Estex Manufacturing Begins New Chapter With Shorehill Capital
A Georgia-based manufacturer with a rich history spanning 125 years is starting the new year with a new private equity partner focused on middle market opportunities in the industrial products and services arenas.
Estex Manufacturing joined the portfolio of Chicago-based Shorehill Capital late last year, but the transaction was only announced this week.
Founded in 1900, Fairburn-based Estex is truly an American success story with product lines that evolved each decade in step with the U.S. economy and emerging technology.
While the company originally made products to serve the horse and buggy industry, today Estex manufactures a wide range of industrial sewn products for the utilities, airline, military and sports markets.
Estex President Mike Scott is enthusiastic about what the new partnership means for the growth and continued evolution of his company. His comments also underscore the importance of finding the right strategic partner who truly appreciates your team and the core values you have instilled in them for over a century:
“We have built a legacy of trust, quality, and dedication to our employees and our customers. This partnership with Shorehill marks an exciting new chapter for our company, providing the resources to drive growth and innovation while preserving the values that have defined our success.”
For more information, visit estexfmg.com.
Florida Chamber Looking For The "Coolest Thing Made In Florida"
March Madness is only a few weeks away, but the Florida Chamber is getting an early start with its own bracket competition that seeks to identify and crown “The Coolest Thing Made In Florida.”
Nominations are now open for businesses, employees and the general public to nominate or self-nominate any product that is currently manufactured in Florida. The contest is part of a broader Chamber initiative to showcase why Florida is on the fast track to becoming a Top 5 Manufacturing State by 2030.
Nominations for the Coolest Thing Made in Florida are open through May 31. The next phase will be the popular vote online over a two-week period in June which will determine the 32 Florida-made products that will advance to the single elimination bracket competition from July to October.
A winner will be announced on October 28, but the Chamber says the competition is about more than just winning: “It’s about recognizing the businesses that keep Florida’s economy strong.”
For more information, visit coolestthingmadeinflorida.com.
Johns Manville Announces New Production Line In Georgia
This week Johns Manville (JM), a leading global manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality building and specialty products, announced plans to build a new Climate Pro blowing wool production line in Winder, Georgia.
According to the official press release, the new Johns Manville plant will employ over 350 Georgians when it becomes operational in mid-2027. The company feels the location near I-85 and I-20 is perfectly suited for “easy access to many of the East Coast and Central U.S. markets.”
The new production line will manufacture the company’s Climate Pro blown-in fiberglass insulation which home professionals can quickly install tin both attics and net and blow systems. The product’s ability to fill hard-to-reach cavities results in better energy efficiency for home and business owners.
JM plans to hire operators, maintenance technicians and warehouse employees at the new facility in Winder. The Denver-based company employs 8,000 people in 43 North American and European locations.
For more information, visit jm.com.
INKAS To Begin Manufacturing Armored Vehicles In Fort Pierce
A new manufacturing plant in St. Lucie County Florida could eventually be in the running for the Florida Chamber’s Coolest Thing Made In Florida contest.
INKAS, a Toronto-based manufacturer of armored vehicles, has announced plans to begin manufacturing in the Sunshine State with the acquisition, expansion and modernization of an existing facility in Fort Pierce.
According to the official press release, INKAS will locate an $18.75 million armored vehicle plant at the site of an abandoned tomato packing facility. In addition to renovating the almost 60,000-square-foot building and adding 30,000-square-feet of new space, INKAS plans to hire 294 people over five years and invest in $19.4 million of equipment.
The St. Lucie County Board of Commissioners and the Fort Pierce City Commission worked together in structuring an attractive package of incentives for INKAS USA including tax exemptions and impact fee mitigation.
For more information, visit inkasarmored.com.
Duracell Making $56 Million R&D Investment In Atlanta
This week leading U.S. battery manufacturer, Duracell, announced a $56 million investment to establish its new R&D global headquarters at Georgia Tech’s Science Square, a research innovation district adjacent to the university.
In the process, Duracell will relocate its R&D facility from Connecticut to Atlanta while creating 110 jobs with projected average salaries of $120,000, according to the press release on the official Georgia Tech website.
Science Square promotes itself as the Southeast’s premier life sciences district offering lab, research and development and residential real estate. The 18-acre development features 1.8 million square feet of lab/office space, 500 residential units, and 25,000 square feet of retail space.
For more information, visit sciencesquareatlanta.com.
Ball Acquires Florida Can Manufacturing For $160 Million
This month Ball Corporation, a leading global supplier of sustainable aluminum packaging solutions, announced the acquisition of Winter Haven-based Florida Can Manufacturing.
According to the official press release, Ball’s $160 million acquisition of Florida Can Manufacturing “aligns with Ball’s strategy to advance operational excellence and simplify sustainability for customers by providing scalable, aluminum packaging.”
Ball Chief Supply Chain & Operations Officer Ron Lewis explained the broader significance of the transaction:
“By leveraging Ball’s global expertise and this facility’s capabilities, we will enhance efficiency, increase flexibility and ensure we can support our customers with the highest standards of quality and service.” – Ron Lewis
Florida Can Manufacturing’s Winter Haven facility spans over 800,000-square-feet and employs over 150 workers. FCM counts The Coca-Cola Company as one of the plant’s most valuable clients.
For more information, visit floridacan.com.
Savannah Now The Fastest Growing Port on U.S. East Coast
The Georgia Ports of Savannah and Brunswick are now the fastest growing ports on the East Coast of the United States, according to new statistics released this week.
The announcement was made at the Savannah State of the Port event on February 25 which was attended by over 1,700 Georgia business leaders and elected officials.
During the event, Georgia Ports President and CEO Griff Lynch laid out plans “to increase capacity in Savannah, add berth space over the short and long term, boost container yard and rail capacity, and grow the truck gates at the Port of Savannah.”
Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) handled 5.6 million TEUs in 2024, a 12% increase over the total TEUs handled in 2023. This made Savannah the fastest growing container gateway on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts.
Among other port statistics and superlatives, speakers at the State of the Port event also highlighted the important fact that the bulk of Georgia’s exports are manufactured by small businesses.
For more information, visit gaports.com.
Contact CII Today
If you own an established manufacturing business in Florida or Georgia and would like to get a better understanding of the current market value of your company and important steps you can take today to maximize that value, get in touch with a CII business advisor today.