After purchasing a reaction injection molder, Trim Systems LLC, a supplier of heavy-truck interior systems, is looking to acquire a seat manufacturer to round out its capabilities.
Trim Systems of Columbus, Ohio, acquired Tempress Inc. of Seattle, Wash., in October. The owner of Tempress was looking to retire and felt Trim Systems would ensure Tempress' future, said Timothy Hicks, director of strategic development for Trim Systems and former Tempress marketing director.
Tempress was a missing piece of the Trim Systems puzzle, Hicks said. Trim Systems President Don Cuzzocrea agreed.
``This acquisition is a major step toward achieving our long-term strategic goal of being a supplier of completely trimmed cabs,'' Cuzzocrea said.
Tempress makes heavy-truck cabinetry, instrument panels and door panels. Trim Systems specializes in soft trim molding processes and cut-and-sew capabilities. The combined companies now can manufacture everything for cab interiors except seats.
Cuzzocrea said the company is looking for a seat manufacturer to add to its capabilities.
All three Tempress facilities —in Seattle, Tacoma, and Kent, Wash. — now are operating under the name Trim Systems. Trim Systems said most Tempress employees now work for Trim Systems, which is serving former Tempress customers.
Hicks said customers have been receptive to the integrated approach and appreciate the more comprehensive job Trim Systems now has to offer.
Customers have fewer suppliers to deal with and know all the parts will fit together because they were manufactured within the same company, according to Hicks.
Customers include Freightliner Corp., Paccar Inc., AB Volvo, Kenworth and Peterbilt trucking companies.
Trim Systems also serves the marine and medical industries, and has other facilities in Statesville, N.C.; Dublin, Va.; Vancouver and Kent, Wash.; and Chillicothe and Columbus, Ohio.
Cuzzocrea said the company plans to open two new facilities in Denton, Texas, and Toluca, Mexico, in May.
Trim Systems' annual sales, after the acquisition, are $165 million.
