WASHINGTON - Global private equity firm The Carlyle Group recently completed the merger of John Maneely Co. (doing business as Wheatland Tube Co.) with Atlas Tube Inc.

Carlyle holds a majority interest in the combined business, which is now one of the largest North American manufacturers of steel pipe and tubing with sales in excess of $2 billion and annual volume of more than 2 million tons. John Maneely Co. remains the parent entity, with Wheatland Tube and Atlas Tube its two operating divisions.

Founded in 1877, John Maneely Co. has a long history in the pipe and tubing business. The Wheatland Tube operating division manufactures standard pipe, OCTG products, electrical steel conduit, fence framework, fire sprinkler pipe, mechanical tubing, and associated fittings. The John Maneely Co. employs 1,600 people in six manufacturing facilities in five states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Arkansas, and Texas. The company was acquired by Carlyle in March 2006.

Founded in 1984, Atlas manufactures structural tubing known as “hollow structural sections.” The Atlas division employs 635 people in three states and two Canadian provinces: Illinois, Arkansas, Michigan, Ontario, and Manitoba.

Armand F. Lauzon Jr. remains chief executive officer of the combined business and Barry Zekelman, who was chief executive officer of Atlas, is executive vice president of John Maneely Co., leading all commercial and manufacturing operations.

Publication date:01/29/2007