Special-Lite Agrees to Purchase Omega Door Frame Products Business
DECATUR, MI – Special-Lite, Inc. announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the Omega Door Frame Products business (Omega) from Architectural Builders Hardware, Inc. (ABH), of Itasca, Illinois. Omega is a manufacturer of aluminum interior glass framing used in interior office construction.
Henry L. Upjohn II, CEO of Special-Lite, shared his enthusiasm for the acquisition. “We are excited to acquire a company that has built an outstanding reputation for quality products and customer service which are consistent with Special-Lite’s values. It’s a privilege to be able to build on what they started.”
Terms of the sale and size of the acquired business were not released. However, Kevin Hanley, President and COO stated, “I believe the market has recognized the Omega product as one of the best interior type II framing products in the industry.” Hanley went on to state, “This is an important acquisition for us as we focus on our growth strategy. Working with aluminum represents one of our core competencies and we are confident that we will continue to build on the strong foundation that ABH has established in this market”.
Special-Lite’s expansion into the commercial interiors business started several years ago with the introduction of aluminum framing for vestibules and heavier duty aluminum interior office glazing applications. This business was expanded into restroom partitioning in 2012 and then again in 2013 with the purchase of Universal Pultrusions of Marshall, Arkansas. The Universal Pultrusion products include all fiberglass interior and exterior doors and framing for clean rooms, food production, healthcare, R&D and high corrosive environments.
Roger Stempky, Vice President of Sales and Marketing noted, “This is an exciting addition for Special-Lite with the expansion of our product offering for the interior of commercial buildings”. Stempky went on to share, “this is the continuation of an expansive effort we are making in becoming a leader in the interior glass fronts and demountable wall business. We are excited about the market opportunities for this product in the marketplace.”
The sale is scheduled for completion and a seamless transition by the middle of September. Kirti Shah, CEO of ABH commented “We appreciate the support over the years from our valued customers for the Omega line. Our decision to sell the Omega business will allow us to focus on our core hardware business, which has experienced significant growth. In finding a buyer for Omega, it was important that we find a company that shared the values and commitment to quality, engineering, manufacturing and a firm commitment to customer service. We are confident that Special-Lite’s values are the same as ours. As we complete this transaction we are working diligently to ensure a seamless transition for our dealers and end-users”.
About Special-Lite, Inc. Special-Lite manufacturers engineered architectural products, which includes commercial entrance systems, interior aluminum (Type II) framing with swing or sliding aluminum framed doors, and FRP restroom partitions. Our complete entrance system products are fiberglass or aluminum flush doors with many door face texture options including wood grain, aluminum monumental (stile & rail) doors, fiberglass, and aluminum framing. Our engineered, made to order architectural products are used in new construction and renovation projects for educational, commercial, institutional, industrial and municipal applications. The company was founded in 1971 and pioneered the use of fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP) material for door skins in the early 1980’s, and today is the largest volume producer of commercial FRP doors in the United States.