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MIR acquires Jerry Brothers Industries

ST. LOUIS, MO – Midwest Industrial Rubber (MIR), a leading fabricator and distributor of lightweight conveyor belting and related components, has acquired Jerry Brothers Industries (JBI), a distributor of conveyor belting with two locations in Richmond, VA and Charlotte, NC.  Founded in 1905, JBI is one of the industry’s most recognizable brands. 

“We are delighted to welcome Mandy Lushch, Mike Barker and the entire Jerry Brothers team to MIR,” said Brian McSharry, CEO of MIR.  “This strategic acquisition expands both our geographical footprint in the Virginia and North Carolina regions and our capabilities in attractive end markets.  The opportunity to not only leverage Jerry Brothers’ leading position within these markets, but also bring MIR’s product portfolio and group expertise to Jerry Brothers, will allow our customers to further consolidate their purchasing needs.  This acquisition is another significant step in our growth strategy, which calls for us to continue to be as close as we can be to our customers.”

“The JBI team prides itself on providing belting solutions that increase our customers’ profits, and we are excited to be able to offer expanded capabilities as a part of MIR,” said Mandy Lushch, president of Jerry Brothers.  “Additionally, MIR’s culture aligns with our own.  We began as a family business in the early 1900s and have worked hard to maintain that family-owned atmosphere throughout the years.  We believe in investing in our workforce, embracing the creativity of our diverse team, and conducting all business with integrity. MIR shares these same values.  Teaming up with MIR will help JBI fulfill its growth potential in our rapidly expanding marketplace, while maintaining our core values of respect for employees and exemplary customer care.” 

This is MIR’s fourth acquisition in 2018 and adds two new locations, bringing the company’s national footprint to 25 sales and service locations.  

Founded in January 1980, Midwest Industrial Rubber, Inc. is a privately-owned corporation specializing in the fabrication and distribution of conveyor belting and industrial conveyor products. The company provides value-added products and services through their more than 20 full-service sales and fabrication facilities and satellite locations across the United States.

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MIR acquires Van Con Inc., expanding its presence into Michigan

ST. LOUIS, MO –Midwest Industrial Rubber (“MIR”), a leading fabricator and distributor of lightweight conveyor belting and related components, has acquired Van Con, Inc. (“Van Con”), a distributor of conveyor belting for the automotive industry based outside of Detroit, Michigan.

“We are delighted to welcome Kerry and all the employees of Van Con to MIR. This strategic acquisition expands our geographical footprint in to the Michigan region and expands our capabilities in the automotive end market. The opportunity to not only leverage Van Con’s leading position within automotive across the MIR network, but also bring MIR’s product portfolio and group expertise to Van Con will allow our customers to further consolidate their purchasing needs. “This is a significant step in our growth strategy of being closer to our customer’,” Brian McSharry, CEO of MIR, said.

Van Con President Kerry McConnell said, “We are very happy to become the latest company to join MIR. We can now expand our capabilities to our customers in the region with access to the wealth of manufacturing and expert resources that MIR has to offer.”

This is MIR’s third acquisition this year. 

Founded in January 1980, Midwest Industrial Rubber, Inc. is a privately-owned corporation specializing in the fabrication and distribution of conveyor belting and industrial conveyor products. The company provides value-added products and services through their more than 20 full-service sales and fabrication facilities and satellite locations across the United States.

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Michael Bruhn to retire as MIR CEO; Brian McSharry named as successor

ST. LOUIS, MO – Midwest Industrial Rubber (“MIR”) announces that CEO, Michael Bruhn, is retiring after 19 years with the Company. Michael will continue to serve as a Board member and will also continue to assist the company with strategic business development. “MIR is thankful for Mike’s invaluable leadership and significant contributions,” said Mark Hambacker, President. “Under his leadership, MIR has expanded nationally and enhanced its position as the leading distributor of lightweight belting in the United States.”

As of May 14, Michael will be succeeded as CEO by Brian McSharry. McSharry was previously CEO of RESA Power since 2015. Before joining RESA, he was CEO of Dynatect Manufacturing, Trellborg Offshore and Gamma Holdings. Brian has extensive experience in the belting market having held the position of CEO America’s, Ammeraal Beltech for 4 years. He also brings extensive Private Equity CEO leadership and experience having built and exited two businesses with Audax Private equity group. He will operate from the Chicago branch.

“We are excited that Mr. McSharry has accepted this opportunity with MIR. We look forward to utilizing his management, operations, and acquisition experience as we accelerate our initiative to expand MIR throughout the United States,” said Mark. “Brian’s prior experience in the manufacturing of lightweight belting gives him extensive market knowledge which will allow for a seamless transition.”

Jack Glover, Managing Partner, Incline Equity Partners, echoed Mark’s statements: “I am very pleased to be able to welcome Brian to Midwest Industrial Rubber. Brian has developed an outstanding strategic and operational track record at his prior companies. And like Bruhn, has developed great relationships with its trade customers”.

Founded in January 1980, Midwest Industrial Rubber, Inc. is a privately-owned corporation specializing in the fabrication and distribution of conveyor belting and industrial conveyor products. The company provides value-added products and services through their more than 20 full-service sales and fabrication facilities and satellite locations across the United States.

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MIR completes acquisition of New England Belting Company

Midwest Industrial Rubber (“MIR”) a leading value-added supplier of lightweight conveyor belting and related components, has acquired New England Belting Company (“NEBCO”).

NEBCO is an independent provider of specialty belts including edge belts, wave solder belts, timing belts and vacuum belts. Based in Berlin, CT, NEBCO has been the trusted brand in the Northeast for belting supplies for over fifty years. “We are excited to be a part of the MIR team. As a provider of unique specialty belts we look forward to leveraging MIR’s additional locations and fabrication capabilities across North America. We believe the combined entity will cement our position as the region’s lightweight belting leader,” said Gregg Beaty, co-owner.

“This marks the second acquisition since partnering with Incline in 2016,” said Mike Bruhn, CEO of MIR. “An important part of our growth strategy is finding companies to acquire in geographies targeted for expansion. These acquisitions provide quick access to new or underserved markets and strengthens both companies’ ability to serve customers.”

The acquisition gives MIR a stronger presence in the Northeast, allowing the Company to provide more direct fabrication, installation and on-call services to customers in the region. Additionally, the combined entity will have a broader selection of products to offer customers.

“NEBCO is a recognized and respected brand in the industry and will continue to operate as NEBCO, a division of MIR,” said John Morley, Managing Director of Incline. “The acquisition broadens the overall product and service offering, and we are pleased to have the NEBCO owners with us moving forward.”

Founded in January 1980, Midwest Industrial Rubber, Inc. is a privately-owned corporation specializing in the fabrication and distribution of lightweight conveyor belting and industrial conveyor products. The company provides value-added products and services through their more than 20 full-service sales and fabrication facilities and satellite locations across the United States.

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