Roger PosackiChattanooga-based PlayCore is growing again, having acquired two more companies as the maker of play and recreation equipment continues to expand its product offerings.
PlayCore acquired Porter Corp., a designer and maker of open-air shade structures for parks.
Also, PlayCore bought Knorr Systems, which offers a wide range of aquatic equipment and services.
PlayCore President Roger Posacki said officials are excited about expanding the company's line of shelter options and the latest addition to its aquatics division.
He said the acquisition of Holland, Mich.-based Porter Corp. increases PlayCore's operational ability with additional technological and manufacturing capabilities.
Posacki said the move is an "opportunity to bring a market leader" into PlayCore's portfolio.
Porter, begun in 1964, has 130 employees and more than 100,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities and corporate offices. It was one of the first producers of a system that combines structure and insulation into one panel.
PlayCore said Porter's Poligon line of shelter structures leads the industry in the design, engineering and manufacturing of shade coverings for applications in steel, fabric and wood.
Dan Irrer of Porter said company officials are looking forward to joining PlayCore, saying its leadership position and extensive research is "a great fit."
Knorr Systems, founded in 1977 and based in Santa Ana, Calif., with 70 employees, brought chemical automation to the commercial pool market. It also has expanded its distribution capabilities to offer a range of aquatic equipment, service and expertise, according to PlayCore.
"Their ability to provide aquatic equipment, service, training and daily operations to facilities in the United States greatly compliments our ability to service the aquatics industry," said Posacki.
Rich Robert of Knorr said PlayCore's expansion, servant leadership, and business model is inspiring and "we're looking forward to the next chapter in our growth."
PlayCore declined to disclose financial information related to the purchases. Day-to-day operations of each company are to continue at their current sites, according to PlayCore.
PlayCore, founded in 1979, is one of the nation's biggest playground equipment makers and has more than 1,000 employees nationwide, including about 100 at its corporate headquarters in Chattanooga and another 350 at production facilities in Fort Payne, Ala.
It has broadened the business by buying companies that make a variety of products including grandstands and bleachers, timing and scoring systems for athletic venues and bike storage systems.
Playcore is owned by New York City-based private equity firm Sentinel Capital Partners.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.