Brussels-based Aliaxis SA, a piping systems manufacturer, is acquiring Harrington Corp. (Harco), a Lynchburg, Va.-based producer of gasketed fittings with 2021 sales of about $75 million, to expand its U.S. presence.
The pending deal is part of the acquiring company's "growth with purpose" strategy, according to Aliaxis CEO Eric Olsen.
Harco will be part of Ipex Group, an Aliaxis brand and company based in Canada with manufacturing facilities and distribution centers across North America and a U.S. headquarters, Ipex USA LLC, in Pineville, N.C.
With an estimated $900 million in annual sales, Ipex Group is the fifth-largest pipe, profile and tubing extruder in North America, according to Plastics News' latest ranking.
Ipex manufactures thermoplastic piping systems for the municipal, irrigation, industrial, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and telecommunication sectors.
Harco started producing push-on ductile iron fittings in 1966 then four years later introduced gasketed PVC fittings. Molded high density polyethylene fittings were added in 2011.
Harco serves the water works and irrigation markets with products made in Lynchburg and fabricated in Janesville, Wis., and Stevensville, Mont.
The company also has warehouses in Winter Haven, Fla.; Dallas; Phoenix, Ariz., and Bellingham, Wash.
The acquisition gives Ipex "an expanded product portfolio to a broader customer base," Olsen said.
"Harco is a well-established brand in municipal, irrigation and agricultural end markets," he said. "With this acquisition we will continue to strengthen our presence in the U.S."