Date:
August 12, 2015
Contact: Roger J. Stempky, Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Special-Lite, Inc.
269-423-7068, ext. 246
roger_stempky@special-lite.com
Subject: Special-Lite Agrees to Purchase Omega Door Frame
Products Business
DECATUR, MI - Special-Lite, Inc. announced today that it has entered into a definitive
agreement to purchase the Omega Door Frame Products business (Omega) from
Architectural Builders Hardware, Inc. (ABH), of Itasca, Illinois. Omega is manufacturer of
aluminum interior glass framing used in interior office construction.
Henry L. Upjohn II, CEO of Special-Lite, shared his enthusiasm for the acquisition. “We are
excited to acquire a company that has built an outstanding reputation for quality products
and customer service which are consistent with Special-Lite’s values. It’s a privilege to be
able to build on what they started.”
Terms of the sale and size of the acquired business were not released. However Kevin
Hanley, President and COO stated, “I believe the market has recognized the Omega product
as one of the best interior type II framing products in the industry.” Hanley went on to
state, “This is an important acquisition for us as we focus on our growth strategy. Working
with aluminum represents one of our core competencies and we are confident that we will
continue to build on the strong foundation that ABH has established in this market”.
Special-Lite’s expansion into the commercial interiors business started several years ago
with the introduction of aluminum framing for vestibules and heavier duty aluminum
interior office glazing applications. This business was expanded into restroom partitioning
in 2012 and then again in 2013 with the purchase of Universal Pultrusions of Marshall,
Arkansas. The Universal Pultrusion products include all fiberglass interior and exterior
doors and framing for clean rooms, food production, healthcare, R&D and high corrosive
environments.
Roger Stempky, Vice President of Sales and Marketing noted, “This is an exciting addition
for Special-Lite with the expansion of our product offering for the interior of commercial
buildings”. Stempky went on to share, “this is the continuation of an expansive effort we are
making in becoming a leader in the interior glass fronts and demountable wall business.
We are excited about the market opportunities for this product in the marketplace.”
The sale is scheduled for completion and a seamless transition by the middle of September.
Kirti Shah, CEO of ABH commented “We appreciate the support over the years from our
valued customers for the Omega line. Our decision to sell the Omega business will allow us
to focus on our core hardware business, which has experienced significant growth. In
finding a buyer for Omega, it was important that we find a company that shared the values
and commitment to quality, engineering, manufacturing and a firm commitment to
customer service. We are confident that Special-Lite’s values are the same as ours. As we
complete this transaction we are working diligently to ensure a seamless transition for our
dealers and end-users”.
About Special-Lite, Inc. Based in Decatur, Michigan, Special-Lite manufactures engineered
architectural products, which includes complete entrance systems consisting of aluminum,
all fiberglass and aluminum/fiberglass style doors and frames. Products include: flush,
monumental or “stile and rail”, wood grain, and colonial doors, panels and framing for new
construction and replacement installations in educational, commercial, institutional,
industrial and municipal applications. The company was founded in 1971 and pioneered the
use of fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP) material for door skins in the early 1980s, and
today is the largest volume producer of FRP doors in the U.S. Special-Lite’s entrance
products were the first to earn GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification, including the
stringent GOLD certification formerly known as the Children & Schools Standard.
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