A longtime Benton Harbor industrial plant appears to be assured of continued operation into the future after a ‘corporate marriage’ of sorts with a similar firm in Chicago.
Erik and Gloria Ender have announced that Freedom Finishing operation on Meadowbrook Road will go forward as an affiliate of Acme Finishing of Elk Grove Village, IL, a Chicago suburb. The Ender’s will transition into retirement.
Calder Capital, a Grand Rapids firm that specializes in selling entrepreneurial, family-owned businesses, engineered the deal, which Calder describes as ‘an investment in Freedom Finishing by Acme Finishing.’ The announcement suggests that Freedom will continue in some fashion as a separate or at least recognizable entity, with plans to grow.
Here is the text of the Calder-Ender announcement:
Founded in 1988, Freedom Finishing specializes in powder and electrocoating of ferrous and nonferrous metals. The company provides high-quality powder coating services for a wide range of products, including metal furniture, computer cabinets, bicycle and automobile parts, and more. Freedom Finishing serves clients across multiple industries, including automotive, military, appliance, recreation, furniture, and medical. Gloria and Erik Ender engaged Calder Capital’s Sell-Side team as they began to think about their life after managing Freedom Finishing.
Acme Finishing, established in 1932, is one of the Midwest’s premier coating partners for major brands across automotive, appliance, and industrial markets. Headquartered just outside Chicago, Acme provides powder coating, liquid coating, screening, assembly, and kitting services for parts used by some of the world’s most trusted brands, including Ford, Toyota, Weber Grill, Hewlett-Packard, Eaton, and many others.
“After nearly four decades of growth and commitment to our customers and employees, we knew it was time for the next chapter in our lives and in the growth of Freedom Finishing. We’re proud to formally partner Freedom with Acme, whose track record and integrity ensure our people and customers remain in great hands,” stated Gloria Ender, Owner of Freedom Finishing.
“Freedom Finishings’ reputation for quality and speed in the automotive market in Michigan is unmatched,” shared G.R. Kearney, President of Acme Finishing. “We’re thrilled to partner with Erik and Gloria. From the moment we met them, we felt a shared sense of values and commitment to both customers and employees. We’re thrilled to be able to continue to build on Erik and Gloria’s legacy.”
Calder Capital’s Shane Kissick suggested the two companies are a perfect fit.
“The partnership is a great strategic fit that allows Erik and Gloria to begin retirement plans while intertwining the legacy of the company with a well-known Chicago-based powder coater,” stated Kissack. “It was a privilege to help Erik and Gloria retire confidently while positioning Freedom for continued success with Acme.”
Garrett Monroe, Sell-Side Managing Director at Calder Capital, commented, “Calder was thrilled to help the Enders achieve a transition that preserved the company’s legacy while enabling continued growth under Acme. The industrial finishing space continues to see high strategic demand from regional strategics, and this deal underscores Calder’s strength in facilitating those matches.”
No financial details were released.
