Empire Abrasive Equipment Co. has acquired some assets of Hoffman Blast Room Equipment. Hoffman, which declared bankruptcy in March 2003, is among the leading supplier of larger blast rooms, and according to Empire has manufactured more than 1,000 units since its founding in 1984.

Some of the blast rooms Hoffman has manufactured are over 120 ft long. Typically, such larger blast rooms are used in building and maintaining railroad cars, truck trailers, ship parts, construction equipment, bridge components, and heavy machinery.

Empire said this acquisition gives it exclusive rights to market Hoffman products exclusively, meaning other parties will not be able to use the brand name in connection with “promotion and/or sale of Hoffman-style rooms” without Empire’s written consent. Also, along with the brand name Empire has acquired the rights to all Hoffman designs.

Chief operating officer Robert Morey said the Hoffman acquisition should establish Empire as the leader in blast-room technology, installation, and service. “We’ve added important new products and turnkey capabilities,” he said.