Davis-­Standard Buys Gloucester Engineering

Davis‐Standard LLC, Pawcatuck, Conn., recently announced it had purchased blown film equipment supplier Gloucester Engineering Gloucester, Mass. from investment firm Blue Wolf Capital. Terms were not disclosed.

In a prepared statement, Davis-Standard (D-S) said the Gloucester purchase will enhance its position in blown film by adding experienced design and process engineering capabilities, a large installed base and greater aftermarket capabilities worldwide.

Until the early 90s, Gloucester was perhaps most recognized as a supplier of machinery for commodity film and bagmaking. It then evolved into builder supplying more sophisticated lines for coextruded, barrier systems, at one point dominating that market. It then became a major supplier of high-tech cast film lines for stretch film.

More recently Gloucester has narrowed its focus to blown film, focused mainly on aftermarket. To support this strategy, in 2012 Gloucester purchased Pearl Technologies, Savannah, N.Y., which makes sizing cages, collapsing canopies and a variety of other products for blown film and bagmaking; and Future Design, Mississauga, Ont., which specializes in air rings.

“We’re excited about combining the strengths and market reach of Davis‐Standard and Gloucester,” says Jim Murphy, D-S president and CEO. “Gloucester has always been a strong company, so bringing their technology and engineering expertise to our operation is significant for our combined customer base. It also supports our ongoing goal of continuing to provide equipment and service that improves process efficiency and profitability.”

Murphy adds: "The acquisition includes all of their designs and technology: blown film, cast film, sheet and foam sheet--all areas where Gloucester Engineering has had a market presence over the last several decades.  We will be incorporating these designs and technology into the Davis-Standard product lines and primarily focus Gloucester Engineering on its strongest area of blown film.  We will continue to support the installed base of all Gloucester Engineering equipment and look to expand this area to match customer demand."

States Carl Johnson, Gloucester’s v.p. sales, “The alignment of our companies leverages our sizable base of installed equipment with the industry’s best resources for sales, engineering and service. Both companies have a reputation for strong people and strong brands." Johnson referred to the D-S-Gloucester combination as a "game changer in the global blown film market."