Midwest connection: Great Lakes Industrial purchases Premier Seals Manufacturing

MILWAUKEE, Wisc.—With the Dec. 15 acquisition of Premier Seals Manufacturing in Akron, family-owned Great Lakes Industrial continues to expand its gasket manufacturing footprint in the Midwest.

Premier Seals works in die-cut gaskets, die-cutting, rubber molding and rubber extrusions, according to GLI.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"Acquiring a company from the 'Rubber Capital of the World' fits perfectly into our wheelhouse, and the high-quality manufacturing capabilities of Premier Seals helps increase our capacity to support our high-growth trajectory," said Ben Stanczyk, senior vice president of finance at Great Lakes.

Great Lakes Industrial is a third-generation family-owned firm that has more than seven decades of experience in the manufacture, distribution and supply of software solutions for warehouse and production lines.

Great Lakes maintains a focus on sealing products, including rubber, plastics, adhesives, packaging, and metals.

Premier Seals has three decades of experience in gasket, washer and non-tire rubber product manufacturing for the industrial and automotive industries.

The purchase marks the sixth acquisition for Great Lakes in the last two years.

"The acquisition of Premier Seals is a strategic move that aligns perfectly with our vision for growth," said Brad Hiller, vice president of sales. "It goes beyond just acquiring a new entity; it's about fortifying our market position, expanding our capabilities and creating synergies that will propel us forward."

Hiller added that Premier Seals reinforces the company's dedication to customer innovation "while seizing the opportunity to be a positive force in the Akron community."

"This strategic move marks a significant milestone for Great Lakes Industrial as it expands its footprint to Ohio and strengthens its position in the gasket manufacturing industry," Great Lakes said in a Jan. 4 news release. "The acquisition of Premier Seals brings together two industry leaders, combining their expertise, resources and innovation to deliver enhanced solutions to customers nationwide."