Marlin Steel Wire Products acquires Franklin Display Group

Marlin Steel Wire Products has acquired Franklin Display Group, adding the Belvidere, Illinois-based display manufacturer to its family of companies. The deal expands Marlin’s U.S. manufacturing footprint and combines Franklin’s retail display expertise with Marlin’s broader production capabilities.

Why it matters: - The acquisition adds Franklin Display Group’s display-making expertise to Marlin Steel Wire Products’ manufacturing portfolio. - The combined company gains broader capabilities for customers in retail, beverage, golf equipment and other branded merchandise categories. - The move also keeps Franklin’s manufacturing operations and leadership in place as the company enters a new ownership structure.

What happened: - Marlin Steel Wire Products acquired Franklin Display Group, and Franklin has joined the Marlin and Madsen family of companies. - Franklin Display Group was founded in 1978 in Belvidere, Illinois. - Don Mutert Jr. is retiring after 43 years with the business. - Bob Berleth, president of Franklin Display Group, will remain in place to lead the team. - Marlin did not disclose financial terms of the transaction.

The details: - Franklin Display Group designs and manufactures tube, wire and sheet metal racks. - The company’s work spans planning and design, engineering and prototyping, manufacturing, materials and finishing, assembly and logistics. - Franklin has worked with national beverage companies and golf equipment brands, among other retail customers. - The company operates two facilities in Belvidere, Illinois, located about a mile apart. - Franklin employs 100 workers and has more than 210,000 square feet of manufacturing space. - Its equipment includes three flat lasers, a CNC tube laser, tube bending, a powder coating line and Schlatter mesh welders. - Franklin has gone more than 600 consecutive days without a lost-time safety incident. - Marlin said the acquisition will add depth to the broader family of companies’ offerings. - Marlin also said the deal supports reinvestment in American manufacturing and keeps products made in the U.S. - The company shared contact and social links, including more information, Marlin on LinkedIn and Marlin on YouTube.

Between the lines: - The acquisition appears aimed at pairing Franklin’s retail display specialization with Marlin’s wider manufacturing base. - Keeping Bob Berleth in leadership suggests continuity for customers and employees during the ownership transition. - The emphasis on American manufacturing and safety performance signals the cultural fit Marlin wants to highlight.

What's next: - Franklin’s team will continue operating under the new ownership structure. - Marlin and Franklin are expected to market combined capabilities to existing and new customers. - The companies said they are opening new possibilities for customers on both sides of the business.

The bottom line: - Marlin is adding a display manufacturer with established retail relationships, production capacity and an experienced leadership team.