Mayville Engineering Co. Inc. (MEC) has acquired Center Manufacturing Inc., a Michigan-based manufacturer of metal products for the commercial vehicle, powersports, agriculture, construction, automotive, and military industries, through a private stock purchase.  As a result of the acquisition, Center will become a division of the MEC family of companies, which includes MEC Prototype & Service, MEC Contract, MEC Shotshell Reloaders, Fabricating Specialists, and Phoenix Coaters.

Center, which is headquartered in Byron Center, MI., manufactures complex assemblies, large and small diameter tubes, fuel tanks, fluid-level indicators, and other products at eight facilities in Michigan, Virginia, South Carolina, and Mississippi. MEC is employee owned, has eight facilities in Wisconsin and provides a broad range of prototyping, production manufacturing, fabricating, tube forming coating and assembly services to a variety of markets including agricultural, construction, military, recreational, medical, and industrial.

“This acquisition brings together two great companies into one great team,” says Robert Kamphuis, chairman, president, and CEO of MEC. “Center and MEC both have long histories, blue-chip customers, and a talented and committed workforce. We’re delighted to welcome.

Richard Nielsen, will remain president and CEO of Center Manufacturing, MEC’s newest division and will be involved in integrating the two companies. It is anticipated that all of Center’s 800 employees will remain with the organization, and no changes are expected in the foreseeable future.

“We are very excited about this acquisition and what it means for our employees and our customers,” Nielsen says. “Both Center and MEC are outstanding companies with solid corporate values and great employees that will be important for the future. MEC is clearly a strategic long-term investor that is excited about growing the combined company. This acquisition strengthens our joint future and enhances our ability to compete for the long-term.”
Kamphuis said the result of the acquisition is a stronger, better company.

“This acquisition is an excellent move for our employee shareholders and our customers,” he says. “MEC and Center combined create greater customer and industry diversification, providing more products and processes through an expanded geographic footprint.  Overall, two great companies become one great team.”

The acquisition was approved by federal regulators and is effective immediately.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.