
U.S. LBM Acquires Florida's Milton Truss Company
U.S. LBM, the Atlanta-based distributor of specialty building materials, has announced the acquisition of Milton Truss Company, the Milton, Florida-based manufacturer and distributor of high quality wooden roof and floor trusses.
Established in 1980, Milton Truss has been serving the needs of builders in Florida’s Panhandle as well as Baldwin, Mobile and Escambia Counties in neighboring Alabama for 44 years. Post-acquisition, Milton’s Charles Smith and Tim Noble will continue to lead the company’s day-to-day operations.
In the official press release, U.S. LBM President and CEO L.T. Gibson explained the significance of the transaction which will see Milton Truss now operate as part of Raymond Building Supply:
“The addition of Milton Truss expands our network of truss manufacturing locations in the Southeast, increasing the value we bring to builders in Florida’s Panhandle and southern Alabama, and we’re pleased to welcome the Milton team to US LBM.”
The Milton Truss transaction becomes the latest U.S. LBM acquisition in the Sunshine State following their acquisition of Mullins Lumber Company in Riviera Beach earlier this summer.
Shinsung Petrochemical Invests $11.2 Million In Georgia
Korea’s Shinsung Petrochemical, a long-time supplier of Hyundai Motor Company, has announced that the company will invest $11.2 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Toombs County, Georgia that will support the $7.6 billion Hyundai Metaplant scheduled to begin production later this year in nearby Bryan County.
The Governor’s Office shared the good news and highlighted the fact that, like the Shinsung decision to break ground in Toombs County, over 80% of the new business expansions and relocations in Georgia over the past year are benefitting rural communities.
“We are excited that Shinsung is joining that growing network of suppliers locating in rural communities and creating new opportunities for all to succeed, no matter their zip code.” – Governor Brian Kemp
According to the official press release, Seoul-based Shinsung was founded in 1974 and specializes in manufacturing petrochemical products like automotive sealant.
Since 2018, Georgia has attracted more than 36,000 new jobs and over $28 billion in investments in the e-mobility, clean energy, and battery-related supply chains.
Apocalypse Manufacturing Unveils $375,000 "World Ender"
Apocalypse Manufacturing, the Florida-based builder of some of the most extreme off-road vehicles on the market, has now unveiled their latest 6-wheeled beast and the newest addition to their lineup of “Trucks for the Apocalypse.”
The “World Ender” is the world’s first new body Land Rover Defender Carpathian which Apocalypse chopped and made into a monster 6×6 with a supercharged V8, custom-fabricated independent suspensions both front and back, custom lighting, and custom-made roll cage and matching cowkiller on the front grill.
Founder and CEO Joseph Ghattas describes the World Ender as “an absolute monster and an ultra-luxury 6×6 that rivals the Mercedes G-Wagon 6×6″ which Apocalypse unveiled last year.
“This vehicle represents the culmination of our expertise in creating durable, high-performance, ultra-luxury machines designed to eat the legendary Mercedes G-Wagon 6×6’s lunch.” – Joseph Ghattas
Visit Apocalypse Manufacturing to see the World Ender debut video.
Tolar Manufacturing Completes Installation of 850 MARTA Shelters
This week Tolar Manufacturing announced the successful completion of a 5-year contract the company entered into with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) for the installation of shelters and other amenities at 850 bus stops throughout Metro Atlanta.
According to the official press release, the new installations and upgrades were based on feedback from customers and community officials to determine which bus stops required shelters and seating upgrades.

The new shelters and related amenities are based on Tolar’s Sunset Series featuring all aluminum structures with Alucobond roof panels, customized elements including distinctive MARTA branding, solar or 110V LED powered dusk-to-dawn illumination for safety.
Tolar EVP Patrick Merrick says completion of the 850 shelters is the latest chapter in the 17-year partnership between Tolar and MARTA:
“As a company dedicated to improving the public transportation experience, we recognize and appreciate the efforts of the MARTA team and their funding partners in shepherding this project from concept to execution. We are grateful for the trust MARTA has placed in us to be part of this initiative.” – Patrick Merrick
To see Tolar Manufacturing’s full product line, visit tolarmfg.com.
Newterra Expands Presence In Florida and the Southeast
This week Newterra, a leader in water and wastewater treatment solutions, announced its expanded presence in Florida and the Southeast following the company’s acquisition of a Cocoa, Florida service center from Carbon Service & Equipment Company (CSEC) earlier this year.
With its expanded presence in the Sunshine State, Newterra brings more than 40 years of experience as a vertically integrated manufacturer of liquid and vapor phase pressure vessels which are both customizable and scaleable.
In the announcement, Newterra CEO Kevin Cassidy shared his enthusiasm as the Pennsylvania-based company makes a push further into untapped Southeast markets:
“Our strengthened presence in Florida and the Southeast allows us to deliver faster, more localized service to meet the region’s distinct water treatment needs. This area faces growing challenges in water quality, including an increasing need for efficient removal of PFAS from drinking water.” – Kevin Cassidy
For more information about pressure vessels and the company’s other water and wastewater treatment solutions, visit Newterra.com.
Germany's maierGroup Expands Manufacturing In Georgia
This week Germany’s maierGroup announced the company will triple the size of its manufacturing footprint in Georgia by relocating to a new 20,500-square-foot facility in the Norcross area of Gwinnett County.
maierAmerica, a subsidiary of Germany’s maierGroup, manufactures rotary joints for several industries including engineering, paper, textiles, plastics and pharmaceuticals.
At the official ribbon cutting ceremony, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson said the County and maierAmerica share common goals and initiatives:
“maierAmerica’s commitment to sustainability, eco-friendly practices, and energy-efficient technologies directly align with Gwinnett’s sustainability initiatives, while positively impacting our community through furthered job growth.” – Nicole Love Hendrickson
The Georgia expansion comes on the eve of maierGroup celebrating 100 years in 2025. The company was founded by brothers Christian and Friedrich Maier in 1925 as a foundry for the production of castings for the electrical and textile industries.
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.