Ellison Technologies acquires J & H Machine Tools

Jan. 5, 2009 - PRLog -- SANTE FE SPRINGS, CA.    Ellison Technologies announced the acquisition of J & H Machine Tools, Inc. (Charlotte, NC), effective January 1, 2009.  That expands Ellison’s presence beyond the West, Midwest, Southwest and Great Lakes regions into nine Southeastern states and raises Ellison’s coverage to three-fourths of the North American marketplace.

Strategic issues and timing drove this alliance, according to Jim Ellison, founder and chairman.  The companies have been closely linked for years.  Both are widely regarded as world-class leaders in sales of factory automation, robotics and metrology equipment in their respective territories.   J & H, like Ellison, is a market share leader known for its professionalism and history of selling total solutions to its customers, not just iron, backed by comprehensive support.  Both sell Mori Seiki’s machining centers and CNC lathes as their flagship line. And J & H has long partnered with Ellison Robotics for expertise integrating industrial robotic systems.  

When J & H founders Bob Johnson and John Hackenberg conveyed John’s potential interest in retiring, the solution seemed obvious. Ellison expressed immediate interest in incorporating J & H into the Ellison-Mori Seiki-Mitsui family. The alliance provides Johnson with the full backing of Ellison resources.  Under the new structure, J & H becomes a separate division of Ellison Technologies, with Bob Johnson as President, reporting to Tim Kilty, Ellison’s CEO.  

“The acquisition,” Ellison stated, “will primarily involve corporate-level integration of the two companies.  J & H retains its name and autonomy and will stay focused on current markets, customers, employees and the interests of the builders it represents, which really do not conflict with Ellison’s. J & H’s 65 employees join Ellison’s for a new total of 550-plus corporate wide. They have a strong reputation for high loyalty and low turnover and for giving their time generously to trade associations and community activity.  It’s a great group.  We’re proud to welcome them into our own.”

Bob Johnson agrees the acquisition is a win-win situation, “We are pleased to have the opportunity to serve our customers with the same people and personal relationship we have enjoyed over the years.  Ellison and Mori Seiki offer management and technical expertise we value highly.  We bring years of experience working as partners with our customers, plus proven expertise and success in Southeast markets.”  

For more information, please contact Bob Goossens, Dir. of Marketing and e-Business, (562) 949-8311.

# # #

About Ellison Technologies: Ellison Technologies is a provider of advanced machining solutions to North American metal-cutting manufacturers and their global affiliates. As a family of companies we are committed to the survival and growth of the American manufacturing industry. Independent offices provide us a local market focus and the flexibility to advocate the needs of each of our valued customers.