ST. LOUIS, MO –Midwest Industrial Rubber (“MIR”), a leading fabricator and distributor of lightweight conveyor belting and related components, has acquired Van Con, Inc. (“Van Con”), a distributor of conveyor belting for the automotive industry based outside of Detroit, Michigan.

“We are delighted to welcome Kerry and all the employees of Van Con to MIR. This strategic acquisition expands our geographical footprint in to the Michigan region and expands our capabilities in the automotive end market. The opportunity to not only leverage Van Con’s leading position within automotive across the MIR network, but also bring MIR’s product portfolio and group expertise to Van Con will allow our customers to further consolidate their purchasing needs. “This is a significant step in our growth strategy of being closer to our customer’,” Brian McSharry, CEO of MIR, said.

Van Con President Kerry McConnell said, “We are very happy to become the latest company to join MIR. We can now expand our capabilities to our customers in the region with access to the wealth of manufacturing and expert resources that MIR has to offer.”

This is MIR’s third acquisition this year. 

Founded in January 1980, Midwest Industrial Rubber, Inc. is a privately-owned corporation specializing in the fabrication and distribution of conveyor belting and industrial conveyor products. The company provides value-added products and services through their more than 20 full-service sales and fabrication facilities and satellite locations across the United States.

ST. LOUIS, MO – Midwest Industrial Rubber (“MIR”) announces that CEO, Michael Bruhn, is retiring after 19 years with the Company. Michael will continue to serve as a Board member and will also continue to assist the company with strategic business development. “MIR is thankful for Mike’s invaluable leadership and significant contributions,” said Mark Hambacker, President. “Under his leadership, MIR has expanded nationally and enhanced its position as the leading distributor of lightweight belting in the United States.”

As of May 14, Michael will be succeeded as CEO by Brian McSharry. McSharry was previously CEO of RESA Power since 2015. Before joining RESA, he was CEO of Dynatect Manufacturing, Trellborg Offshore and Gamma Holdings. Brian has extensive experience in the belting market having held the position of CEO America’s, Ammeraal Beltech for 4 years. He also brings extensive Private Equity CEO leadership and experience having built and exited two businesses with Audax Private equity group. He will operate from the Chicago branch.

“We are excited that Mr. McSharry has accepted this opportunity with MIR. We look forward to utilizing his management, operations, and acquisition experience as we accelerate our initiative to expand MIR throughout the United States,” said Mark. “Brian’s prior experience in the manufacturing of lightweight belting gives him extensive market knowledge which will allow for a seamless transition.”

Jack Glover, Managing Partner, Incline Equity Partners, echoed Mark’s statements: “I am very pleased to be able to welcome Brian to Midwest Industrial Rubber. Brian has developed an outstanding strategic and operational track record at his prior companies. And like Bruhn, has developed great relationships with its trade customers”.

Founded in January 1980, Midwest Industrial Rubber, Inc. is a privately-owned corporation specializing in the fabrication and distribution of conveyor belting and industrial conveyor products. The company provides value-added products and services through their more than 20 full-service sales and fabrication facilities and satellite locations across the United States.

Midwest Industrial Rubber (“MIR”) a leading value-added supplier of lightweight conveyor belting and related components, has acquired New England Belting Company (“NEBCO”).

NEBCO is an independent provider of specialty belts including edge belts, wave solder belts, timing belts and vacuum belts. Based in Berlin, CT, NEBCO has been the trusted brand in the Northeast for belting supplies for over fifty years. We are excited to be a part of the MIR team. As a provider of unique specialty belts we look forward to leveraging MIR’s additional locations and fabrication capabilities across North America. We believe the combined entity will cement our position as the region’s lightweight belting leader,said Gregg Beaty, co-owner.

“This marks the second acquisition since partnering with Incline in 2016,” said Mike Bruhn, CEO of MIR. “An important part of our growth strategy is finding companies to acquire in geographies targeted for expansion. These acquisitions provide quick access to new or underserved markets and strengthens both companies’ ability to serve customers.”

The acquisition gives MIR a stronger presence in the Northeast, allowing the Company to provide more direct fabrication, installation and on-call services to customers in the region. Additionally, the combined entity will have a broader selection of products to offer customers.

“NEBCO is a recognized and respected brand in the industry and will continue to operate as NEBCO, a division of MIR,” said John Morley, Managing Director of Incline. “The acquisition broadens the overall product and service offering, and we are pleased to have the NEBCO owners with us moving forward.”

Founded in January 1980, Midwest Industrial Rubber, Inc. is a privately-owned corporation specializing in the fabrication and distribution of lightweight conveyor belting and industrial conveyor products. The company provides value-added products and services through their more than 20 full-service sales and fabrication facilities and satellite locations across the United States.

Minneapolis, MN – Midwest Industrial Rubber (MIR), the nation’s premier independent specialty fabricator and distributor of conveyor belts and conveyor accessories, is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of Conveyor Belting Supply (CBS). As of February 23, 2018, the company and its assets will now operate as MIR, Inc.

Located in Maple Grove, MN, Conveyor Belting Supply was established by Jim Roufs and John Engfer in 2005. “We found that the team at MIR shares our same values: a customer-centric approach based on trust, responsiveness and reliability. Those qualities have been built on a foundation of excellent service, depth of expertise and a willingness to stay until the customer is satisfied,” said Jim Roufs.

The merger continues to expand MIR’s reach and nationwide footprint, as well as the ability to provide a wider array of products, services and resources to its customers. “We are excited to bring the CBS team onboard. Their consistent and unwavering customer dedication will be enhanced by the resources of MIR. This acquisition will also allow MIR to rapidly expand into Minnesota and the Dakotas’” said Mike Bruhn, CEO of MIR.

Founded in January 1980, Midwest Industrial Rubber, Inc. is a privately-owned corporation specializing in the fabrication and distribution of lightweight conveyor belting and industrial conveyor products. The company provides value-added products and services through their more than 20 full-service sales and fabrication facilities and satellite locations across the United States.

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