parker & Bailey, please visit parkerbailey.com.

Shepherd Hardware represented by Husch Blackwell LLP

Parker & Bailey represented by Aramar Capital Group and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP

Press Contact:
Todd Ohme
Corporate Director of Marketing
[email protected]
269.769.8798

Leading Global Enterprise Data Storage Provider

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Leading Global Enterprise Data Storage Provider

Background Customer was facing several critical supply chain challenges for casters used on data storage racks:
  • Extended Lead Time: Current suppliers struggled to maintain production lead times to meet on-going customer demand requirements
  • Multiple caster SKUs were being used on various rack types
  • Customer has stringent internal testing requirements that are above current industry standards
  • Customer has various load capacity and load height requirements along with a mounting configuration that is non-standard
Objectives
  • Reduce Lead Times: Minimize the time between placing an order and receiving components.
  • Efficient SKU Management: Identify any of the existing caster SKU’s that could be used across the customer’s product lines.
  • Maintain Quality: Ensure compliance with testing requirements without compromising on product quality.
Solution Colson Group engaged with customer engineering teams to review, analyze, and design casters to meet the customer’s criteria and objectives.
  • Modified existing standard caster offering to reduce production lead times, meet customer testing requirements, load capacity, height constraints and mounting configuration
  • Identified one caster SKU that could be paired with other caster SKU’s used across the customers product line, resulting in reductions of both the number of SKU’s and inventory requirements
Results
  • Lead Time Reduction: By modifying existing products with minimal tooling changes rather than a completely new design will allow for lead time reduction of up to 20%
  • SKU Efficiency: Rationalizing SKUs will lead to a 25% reduction in inventory needs
  • Quality Assurance: Casters passed all of the customer internal testing requirements, Colson Group on-going QC processes put in place to maintain quality standards.
Colson Group was able to engage and work with the customer to identify, evaluate, and design a solution that met or exceeded customer requirements.

 

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.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.

Potential Hires

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Colson has become aware of a fraudulent effort to defraud individuals with illegitimate offers of employment asking for personal information. For information regarding actual open positions at Colson Group, and to apply for employment with Colson, use the careers section of this website. Colson will never ask for banking information prior to accepted employment. https://secure4.entertimeonline.com/ta/6142183.careers?CareersSearch

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: [email protected]

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.