Hills Numberplates Ltd acquires American based John R Wald Company, Inc
The UKs leading numberplate manufacturer Hills Numberplates Ltd (Hills) has today announced it has acquired American based-firm John R. Wald Company, Inc (Wald).
Hills completed the acquisition of 100 per cent of privately-owned Wald based in Huntington, Pennsylvania this week.
This acquisition, along with the purchase of French company Faab Fabricauto in 2015, has now positioned Birmingham based Hills as the third largest numberplate supplier in the world.
Wald will now become a division of Hills Numberplates Ltd and will continue to trade under the same name, brand and operating systems, as well as keeping the entire workforce made up of 26 employees.
Eric E Pizzuti has also been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer for Wald with responsibility for looking after business in the Americas. Pizzitu was formally the vice president of AstroNova Inc and General Manager of its QuickLable division.
During 93 years of business Wald has developed an established portfolio of license plate products and engineered systems, which compliments Hills 90 years of experience.
Richard Taffinder, Group Managing Director of Hills Numberplates Ltd said: With our own global leadership in the license plate industry and with 90 years of experience, working with Wald during our next step means we can combine our advanced manufacturing processes and supply chain.
With the union of these financially sound industry leaders it allows our one company tp increase its market share significantly and can better leverage its combined teams, resources and knowhow for the enhanced delivery of products and services to customers globally in both the public and private sectors.
We at Hills, look forward to working with our colleagues at Wald to continue to develop the most effective licence plate solutions for many years to come.
Funding for the acquisition was provided through the NatWest Commercial and Private Banking Team in Birmingham.
Scott Peters, Associate Director at NatWest added: Its an exciting time for Hills Numberplates as they continue to on their journey from being the leading national supplier of numberplates to one of the largest global suppliers.
This acquisition is yet another great addition to compliment their exciting business. The management team have done an exceptional job on delivering on the businesss strategy and were delighted to be able to support them in this acquisition. We look forward to supporting their future growth.
During the deal legal and financial advice was provided by Irwin Mitchell, Birmingham headed by Robert Laugharne and Mazars LLP headed by David Preston.
About John R. Wald Company, Inc.
Established in 1924, Wald engineers, manufactures and sells globally a complete line of license plate manufacturing and digital printing systems and supplies; aluminum and reflective films components for the manufacture of license plates; industrial systems for the manufacture and packaging of jan-san products; metalworking and woodworking systems; institutional furniture and furniture components; and sign manufacturing. Wald's services include contract engineering, repair and parts support.
From its inception, Wald has been an ardent supporter of the inmate rehabilitative efforts of correctional industries programs throughout the United States and is a major supporter of the National Correctional Industries Association (NCIA).
The Rodli Award, honoring the contributions of its namesakes and former Wald Company presidents Gilbert E. Rodli and Robert E. Rodli, recognizes a correctional industries administrator who has made outstanding contributions to the correctional industries field and/or the NCIA during the course of his or her career.