COLUMBUS, WI--(Marketwired - Mar 25, 2014) - Hughes Company, a Columbus, Wis.-based manufacturer and international distributor of stainless steel equipment for the food processing industry, has been acquired by Blackthorne Partners Ltd., and business executive Ross Lund, who has become president and chief executive officer of the company.
"We have aggressive growth goals for the company, which I know we can achieve based on the company's existing staff of highly skilled and dedicated employees, our existing manufacturing technology, and the new resources we will bring to the operation," Lund said. "Through investments in our people and in technology, we will help our customers become even more productive."
The company is now known as Hughes Equipment Company, LLC.
Since 1961, the company has designed and manufactured standard and customized equipment for vegetable, pasta, rice, fruit and root crop processing and preparation.
John Syburg, a managing director at Blackthorne Partners in Brookfield, Wis., said the company is well positioned for growth.
"Hughes Equipment Company has an impressive lineup of highly reliable products, unparalleled customer service, and an incredibly talented staff," he said. "We are confident we can build on that great foundation, and meet our customers' needs to an even greater degree."
Lund called the employees at Hughes "some of the best in the business," with expertise in engineering, manufacturing and technology.
"We intend to further develop that talent and to provide them with the best technology," he said. "We plan on taking technology to a new level in this industry," he added.
Lund's leadership experience in manufacturing, where he engaged lean manufacturing techniques and technology enhancements, will be invaluable as Hughes Equipment Co. engages its growth plans, said Steve Balistreri, a Blackthorne Partners managing director.
Jeff Powell, the former president and owner, will retain an interest in the company and serve as a consultant to Lund.
Hughes Equipment Co. will remain in its 60,000-square-foot facility. in Columbus, Wis., which has the capacity to handle the anticipated business growth, Lund said.
About Hughes Equipment Company:
Hughes Equipment Company's food processing equipment includes:
- Washers, screens and air cleaners
- Cutters, snippers, saws and huskers
- Graders and metering elevators
- Blanchers, cookers and coolers
- Conveyors, fillers, holding tanks and lift tables
- Custom contract manufacturing
- Excellent customer service
- Competitive lead times
The company is online at www.hughesequipment.com.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Ross Lund
Hughes Equipment Co.
920-623-2000