Progressive Components International Corp. (Booth N4744) has purchased Roehr Tool Corp., maker of the collapsible-core technology used to produce millions of screw-top bottle closures.
The acquisition brings Progressive a technology that has been an industry standard, said President Glenn Starkey.
Details of the deal, completed June 15, were not disclosed.
Previous Roehr owner Paul Catalanotti will work with Progressive on training and development. Jim Cullison, a member of the Roehr management team, will be vice president and general manager, while Progressive co-owner and Vice President Don Starkey will serve as Roehr president.
"There is a world of opportunity available out there even though this is a mature product," Catalanotti said.
Collapsible cores allow for a 30 percent improvement in cycle time for screw cap production, with fewer moving parts than spin-off systems. The company previously sold its system with its own sales force and through a marketing agreement with D-M-E Co.
Under the acquisition, Hudson, Mass.-based Roehr will retain its name, but will be able to tap into Progressive's global sales and support network.
"The old model of manufacturer and distributor is becoming less applicable and competitive in today's business environment," Don Starkey said in a news release. "Sometimes there are instances where the distributor and the manufacturer are competing for the same sale, which is counterproductive."
Progressive will expand the Roehr manufacturing site in Hudson, Mass., so it can meet an expected increase in orders.