Tooling M&A as Tooling Technology LLC acquires FPM Tooling and Automation

in Fremont, Ohio. FPM, formerly known as Fremont Plastic Mold, specializes in the design and manufacture of custom industrial blow mold tooling, and in development and manufacture of automation equipment for both blowmolding and thermoforming.  FPM's automation division also provides flexible work cells that incorporate robotic press loading, fastening, visual inspection, assembly, de-flashing, welding and packaging of finished parts. (We visited with FPM in 2007; here a link to our report on the company.)

"This acquisition presents an opportunity for The Tooling Tech Group to expand our already strong position in the automotive, transportation and consumer products tooling markets through additional product offerings," said Tony Seger, CEO. "FPM is an excellent fit with our 'Whatever it takes, on-time, every time' operating model." Terms of the purchase were not revealed. The Tooling Tech Group, including FPM, employs approximately 120.  The Tooling Tech Group is owned and operated by Cognitive Capital Partners, a Chicago, IL-based private equity investment company. Cognitive also owns Edward D. Segen & Co., a supplier of equipment such as quick-change fasteners for thermoforming as well as a thermoforming tool builder and maintenance provider.

Seger also noted that the acquisition will expand Tooling Technology's existing automotive customer base while helping the company grow its position into the industrial blow mold and automation industries. FPM's blow molds typically see use in industrial blow molding applications for automotive components such as air ducts, reservoirs and fuel tanks.

Founded in 1982, Tooling Technology LLC has grown to become a major supplier of thermoform and compression mold tooling throughout North America. The company has two manufacturing facilities in Fort Loramie comprising over 65,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Applications include tooling for automotive headliners, carpet and floor assemblies, acoustic products, truck bed liners and more. The company also builds tooling for the consumer, agriculture and building and construction industries.

Among its achievements, Tooling Technology is noted for building some of the largest thermoform tooling in the world, including those used in the manufacture of hot tubs, spas and bathroom tubs; boat hulls, kayaks, appliances, transportation interiors as well as industrial trays and packaging.