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Kennedy Manufacturing purchased by JVA Partners

RP news wires, Noria Corporation

JVA Partners has acquired Kennedy Manufacturing Company of Van Wert, Ohio. Kennedy manufactures industrial tool storage products and medical carts.

 

In the first half of 2005, Kennedy had emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The 100-year-old manufacturer had been hit hard by a tough manufacturing economy, global competition and tighter requirements with its bankers. It also faced rising steel prices.

 

JVA Partners is a strategic investment company that has acquired a number of manufacturing companies throughout the Midwest. One of its holdings, HMC Holdings LLC, dba Homak, is also in the tool storage business.

 

“We are excited about the prospect of adding Kennedy Manufacturing to our family of companies,” said JVA chairman John Veleris. “Kennedy is the type of company that we can help take to the next level. We have the utmost respect for the quality of the Kennedy product and the respect for the brand in the industrial market.”

 

“JVA brings to us the resources we need to continue rebuilding our business,” said David Thompson, president of Kennedy Manufacturing Company. “It has been difficult for us to rebuild our business due to our limited resources. JVA not only provides us with financial stability, but also brings a proven track record in manufacturing excellence. We are excited about the long term prospects of this transaction and the ability for Kennedy to continue to manufacture high-quality tool storage in the U.S.

 

Kennedy has two divisions: MarkHon, which manufacturers special-order metal tool cabinets for automotive vans, consoles and workstations for computer equipment and commercial flight centers; and Blue Bell Bio-Medical, which manufactures multiple lines of medical carts, accessories and storage cabinets for use in medical facilities.

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