A Lowell manufacturer has a new owner. In a deal brokered by Calder Capital, Envision Engineering has been acquired by the Hoffman Family of Companies.
The manufacturer, located in the O.E. Bieri Industrial Park, was founded by Scott Roerig in 1999 and started as something of a passion project, according to Garrett Monroe, sell-side director with Calder Capital. Roerig’s love for motorcycles led him to design a new fuel tank which was eventually adopted by big names such as Indian and Harley Davidson.
Envision Engineering is the only firm to make these proprietary parts, and it also specializes in deep-draw forming, stamping, laser cutting, and welding. Its clients have included buyers in the automotive, aerospace and marine industries among others. However, Roerig and his wife Mary Beth are now ready for a slower pace of life.
“Scott’s main concern was to be sure that someone would grow the business,” Monroe says.
Calder Capital first began conversations with Roerig, his wife and co-owner Mike VanderWilp about two years ago and have been working in earnest for the past eight months to iron out the details of transitioning the business to new owners.
“Since 1999, we have built Envision to deliver high-quality service and components to our key markets,” said Roerig in a written statement. “Through this acquisition, we are committed to another 25 years of providing custom end-to-end engineered products for our customers under our next-generation leadership team.”
HF Companies Investing Across Michigan
The Hoffman Family of Companies was founded in Naples, Florida, and is a family-owned private equity firm that includes more than 100 brands. Envision Engineering isn’t the company’s first foray into Michigan either.
The firm has been in the news recently for its numerous purchases on and around Mackinac Island, including the acquisition of both Shepler’s and the Mackinac Island Ferry Company, the two main commercial ferry lines that connect the island to the mainland. The Hoffman Family of Companies says it also owns 116 parcels in the area.
“They like things that are unique and niche,” Monroe says, adding: “They have been making a big push in acquiring different verticals within the manufacturing sector.” HF Companies didn’t previously have any firms in their portfolio that specialized in motorcycle manufacturing, but the acquisition of Envision Engineering fills that gap.
Monroe likens the Hoffman Family to West Michigan’s DeVos Family, in that both have extensive business holdings and an emphasis on philanthropy.
“We are excited to welcome Envision Engineering to the Hoffmann Family of Companies,” said Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO of HF Companies, in a written statement. “Their reputation for designing and creating beautiful and innovative parts for some of the highest quality and most iconic brands in the motorcycle industry position them well for future growth within the HF Companies portfolio.”
Envision Engineering currently employs 34 workers, and Roerig will continue to assist with the company for the time being to ensure a successful transition.
For more information on the Hoffman Family of Companies, visit their website.
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