Plews & Edelmann, a leading manufacturer and marketer of power steering components, hoses, automotive fittings and turbo oil lines, has completed its purchase of Blissfield Manufacturing, a third-generation Tier 1 manufacturer of refrigeration products and condensers. Founded in 1946 and based in Blissfield, Michigan, Blissfield produced hydraulic power steering coolers (also referred to as cooler lines) for original equipment manufacturers. In the transaction, Plews & Edelmann acquired Blissfield’s technology, designs and manufacturing equipment.
The announcement was made by Dan Billie, Plews & Edelmann CEO, who noted that the acquisition will give Plews & Edelmann the ability to supply all forms of power steering coolers to the aftermarket and OE service parts distributors. “I am happy that Blissfield Manufacturing’s Chairman, Pat Farver, chose Plews & Edelmann as the caretaker of his family business. This acquisition complements our vision and is a perfect fit for the company as we continue to focus on providing the aftermarket with a total solution to its power steering needs. We are already a leading supplier of power steering hoses, rack and pinion assemblies, pumps, gear boxes, filters, and fluid, so we are excited about the future of this opportunity,” said Billie.
“The Blissfield acquisition marks a key milestone in the progress of Plews & Edelmann. Under Dan Billie’s leadership, the company has executed on its goal to become a leader in the steering category. We continue to explore other steering opportunities and will be making other announcements soon,” added David Rashid, executive chairman at Plews & Edelmann.
Expressing his satisfaction in knowing that he had selected the ideal organization in which to entrust his third-generation family business, Pat Farver, said, “It only took a few conversations to understand that I wanted the legacy of what my grandfather started in the hands of the Plews & Edelmann team. David Rashid and Dan Billie are committed to continuing my vision for the business. It couldn’t be in better hands.”
Full line cooler supplier
The new power steering cooler program is now part of the growing Edelmann Elite power steering portfolio. Every cooler is designed and built using OE equivalent specs and technology, so Plews & Edelmann is able to offer a full line to the aftermarket that delivers OE form, fit and function. Unlike competitive parts currently in the aftermarket, which have been modified from the original design or offer a universal alternative, Edelmann Elite coolers are a direct-fit and exact replacement to the OE part, the company says.
The Edelmann Elite cooler line currently delivers coverage for more than 21,000,000 VIO in North America with coverage for more than 75,000,000 vehicles coming in the future. All of the coolers are manufactured in the US and the resulting quality control and supply chain advantages make these parts an ideal solution for all aftermarket distribution channels, Plews & Edelmann says.
For more information, visit: www.edelmannelite.com or call 1-800-770-4639.
