FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Trelleborg Group has, through its business area Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, signed an agreement and finalized the acquisition of the privately owned US-based VB Seals Inc. The company specializes in the distribution of polymer seals such as O-Rings, hydraulic seals, diaphragms, and specialty kitting for original equipment manufacturers in several industries, including agriculture. The acquisition will increase Trelleborg’s presence in the Midwestern United States. The company has its office and warehouse in Ames, Iowa, US. This bolt-on acquisition is part of Trelleborg’s strategy to strengthen its positions in attractive market segments.
Linda Muroski, President of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Marketing Americas and Global Healthcare & Medical, said: “VB Seals is a good fit for our culture and business model as it partners closely with customers. The acquisition gives us an improved service platform in an important market and further strengthens our ServicePLUS business model.”
After guiding his team through its transition to Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, Jim Van Bergen, Owner of VB Seals, plans to retire in 2022. He said: “Trelleborg does not want to come in and tell us how to run the business. They want us to keep doing the things that have made the business what it is today. It gives me peace of mind knowing that there will be stability for the people that work here during the transition and that Trelleborg will stay in the neighborhood.”
VB Seals has serviced customers both domestically and internationally since 1993, and the company’s sales and customer support staff together have more than 100 years of experience in the seal business. The transaction closed on October 8, 2021.