Dielectric Corp. of Menominee Falls, Wis., is expanding its ability to machine a wide range of materials and sizes with the acquisition of Centerline Machine Inc. of nearby Waupaca, Wis.
“With the addition of the Centerline Machine operation, we can now offer a wider range of machining, fabrication and prototyping services. This expansion will enable us to better serve existing clients and to diversify our customer base,” said Dielectric CEO Mike Esser in a news release.
Centerline Machine, which Charlie Leiby started in 1996, has grown over the years and it is now has 30 employees housed in a 45,000-square-foot facility that is about 100 miles from Menomonee Falls. The company does machining, fabricating and assembly for the energy, defense, food, plastic and paper industries. It also subcontracts services for government contractors and automakers.
Esser said that the acquisition is part of growth strategy to help original equipment manufacturers that it serves. It complements Dielectric's strength in the manufacture of plastic and non-ferrous metal products. This will also boost its service mix to include metal fabrication, laser cutting and abrasive water jet material processing.
Perry Pabich, Dielectric Chief Operating Officer, said that the acquisition will allow it to handle larger plastic parts and that the combined sales teams are already pitching the expanded services.
In Menomonee Falls, Dielectric added a Northwoods four-spindle router with a larger table, a new large-part inkjet printing machine, and an additional HAAS VF-6 three-axis large table machining center with a five-axis option.
The company is planning to expand capabilities at all three of its sites. Dielectric also has a facility in Lake Mills, Iowa.
Dielectric was founded in 1965 by Esser. Now with its JR Prototypes and Centerline Machine divisions, it can provide single source custom prototypes, parts, sub-assemblies finished parts made from a variety of plastics and metals.
Overall, the combined operations will employ about 160 people.