Manufacturing Acquisitions in Kentucky
Kentucky Manufacturing Deals and Themes
Kentucky manufacturing acquisitions in this view span multiple deal types—from bolt-on industrial platforms to carved-out specialty businesses—showing how buyers build capacity and broaden technical capabilities across the state.
Recent activity features automotive-adjacent components and industrial fabrication (including die-cut materials, CNC plasma systems, and hydraulic cylinders), alongside specialty materials and recycling. Buyers such as Apogee Enterprises, Nautic Partners, Live Ventures Incorporated, Quad Capital Partners, LLC, and American Industrial Acquisition Corporation (AIAC) appear alongside manufacturing operators that invest in localized production and service footprints.
Across deals dated 2025 back to 2014, a recurring pattern is the integration of Kentucky-based manufacturing and engineering teams into larger platforms—often with an emphasis on expanding U.S. manufacturing capacity, adding technical depth, or scaling specialty products for OEM, Tier 1, and aftermarket customers.
What Stands Out
- Platform-building is a common thread: multiple buyers expand Kentucky operations by adding production facilities, engineering capability, or distribution/service coverage.
- Automotive and industrial end markets show up repeatedly, from NVH components and driveline parts to CNC fabrication and hydraulic cylinder production.
- Specialty materials and sustainability are also present, including pressure-sensitive tapes/adhesives (Vybond) and recycled-content PVC capabilities (Aurora–Lastique integration).
- Geographic focus stays anchored in Kentucky, with some deals also including manufacturing outside the state (for example, KI USA includes Mexico).
- Longer-term integration and capability expansion are frequently described as deal objectives, from strengthening local support footprints to bringing cylinder production in-house.
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September 22, 2025
- Buyer
- Hoffmann Family of Companies
- Target
- Derby Fabricating Solutions, LLC
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Hoffmann Family of Companies, a family-owned private equity firm, has acquired Derby Fabricating Solutions, a manufacturer of die-cut nonmetallic materials and NVH components serving automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and the appliance industry. Derby operates four Midwest production facilities (Louisville and Cadiz, Kentucky; Sidney, Ohio; Rockford, Michigan) and is IATF 16949 certified; the transaction strengthens Hoffmann's manufacturing vertical and expands its capabilities in automotive component fabrication.
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September 2, 2025
- Buyer
- Machitech
- Target
- Plant Technical Services, Inc. dba Victory CNC Plasma Systems
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Machitech, a Quebec-based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems, has acquired Plant Technical Services, Inc. dba Victory CNC Plasma Systems, a family-owned CNC plasma systems manufacturer headquartered in Livermore, Kentucky. The acquisition, which closed on September 2, 2025, expands Machitech's U.S. manufacturing capacity, adds an experienced American team, and strengthens its local service and support footprint for fabricators nationwide.
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June 11, 2025
- Buyer
- Wastequip
- Target
- Foster Hydraulics
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Charlotte-based Wastequip has acquired Foster Hydraulics, a family-owned hydraulic cylinder manufacturer in Louisville, Kentucky. The deal brings cylinder production in-house for Wastequip’s truck and aftermarket brands (including Galbreath and Amrep), increasing eastern U.S. production capacity, reducing lead times and strengthening OEM and aftermarket offerings.
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- Buyer
- Nautic Partners, LLC, Vybond management team (co-investors)
- Target
- Specialty Tapes business (Berry Global Group, Inc.), Vybond (newly rebranded company)
- Seller
- Berry Global Group, Inc.
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Divestiture
Nautic Partners, in partnership with the company's management team, has completed the acquisition of the Specialty Tapes business from Berry Global and rebranded the carved-out unit as Vybond. Headquartered in Franklin, Kentucky with additional operations in Riverhead, NY and Bristol, RI, Vybond manufactures pressure-sensitive tapes and adhesives and will be supported by Nautic to invest in technology, operations, and growth.
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January 1, 2025
- Buyer
- Architect Equity
- Target
- Gibbs Die Casting Corporation
- Seller
- Koch Enterprises, Inc.
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Architect Equity, a lower middle-market private equity firm, acquired 100% of Gibbs Die Casting Corporation from Koch Enterprises, Inc.; terms were not disclosed and the deal closed in January 2025. Gibbs, headquartered in Henderson, Kentucky, is a manufacturer of precision aluminum die-cast, machined and assembled driveline, powertrain and transmission components (employing over 800 people) and will continue operating under Gibbs' existing leadership team.
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- Buyer
- Aurora Material Solutions, Nautic Partners
- Target
- Lastique International Corporation
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Addon
Aurora Material Solutions, backed by private equity sponsor Nautic Partners, has acquired Lastique International Corporation and will integrate the business into its Sustainable Product Solutions platform. Lastique, a leading recycler and supplier of rigid PVC and other thermoplastic resins, will operate as a standalone segment under Aurora with existing management retained and will expand Aurora's recycled-content and closed-loop capabilities.
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November 21, 2024
- Buyer
- American Industrial Acquisition Corporation (AIAC)
- Target
- KI USA Corporation
- Seller
- Keiaisha Co., Ltd.
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
An affiliate of American Industrial Acquisition Corporation (AIAC) has acquired KI USA Corporation from Keiaisha Co., Ltd. The deal includes KI USA’s Berea, Kentucky manufacturing facility and its subsidiary in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico; AIAC intends to maintain technical support from Keiaisha during transition and pursue additional long‑term automotive contracts.
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September 23, 2024
- Buyer
- Apogee Enterprises, Inc.
- Target
- UW Interco, LLC (UW Solutions)
- Seller
- Heartwood Partners III, LP, Heartwood Partners (affiliated entities)
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Apogee Enterprises agreed to acquire UW Interco, LLC ("UW Solutions") from Heartwood Partners for approximately $240 million in cash; the transaction subsequently closed (reported completion at $242 million). UW Solutions is a vertically integrated manufacturer of high-performance coated substrates (brands include ResinDek, ChromaLuxe, RDC Coatings, and Unisub) headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Apogee will integrate UW into its Large-Scale Optical segment to expand specialty coatings and materials capabilities, expecting ~$100 million revenue contribution in fiscal 2026 and ~$5 million of run-rate annual cost synergies by fiscal 2027.
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July 23, 2024
- Buyer
- Quad Capital Partners, LLC
- Target
- Worldwide Technologies, LLC
- Seller
- Mike Jones, Kenny Whitworth
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Quad Capital Partners, a private investment firm focused on middle-market manufacturing companies, has acquired Worldwide Technologies (WWT), a precision CNC machining and fabrication business with facilities in Franklin and Glasgow, Kentucky. The transaction provides QCP a flagship manufacturing platform with advanced automation and engineering capabilities; WWT employs more than 150 people and operates over 100 CNC machines.
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- Buyer
- Falfurrias Capital Partners
- Target
- EDGE Industrial Technologies
- Seller
- Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Falfurrias Capital Partners has acquired a majority ownership stake in EDGE Industrial Technologies, a manufacturer of industrial machine knives, blades, and punches, from Blue Wolf Capital Partners. Falfurrias will appoint new board members and Josh Slagle as CEO while Blue Wolf retains a minority investment; the deal is intended to deepen EDGE's capabilities and accelerate growth in food processing, packaging, and related end markets.
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November 15, 2023
- Buyer
- ERIKS North America
- Target
- Branham Corporation
- Seller
- Branham Corporation
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Addon
ERIKS North America (ENA), a portfolio company of LKCM Headwater Investments, has acquired the assets of Branham Corporation, a Louisville-based fabricator and distributor of industrial hoses, gaskets, conveyor belts and related services. The transaction brings Branham's five fabrication/distribution plants, eight sales locations and a team of more than 100 employees into ENA's North American platform to expand geographic coverage and product/service capabilities.
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July 24, 2023
- Buyer
- Live Ventures Incorporated
- Target
- Precision Metal Works, Inc.
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Live Ventures Incorporated (Nasdaq: LIVE) acquired Precision Metal Works, Inc., a Louisville, Kentucky-based metal stamping and value-added manufacturer, for approximately $28 million, including up to $3 million in earn-out consideration. The acquisition adds roughly $75 million in annual revenue, brings approximately 250 employees into Live Ventures’ steel/manufacturing segment, and is expected to be immediately accretive while providing synergies and growth capital to pursue electric vehicle and other end-market opportunities.
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July 1, 2023
- Buyer
- Druid Capital Partners, LLC
- Target
- Thermex-Thermatron, LP
- Seller
- Existing shareholders of Thermex-Thermatron
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Recapitalization
Druid Capital Partners has completed the acquisition of Thermex-Thermatron, a long-established manufacturer of high-power industrial RF and microwave heating systems, partnering with Thermex management led by President/CEO Ray Lund. The transaction provides liquidity to existing shareholders and positions Thermex to pursue growth opportunities while continuing to serve global customers across automotive, medical and packaging markets.
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- Buyer
- Purpose Group
- Target
- Gerald Printing, Liberty Imaging
- Seller
- Joe Davis
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Atlanta-based holding company Purpose Group has acquired Gerald Printing (which operates under Gerald Printing & Liberty Imaging) of Bowling Green, Kentucky. The deal, signed May 15 after an LOI on February 28, transfers ownership from longtime owner Joe Davis as he transitions to a consulting/part-time role; Purpose Group plans to retain the existing team and leadership under new CEO John Mazeika.
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- Buyer
- Platinum Equity
- Target
- Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment
- Seller
- Affiliates of the company's founders
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Platinum Equity acquired a majority interest in Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment from affiliates of the company's founders; financial terms were not disclosed and the Tarter family remains a minority shareholder. Tarter, founded in 1945, manufactures farm and ranch equipment with production facilities in Kentucky and a manufacturing/distribution center in Corinne, Utah; Stephen Frazier will serve as CEO going forward.
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March 16, 2023
- Buyer
- Ajax Defense
- Target
- Whelan Machine & Tool
- Seller
- Gremada Industries
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Ajax Defense, a veteran-owned holding company focused on strengthening U.S. defense supply chains, has acquired Whelan Machine & Tool from Gremada Industries. Whelan, a Louisville-based precision machining and assembly company serving aerospace and defense customers, was sold in a transaction facilitated by Alderman & Company; terms were not disclosed.
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February 23, 2023
- Buyer
- Spartaco Companies, Platte River Equity
- Target
- Bulldog Bender
- Seller
- Vince May
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Addon
Spartaco Companies, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has acquired the Bulldog Bender brand of cable benders from inventor Vince May. The acquisition adds Bulldog Bender’s U.S.-made cable bending products to Spartaco’s portfolio to expand its offering for professional electrical installers and related end markets.
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February 8, 2023
- Buyer
- R.E. Carroll, Inc.
- Target
- RHD Polymer & Chemical LLC
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
R.E. Carroll, Inc. (REC), a 97-year-old raw materials distributor headquartered in Ewing, New Jersey, has acquired RHD Polymer & Chemical LLC, a Louisville, Kentucky-based supplier of specialty elastomers and additives. Terms were not disclosed; the acquisition expands REC’s product capabilities and presence in the elastomers, plastics and specialty chemicals end markets.
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July 26, 2022
- Buyer
- Advantage Capital
- Target
- FIAT Products
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Growth capital
Advantage Capital provided a $7.5 million investment to FIAT Products to finance an acquisition that will transition the company to American ownership and support expansion in Somerset, Kentucky. The financing, made in connection with the Kentucky New Markets Development Program, is intended to preserve and grow local jobs and enable product and facility growth at FIAT’s 268,000 sq. ft. plant.
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February 16, 2022
- Buyer
- Elvisridge Capital, LLC
- Target
- BBS Tech, LLC (dba FINS Fishing)
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Addon
Elvisridge Capital, a private investment firm, has acquired BBS Tech, LLC (dba FINS Fishing), a braided fishing line and industrial braid manufacturer based in Erlanger, Kentucky. Elvisridge said it will provide capital to increase manufacturing capacity and efficiency, expand distribution, and build the FINS brand; BBS President Lee Burch will remain in day-to-day operations and report to Elvisridge's sportfishing segment lead.
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October 15, 2021
- Buyer
- MPE Partners (Morgenthaler Private Equity)
- Target
- DecoArt
- Seller
- Stan Clifford, DecoArt senior management
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Recapitalization
MPE Partners (Morgenthaler Private Equity) completed a recapitalization of DecoArt, a manufacturer of paints and finishes for arts, crafts and home decorating. The transaction brings in incoming CEO Jonathan Kane, keeps founder Stan Clifford involved as a board member, and positions DecoArt for accelerated organic and inorganic growth including potential add-on acquisitions.
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September 15, 2021
- Buyer
- Pentair plc
- Target
- Pleatco Filtration
- Seller
- Align Capital Partners
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Pentair plc entered into and then completed a definitive agreement to acquire Pleatco Filtration, a manufacturer of aftermarket water filtration and clean air technologies, for approximately $255 million in cash. The acquisition expands Pentair’s replacement filter product offerings across its pool/spa distribution channels and strengthens its industrial air filtration portfolio.
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September 1, 2021
- Buyer
- Trinseo
- Target
- Aristech Surfaces LLC
- Seller
- SK AA Holdings, LLC, Falcon Private Holdings, LLC
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Trinseo (NYSE: TSE) completed the acquisition of Aristech Surfaces LLC, a North American manufacturer of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) continuous cast and solid surface sheets. The purchase—announced in coordination with SK AA Holdings, an affiliate of Falcon Private Holdings—expands Trinseo's engineered materials portfolio, strengthens its acrylic solutions capability and supports geographic growth, including increased exposure to Asia.
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- Buyer
- Madison Industries (Madison IAQ)
- Target
- Big Ass Fans
- Seller
- Lindsay Goldberg
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Madison Industries’ Indoor Air Quality vertical (Madison IAQ) has agreed to acquire Big Ass Fans from funds managed by Lindsay Goldberg. Financial terms were not disclosed; the deal is expected to close in Q3 2021 and expands Madison’s indoor air quality and airflow product portfolio.
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December 1, 2020
- Buyer
- American Industrial Partners
- Target
- Commonwealth Rolled Products
- Seller
- Novelis
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Divestiture
American Industrial Partners (AIP) completed its purchase of the former Aleris North American automotive and common-alloy aluminum rolled products business on December 1, 2020. The divested business (renamed Commonwealth Rolled Products) includes the Lewisport, Kentucky production facility and a Madison Heights, Michigan R&D center; AIP intends to invest in and upgrade the Lewisport mill to expand its automotive body sheet capabilities.
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August 22, 2016
- Buyer
- Weller Equity Partners
- Target
- KFI Seating
- Seller
- KFI Seating co-owners (including a retiring co-owner)
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Weller Equity Partners, a Louisville-based private equity firm, acquired KFI Seating, a Louisville manufacturer and distributor of institutional seating and table products, in a transaction that closed July 29, 2016. The deal provides liquidity to retiring and existing co-owners while partnering with management to support growth and organizational development.
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March 6, 2014
- Buyer
- Capital For Business, Inc. (CFB), Northcreek Mezzanine, Diamond States Venture Partners
- Target
- Whitworth Tool, Inc.
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Capital For Business, Inc. (CFB) completed the acquisition of Whitworth Tool, Inc., a Hardinsburg, Kentucky-based precision parts manufacturer and tool & die service provider. CFB partnered with Northcreek Mezzanine and Diamond States Venture Partners and worked with Whitworth management to close the buyout, adding precision machining and quick-turn tool & die capabilities serving heavy truck, automotive and aerospace end markets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which buyers are most active in Kentucky manufacturing acquisitions?
The page highlights recurring names including Live Ventures Incorporated, Capital For Business, Inc. (CFB), Northcreek Mezzanine, Diamond States Venture Partners, Quad Capital Partners, LLC, Trinseo, American Industrial Acquisition Corporation (AIAC), and Pentair plc.
What kinds of manufacturing capabilities are being acquired in Kentucky?
Deal descriptions include metal stamping, die-cast and machined components, precision CNC machining/fabrication, hydraulic cylinder manufacturing, CNC plasma systems, specialty tapes/adhesives, and recycled rigid PVC/thermoplastic resins.
Do acquisitions on this page focus only on Kentucky-based operations?
Most deals are located in Kentucky, but some also include facilities or operations outside the state—for example, KI USA Corporation includes a Kentucky facility and a subsidiary in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Are these deals mainly about adding production capacity or also about specialty products?
Both appear across transactions: several deals emphasize manufacturing capacity and local support, while others focus on scaling specialty products (such as coated substrates, pressure-sensitive tapes/adhesives, and recycled-content materials).