Davis-Standard LLC has purchased Merritt Extruder Corp. and will move the single-screw extruder manufacturer from Hamden, Conn., to Davis-Standard headquarters in Pawcatuck, Conn.
Davis-Standard announced the deal Aug. 5. Terms were not disclosed.
Davis-Standard said it will continue to offer the existing Merritt Extruder brand line. Key Merritt employees will remain with the business, including President Sandy Guthrie, who will be business director for Merritt extruder products. Guthrie will play a key role to continue customer support, Davis-Standard said.
Guthrie could not be reached for comment.
Davis-Standard already is a major producer of single-screw extruders, as well as other types of plastics processing equipment such as blow molding machines and lines to make blown and cast film.
``Merritt is a well-known and respected brand name within the industry,'' said Jim Murphy, vice president of Davis-Standard. Merritt Extruder focused on extrusion systems for reclaim, wire and cable, profiles, tubing and compounding.
In early 2004, Merritt had financial problems and was forced to lay off most of its production people. After a restructuring, Merritt continued doing business, with Guthrie as the sole owner.
Interviewed Aug. 10, Murphy said Davis-Standard has hired four key Merritt employees: Guthrie; Larry Fitzgerald, Merritt's sales manager; David Pepe, engineering manager; and Ron Smicz, plant manager. Davis-Standard expects to hire two others by the end of the month, he added.
Murphy said Merritt employed about 10 people when Davis-Standard bought the company.