United Foundries to be Bought by Whemco

Aug. 18, 2008
Mill roll producers consolidated

Whemco Inc., a diversified manufacturing group that produces a variety of cast and forged products, has agreed to acquire United Foundries Inc., a Canton, OH, producer of steel mill rolls. The Whemco Group is a holding of Cleveleand-based Park Corp., and includes Duralloy Technologies, Scottdale, PA; Whemco Ohio Foundry Inc., Lima, OH; and Whemco Steel Casting Inc., Midland, PA — all three metalcasting operations; as well as Erie Forge & Steel and Lehigh Heavy Forge Corp.

The terms of the sale have not been announced. "The addition of the United assets to Whemco's portfolio would not only enhance our ability to serve our existing customer,” stated Whemco president and CEO Charles Novelli, “but also would allow us to enter new markets."

The purchase is seen closing in September.

Whemco’s product line includes commercial castings; forged components for nuclear power production; forged mill rolls; heat-resistant, high-alloy casting rolls and tubing; iron and chrome rolls; large forgings; large shafting; slag pots, and steel rolls.

United Foundries produces iron mill rolls weighing up to 20 tons for steel and nonferrous metals, as well as rubber and plastic production. It has additional manufacturing plants in Youngstown, OH, and South Africa (Sarco.)