EMPORIA, Kan. – Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. has acquired the assets of F3 Brands, a provider of oil drains, drain pans, lifting aids and automotive ramps. F3 is the non-fuel containment business of Blitz USA.
The combination of F3 and Hopkins’ FloTool brand of oil change accessory products represents the most comprehensive assortment of do-it-yourself solutions in the fluid management category available, according to Hopkins.
“This acquisition improves our ability to provide a complete range of products for both our customers and do-it-yourself consumers across North America,” said Bradley Kraft, president and CEO of Hopkins. “Our FloTool brand of innovative, task-specific funnels makes fluid transfer easier for all of the different automotive, farm, marine and power-sport applications. Adding F3’s product offering creates a complete line for the DIYer.”
“We’re very excited to be a part of the Hopkins family of brands,” added Grant Kernan, president of F3 Brands. “Hopkins has an outstanding reputation in the industry and the combination of our respective capabilities creates a one-stop shop for fluid management products.”
In addition to the oil change products, Hopkins acquired the 2X4 Basics line of storage, organization and lawn and garden kits. Hopkins will maintain the manufacturing facility located in Miami, Okla. The oil change related products will be unified under the FloTool brand name and the automotive ramps will continue to bear the RhinoRamp mark.
This is the second acquisition by Hopkins in the fluid management category in the past six months. In October 2011, Hopkins acquired Mr. Funnel, a range of portable fuel filters that remove water, dirt and debris from all types of fuels.
