Schoolcraft, Mich.-based LNS Manufacturing Inc. purchased polystyrene pattern and prototype manufacturer Van's Pattern Corp., based in Grand Rapids, Mich., effective Sept. 21.
LNS Manufacturing is owned and led by Larry DeHart, now president of Van's Pattern, and the pattern maker's current general manager, Glenn McQuarter, according to an Oct. 19 news release by M&A adviser NuVescor Group.
Van's Pattern was "an attractive opportunity," DeHart said in the release, "because it's been in business for 60 years, has a solid reputation in the industry, a mature workforce and is a pioneer in polystyrene pattern design and construction."
Van's Pattern currently employs 21 people and has nine computer numerically controlled cutting machines. It serves the automotive industry, special tool manufacturers and foundries.
The company expects to add eight to 10 employees in 2021, the release said.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"With 48 years of production management background, growing two companies as well as owning one of them, I feel comfortable in my abilities to continue the established reputation as well as promoting growth" DeHart said, adding that he is "keenly aware of the challenges facing manufacturing today, especially in the contract manufacturing arena."
Former owner Dan Vander Molen took over Van's Pattern from his father more than 40 years ago, the release said.
"He has seen the evolution of pattern making from the early wood patterns and recognized an opportunity to produce patterns using foam," it added.