Rulmeca Group Acquires Douglas Manufacturing

Rulmeca Group has announced its acquisition of Douglas Manufacturing Co., a manufacturer and distributor of components and engineered conveying solutions for bulk materials handling applications.

Established in 1978, Douglas Manufacturing supplies customers in North, Central, and South America in a wide range of industries including aggregate, pulp & paper, ship loading and unloading, steel, chemical, cement, coal, fertilizer, biofuel, biomass, coal-fired power generation, and agriculture.

With this acquisition, Rulmeca Group will make a step toward growing its business in the US market. At the same time, Douglas benefits from the integration into a financially sound international group and gains access to a global supply chain and a more extensive product portfolio.

Founded in 1962, the Rulmeca Group has grown to be a leading partner to the global materials handling industry, with now 17 production and sales companies around the globe serving clients in about 100 countries. The company is the world’s largest supplier of rollers/idlers, pulleys, and motorized pulleys for heavy-duty belt conveyors for quarries and mining applications, as well as rollers, drum motors, and 24V drive rollers for intralogistics.

Rulmeca’ goal is to strengthen its presence in the US market by introducing a brand known for the quality of its products. Rulmeca enhances now its reach in the American market strengthening its manufacturing capacity of pulleys and medium duty idlers for the bulk materials handling sector.

Rulmeca has been in the US since 2003, when Rulmeca Corp. was established in Wilmington, NC, as sales and servicing center (Local Assembly and Repair) for motorized pulleys. The Group presence in North America is completed by Rulmeca Canada Ltd, manufacturer of heavy duty and extra heavy duty idlers and components for some of the most demanding applications in the bulk materials handling industry. The synergies, products exchange, and teamwork between Rulmeca and Douglas will boost the group’s expansion in North America.

“We are thrilled by the significant opportunities and value this deal may bring to our companies, customers, employees, and stakeholders in the coming years. This deal will allow our customers in the USA and North America to access an enhanced portfolio of products and services,” said Rulmeca Holding Spa’s Executive Vice President, Fabio Ghisalberti. “We are delighted to announce that Paul Ross will maintain the role of president and CEO of Douglas Manufacturing Ltd. His expertise and leadership have been critical to the growth and success of Douglas, and we are excited to continue to work with him."

Significant investments are planned at the Douglas plant in Pell City in the short and medium term to develop the local business further and foster technological innovation.

The current Douglas Manufacturing Ltd management team is expected to stay with the Company continuing to be a fundamental success factor in the planned growth itinerary.