24.11.2010

Universal acquires MLE

The assets of Man and Material Lift Engineering (MLE) of Cudahy, Wisconsin have been acquired by Universal Manufacturing of Lincoln, Nebraska, an automotive component manufacturer.

Under the agreement the assets of MLE will be placed into a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary Universal - Man Lift Manufacturing based at its existing facilities.

MLE Founder Jeff Bailey will continue to manage the business, which produces a wide range of custom built access and lifting solutions, largely for the end user market. It also modifies products from major manufacturers to suit specific applications. Earlier this year it launched a highly compact pick & carry crane.
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The MLE IC20 crane

Bailey said: “This was not an easy decision for me because I have nurtured MLE from a small start-up to a successful, growing and exciting business. This transaction will, however, provide us the ability to continue to grow and be of greater service to our valued customers.”

“The actual operation will continue as it has in the past – I will remain as president, we will have the same mission, serving our customers by providing safe, environmentally friendly, quality equipment that is specifically designed to meet their needs. The employees are all staying on and the telephone numbers, address and e-mail addresses will all remain the same.”

Robert Scott, chairman of Universal added: "With leadership positions in growing specialty lift markets, Man Lift Mfg. extends our footprint in attractive niche markets. We look forward to welcoming Man & Material Lift Engineering’s employees, including its strong management team, to Universals' organisation."