Robit expansion continues with buyout of Halco

Robit Plc signed and closed an agreement to purchase the manufacturing assets and IPRs from Halco International LLC and Halco America LLC on 12 January 2017. As a part of the global growth strategy Robit Plc says it has as a result strengthened significantly its footprint in the USA. Thanks to the purchase, the manufacturing unit in Sherman, near Dallas, is now under Robit Group’s ownership.

“With this strategic step Robit Plc strengthens its growth especially in USA and in the Americas Region. As the result of this purchase, Robit Plc is able to build an own manufacturing unit with related service point and stock, which will be located just in the middle of the region. This way, Robit Plc can secure improved service and delivery to the distributors and the direct customers.”

The company adds: “With this purchase Robit Plc receives the strong brand of Halco, excellent presence in USA, IPRs and a base to grow the production volume in USA. Robit Plc will be manufacturing its DTH-line products with the target market being especially the Americas Region. Range covers all common sizes used in quarrying, construction, mining and well drilling.”

The factory is located 50 miles north of Dallas, in the city of Sherman. The factory’s highly integrated supply chain network links through multiple transportation modes, including air and express delivery services, freight rail and truck transport. For example as addition to DFW International Airport, there are three other airports in the Dallas area. Both Fedex and UPS have their depos next door.

The factory area itself is 40,000 square feet, which equals to 4000 m2. Other space area includes 11 open office desks, 2 offices, a meeting room, training room and receptionist desk. Halco is a pioneer brand in Down-The-Hole (DTH) drilling with the brand name originating from Halifax Tool Co in the UKĀ  in 1948. Both Halco companies were owned by Regent, a private equity company from California. Regent acquired Halco from Caterpillar on 2014. Prior the sale in 2014, Caterpillar invested heavily in the facilities and machinery.

Robit Group is a rapidly growing company in the drilling consumable market segment. It has 19 sales and service points worldwide and four manufacturing companies in the USA, Australia, South Korea, the UK and Finland. Robit Plc is listed in Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd’s First North Finland marketplace.