NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Robert Potokar, CEO of Thermal Solutions Manufacturing (TSM), has announced the acquisition of R&D Enterprises, a Plymouth, Mich.-based designer and manufacturer of high-quality engineered automotive, marine and heavy-duty heat exchanges.
TSM is a Nashville-based aftermarket manufacturer of heavy-duty and light truck heat exchange products serving the off-road, on-highway and industrial end markets through its 25 distribution locations in North and Central America.
The acquisition of R&D is a continuation of a strategic effort by TSM to increase its national footprint by acquiring smaller regional companies that expand TSM’s coverage and service areas, while bolstering its specialty markets for heat exchange applications.
Cox, who founded R&D with his wife Diane in 1974, said he is excited at the new opportunities for his now former firm. “We weren’t looking to sell,” Cox said, "but when the opportunity with TSM came up, we realized how much they could energize us and how we could be a key component to their success. We look forward, with our new company, to greatly expanding our resources and our customer base.”
Potokar praised R&D as creative problem-solvers. “R&D has shown, over many years, the ability to see a design problem and know immediately the most efficient manner in which to fix it,” he said. “They have a successful history of working with many well-known OEM companies throughout the country.”
Potokar also noted that the acquisition of R&D gives TSM an opportunity to expand its footprint in the marine sector. R&D’s fluid cooling products, ranging in size from small oil coolers for low horsepower engines to coolers for 10,000 horsepower engines, are used in recreational boats and commercial marine vessels.
“Part of our investment strategy is to acquire companies that allow us to expand our product offerings," Potokar said. "With this acquisition, we acquire vast experience in the boating industry. along with a talented management team and strong customer service culture. We think that R&D is a perfect fit with TSM.”
