Ramsey Industries Acquires Eskridge

January 30, 2008 • Ramsey Industries, Inc., Tulsa, Okla., today announced the acquisition of Eskridge, Inc., Olathe, Kan. Eskridge designs, manufactures and markets planetary gear drives, auger drives and multiple-disc brakes for sale to distributors and original equipment manufacturers.

“Our vision is to become a global leader in all of the markets we serve by providing innovative solutions to our customers' requirements with high-quality, on-time and cost-effective products,” said Bruce Barron, CEO of Ramsey Industries. “The acquisition of Eskridge brings us one step closer to the accomplishment of that goal. This combination will increase the offering of products to our valued customers around the globe and will also allow us to offer them full package solutions to their growing needs.”

 

“The two companies have very little overlap from a product line standpoint, and significant opportunities exist to leverage the distribution strengths of both companies by joining forces,” said Geoff Spillane, principal for New Canaan, Conn.-based Gridiron Capital, the private equity firm that acquired Ramsey Industries last year.

 

Founded in 1944 in Tulsa, Ramsey Industries is comprised of two subsidiaries: Auto Crane and Ramsey Winch. Eskridge will now form a third subsidiary based in Kansas City. Under the Auto Crane brand, the company provides a comprehensive line of truck-mounted telescopic cranes, crane service bodies and accessories. Under the Ramsey Winch brand, the company offers a broad range of industrial and consumer winches.

 

Additional information about the company may be found at www.ramsey.com.