An affiliate of Stratford‐Cambridge Group (SCG), Plymouth, Mich., has acquired an 80% stake in Custom Equipment, LLC, (Custom), a scissor-lift manufacturer that is headquartered in Richfield, Wis., and operates a second manufacturing facility in West Bend, Wis.
Founded in 1981 as a welding and fabrication business, Custom first developed lifts for the cemetery and mausoleum markets. The business evolved into a full product range of scissor lifts and aerial work platforms for construction and industrial use. The lifts feature an electric drivetrain, low weight, and high maneuverability.
“Our family started this business over 36 years ago and are very proud of what we’ve built and the relationships we’ve made,” said Steve Kissinger, who founded the business along with his wife Lynn. “Today, we are happy to announce our partnership with Stratford-Cambridge Group. They see the value in our products and understand the rich history that we have developed over the years with our customers, vendors and employees. We see this as a great opportunity to continue growing the company, while continuing to maintain those relationships.” Kissinger added.
The sellers are going to retain a 20% stake in the business. Custom chose to partner with SCG because of SCG’s financial, strategic and operational expertise, and in order to continue the growth trajectory that Custom has enjoyed in recent history.
“We are very excited at the prospect of partnering with the Custom Equipment management team to continue to accelerate their impressive history of growth and innovation,” said Stephen Ellis, Managing Director of SCG. “Custom Equipment checks all of our boxes in regard to our investment criteria: highly engineered product line, impressive growth trajectory, and a strong management team. We are looking forward to this next chapter in [its] history.”
Stratford‐Cambridge Group (SCG) is a boutique private equity and investment firm focused on acquiring niche manufacturing companies in the Midwest and Great Lakes Region.
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