Rulmeca Holding Spa is pleased to announce the acquisition of Douglas Manufacturing Ltd, a company based in the United States with factory and offices in Pell City Alabama. Douglas has an established and well respected brand name built over 45 years of activity as manufacturer and distributor of components and engineered conveying solutions for bulk materials handling applications.
With this acquisition Rulmeca expands its group of companies, now comprising nine manufacturing units.
Douglas Manufacturing Ltd, established in 1978, has long been known as a leader of its industry, focused on supplying products of the highest possible performance with very fast lead times. Douglas supplies customers in North, Central and South America operating in a wide range of industries: Aggregate, Pulp & Paper, Ship Loading and Unloading, Steel, Chemical, Cement, Coal, Fertilizer, Biofuel, Biomass, Coal Fired Power Generation, Agriculture.
With this acquisition, Rulmeca realizes a strategic step toward growing its business in the US market. 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.
Rulmeca and Douglas, both family-owned companies, represent more than 105 years of combined experience. Each company is characterized by an unmatched commitment to its customers, people, and the industry.
Founded in 1962, the Rulmeca Group has grown to be a leading partner to the global materials handling industry, with 16 production and sales companies around the globe (now 17 companies) serving clients in about 100 countries. The company is the world’s largest supplier of rollers/idlers, pulleys, and motorized pulleys for heavy-duty belt conveyors for quarries and mining applications, as well as rollers, drum motors, and 24V Drive Rollers for Intralogistics.
In 2022 Rulmeca celebrated its sixty years in business, a remarkable journey and a significant milestone that the company wants to honor confirming the commitment towards a sustainable development respectful of all its stakeholders.
In 2022 Rulmeca manufactured about 6 million rollers, 50.000 Motorized Pulley and Drum Motors for a turnover exceeding €209 million.
In line with our Corporate motto “Moving ahead”, Rulmeca has committed to a very challenging investment plan for 2023. In Italy we will complete phase one of the restructuring of the industrial complex acquired next to the Almè plant. Similarly, new manufacturing space will become available at Rulmeca UK, Rulmeca Corporation USA and Rulmeca Tianjin (China). Rulmeca Germany will complete the investment plan aimed at increasing capacity and improving its market servicing capability.
Rulmeca’ goal is to strengthen its presence in the US market introducing a brand known for the quality of its products. Rulmeca enhances now its reach in the American market strengthening its manufacturing capacity of pulleys and medium duty idlers for the bulk materials handling sector.
Rulmeca presence in the USA dates to 2003, when Rulmeca Corporation was established in Wilmington (NC) as sales and servicing center (Local Assembly and Repair) for motorized pulleys. The Group presence in North America is completed by Rulmeca Canada Ltd, manufacturer of heavy duty and extra heavy duty idlers and components for some of the most demanding applications in the bulk materials handling industry. The synergies, products exchange, and teamwork between Rulmeca and Douglas will boost the Group’ expansion in North America.
“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.
Significant investments are planned at the Douglas plant in Pell City in the short and medium term to develop the local business further and foster technological innovation.
The current Douglas Manufacturing Ltd management team is expected to stay with the Company continuing to be a fundamental success factor in the planned growth itinerary.