Rulmeca Group acquire Douglas Manufacturing
Acquisition and expansion part of strategic move to grow business in the US market
RULMECA Holding Spa have expanded their group of companies with the acquisition of US-based Douglas Manufacturing Ltd. With a factory and offices in Pell City, Alabama, Douglas have established a well-respected brand name over 45 years as manufacturer and distributor of components and engineered conveying solutions for bulk materials handling applications.
With this acquisition, Rulmeca say they will realize a strategic step towards growing their business in the US market. At the same time, Douglas will benefit from integration into a financially sound international group and gain access to a global supply chain and more extensive product portfolio.
Founded in 1962, the Rulmeca Group have grown into a leading partner to the global materials handling industry, with 17 production and sales companies around the globe serving clients in around 100 countries. The company is the world’s largest supplier of rollers/idlers, pulleys, and motorized pulleys for heavy-duty belt conveyors for quarries and mining applications.
In 2022, their 60th year in business, Rulmeca manufactured around 6 million rollers and 50,000 motorized pulley and drum motors, achieving a turnover in excess of €209 million.
In line with their corporate motto ‘Moving ahead’, Rulmeca have committed to a challenging investment plan for 2023. In Italy they will complete phase one of the restructuring of the industrial complex acquired next to their Almè plant. Similarly, new manufacturing space will become available at Rulmeca UK, Rulmeca Corporation USA and Rulmeca Tianjin (China). Rulmeca Germany will complete the investment plan aimed at increasing capacity and improving market servicing capability.
Rulmeca presence in the US dates to 2003, when Rulmeca Corporation was established in Wilmington, North Carolina, as a sales and servicing centre for motorized pulleys. The group’s presence in North America is completed by Rulmeca Canada Ltd, manufacturers of heavy duty and extra heavy-duty idlers and components for some of the most demanding applications in the bulk materials handling industry.
‘We are thrilled by the significant opportunities and value this deal may bring to our companies, customers, employees, and stakeholders in the coming years. This deal will allow our customers in the US and North America to access an enhanced portfolio of products and services,’ said Rulmeca Holding Spa’s executive vice-president, Fabio Ghisalberti.
‘We are delighted to announce that Paul Ross will maintain the role of president and chief executive officer of Douglas Manufacturing Ltd. His expertise and leadership have been critical to the growth and success of Douglas, and we are excited to continue to work with him.’
Rulmeca say significant investments are planned at the Douglas plant in Pell City in the short and medium term to develop the local business further and foster technological innovation. The current Douglas Manufacturing management team is also expected to stay with the company and will continue to be a fundamental success factor in the planned growth itinerary.
