Dec 21 2012
Bonsal American, Inc., has completed the acquisition of Surface Coatings Company, Inc., based in Auburn Hills, Mich., a manufacturer of asphalt pavement maintenance products for use by commercial contractors on asphalt surfaces surrounding retail, residential and industrial properties.
With the acquisition, Bonsal American expands its presence in the Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Ontario market areas. Bonsal American has an existing Michigan location in New Boston.
“The acquisition fits very well with our long-term growth strategy. It will provide our existing customers with a greater depth of expertise in sealcoat, crack sealant and other solutions for pavement maintenance,” said David Maske, President of Bonsal American. “Additionally, it provides our new team members from Surface Coatings with access to GemSeal’s network of plants, R&D focus and new customers.”
Bonsal American’s Pavement Maintenance Division (PMD) manufactures specialty pavement coatings and other GemSeal-branded products from nine plants that service the 32 easternmost states.
During 2013, PMD will merge its existing Michigan sealer production in New Boston into the Surface Coatings plant. The existing site will remain active as a southern Detroit distribution point to service an active base of drive-up business. Doug Lorkowski, GemSeal’s Michigan area manager, will continue to service his customer base after the acquisition.
“We are focused on a seamless transition of Surface Coatings into Bonsal American, with as little disruption as possible for our customers and our employees,” said Jeff Lax, chief operating officer for PMD. “Surface Coatings is an outstanding company with an excellent reputation in the market for making outstanding products and taking care of customers. We are looking forward to maintaining their superior level of performance and further developing our business together.”
The newly combined operation is headed by Surface Coatings’ Lee Lowis, who is the new Territory General Manager. John Camburn, the former president of Surface Coatings, has accepted the position of Strategic Advisor reporting to Jeff Lax. Camburn will support the integration of Surface Coatings into Bonsal American and the implementation of strategic initiatives.
In describing the transaction, John Camburn said, “We are excited to be part of Bonsal American, which shares many of the same core values, including quality and customer service, that have made our business successful. Contractors, property managers, and employees will benefit from the combination of two outstanding companies focused on setting the standard for excellence in the pavement maintenance market. Lee and I look forward to working with the GemSeal team to continue providing great products to our customers.”
To ease the customer transition to new ownership, Bonsal American plans to continue using the Surface Coatings name in the marketplace. Customers may continue contacting their established GemSeal and Surface Coatings representatives.