Commercial Group Acquires F.D. Lake Co.

Commercial Group Lifting Products, based in Taylor, Michigan, has acquired F.D. Lake Co., a Grand Rapids-based fabricator of rigging and lifting products. The move expands Commercial Group’s reach across Western and Northern Michigan and strengthens its position as a supplier to industries including construction, steel, automotive, and utilities.

Founded in 1948 by the Lake family, F.D. Lake was sold to the Carlsen family in 1971 and has operated under that ownership until the present acquisition. The company has long served a diverse customer base with custom rigging solutions.

Under the new ownership, the F.D. Lake brand will remain active in the Grand Rapids market. Commercial Group plans to continue leveraging the established local reputation of F.D. Lake while integrating it into its broader network.

Mike Posey, who has served as F.D. Lake’s president for the past 35 years, will remain in his leadership role at the Grand Rapids branch and will also join the management team at Commercial Group.

“Both Commercial Group and F.D. Lake are well-established, family-owned businesses with strong reputations and cultures,” said Gar Knight, president of Commercial Group. “We are excited to welcome the F.D. Lake team into the Commercial Group family.”

Commercial Group was founded in 1951 and is a privately held company that operates multiple locations, including Taylor and Grand Rapids, Michigan; Gary, Indiana; and Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio.