Italy-based materials handling company Rulmeca Holding Spa announced last month that is has acquired Douglas Manufacturing Ltd, a manufacturer and distributor of components and engineered conveying solutions based in Pell City, Alabama. Financial details were not disclosed.

With this acquisition, Rulmeca said it has expanded its group of companies to now include nine manufacturing units. Douglas supplies customers in North, Central and South America, operating in a wide range of industries, including: aggregate, pulp & paper, ship loading and unloading, steel, chemical, cement, coal, fertilizer, biofuel, biomass, coal-fired power generation, and agriculture.

“With this acquisition, Rulmeca realizes a strategic step toward growing its business in the U.S. market,” the company said in its announcement. “At the same time, Douglas benefits from the integration into a financially sound international group and gains access to a global supply chain and a more extensive product portfolio.”

In 2022, Rulmeca manufactured about six million rollers, 50,000 motorized pulley and drum motors for a turnover exceeding $229 million (USD).

“We are thrilled by the significant opportunities and value this deal may bring to our companies, customers, employees, and stakeholders in the coming years. This deal will allow our customers in the USA and North America to access an enhanced portfolio of products and services,” said Rulmeca Holding Spa’s Executive Vice President, Mr Fabio Ghisalberti. “We are delighted to announce that Mr Paul Ross will maintain the role of President and CEO of Douglas Manufacturing Ltd. His expertise and leadership have been critical to the growth and success of Douglas, and we are excited to continue to work with him,” added Mr Ghisalberti.

The current Douglas Manufacturing Ltd management team is expected to stay with the company as part of the deal, Rulmeca said.

Read more about the deal here.