Nix Industrial announced a merger with Bert R. Huncilman And Son in a press conference Tuesday, a move expected to have a major impact on the metal manufacturing industry.
The company, based in Poseyville, Indiana, revealed the details of the merger with Huncilman Sheet Metal at the conference. Founded in 1902 as a blacksmith shop, today, Nix Industrial is a custom manufacturer and industrial repair company. The merger brings together two fifth-generation family businesses with a combined history of over 200 years in the metal manufacturing industry.
"The joining of two fifth generation family businesses that have been around for over 100 years is literally a hundred in a million," said Matthew Nix, president and CEO, Nix Industrial. "There's a lot of things that they do in their processes that they were outsourcing. There's things that we do that they were outsourcing. So to be able to combine that really strengthens our businesses."
U.S. Congressional Representative Erin Houchin, State Representative Ed Clere (R-House District 72), and State Senator Mark Messmer (R-Senate District 4) attended the announcement. Speaking to WLKY News, State Rep Clere said: "All of the regional growth and development is exciting, and it's especially exciting to see a homegrown success story such as Huncilman reaching this milestone."
The move, which avoids any involvement from private equity, ensures the longevity and sustainability of the manufacturing businesses, Nix Industrial representatives said.
"This investment here is going to keep those jobs right here on the Indiana side of the river and it's going to keep people close to home, and we're very very excited to see it," U.S. Rep. Houchin said.
The merger between Nix Industrial and Huncilman Sheet Metal creates a powerhouse in the region for custom metal manufacturing and industrial repair services. Nix Industrial already specializes in plate and heavy fabrication, steel erection, structural and miscelleanous metals, 3D scanning and design engineering The combined entity will offer an expanded portfolio of services, increased manufacturing capabilities, and greater operational efficiencies. Customers of both companies will benefit from the enhanced resources and expertise of the merged organization.
“We are excited to welcome Huncilman Sheet Metal into the Nix Industrial family. This merger represents a significant milestone in our company’s history and aligns perfectly with our mission to ‘Be Big, Act Small.’ To be the partner of choice for a family business that has been around this long, is quite a humbling experience. It’s a responsibility we do not take lightly," Nix concluded. "We are committed to maintaining the exceptional standards and values that the Huncilmans have upheld for generations, while leveraging our expanded capabilities to better serve our combined team members, customers, and communities.”
The merger is expected to close in the coming months, pending regulatory approval. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
