Global manufacturer Hickory Springs today announced it acquired seating product provider The C.E. White Co. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Company officials said in a statement that combining both companies would take place over the next 90 days. C.E White’s headquarters will remain in New Washington, Ohio, and will service its customers as usual in the meantime.
The C.E. White Co., manufacturers seating products to the commercial/transit and school bus markets. Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company makes integrated solutions and components to the transportation market, but also to a growing number of diversified markets, such as furniture and bedding.
Hickory Springs President and CEO David Colburn said the acquisition would enhance opportunities for both companies as it leverages the core capabilities of each provider. The C.E. White President and CEO Tony Everett added that today’s acquisition creates a “three-legged stool” for a complete, integrated seat product. As a result of the acquisition, Hickory Springs will provide the metal frame and the foam for seats and C.E. White will provide the cut and sewn covers for the transportation seating market.
“As a result, we can anticipate increased business opportunities and a positive impact on the communities in which C.E. White operates,” noted Everett, who will report directly to Lee Lunsford, executive vice president and chief operations officer at Hickory Springs.
Since 2007, Hickory Springs has owned Triad Fabco Industries, supplier and manufacturer of rebond, polyurethane used in school bus seat backs. For decades, Hickory Springs had supplied Triad Fabco with the polyurethane foam and foam trim in its bus seat cushions.
