American aluminum producer Kaiser Aluminum Corporation (NASDAQ:KALU) has acquired New Jersey’s Imperial Machine & Tool Co. to drive delivery of metal additive manufacturing solutions.
According to Chris Joest, President of Imperial Machine & Tool Co., “We’re extremely excited to become part of the Kaiser Aluminum organization as we embark on the next chapter of Imperial’s growth,”
“[…] We believe that along with Kaiser Aluminum’s metallurgical and application engineering expertise, we will be able to continue to deliver innovative solutions for our customers.”
Manufacturing heritage
Imperial Machine & Tool Co. was founded in 1943 by Michael Joest, a former toolmaker for the Western Electric Company. Now inherited by Chris Joest, grandson of Michael Joest, the company is an advanced manufacturing service provider offering metal 3D printing alongside more traditional techniques such as CNC machining and precision welding.
In May 2018, Imperial won Regional Subcontractor of the Year for Region II, from the US Small Business Administration (SBA), and is committed to helping close the additive manufacturing skills gap.
Founded in 1946, Kaiser Aluminum is a spinoff from Kaiser Aluminum and Chemicals Corporation, formerly known as Permanente Metals Corporation, a major American magnesium producer during WWII. It specializes in the production of semi-fabricated aluminum products for aerospace, automotive and industry.
The combined heritage and expertise of the two entities will be used to pursue a leading role in providing metal additive manufacturing as a service.
Terms of the acquisition
Under the terms of the acquisition, Imperial Machine & Tool Co. will operate as an independent subsidiary of Kaiser Aluminum. Christian Joest, Vice President of Sales & Business Development at Imperial Machine & Tool Co., says, “This acquisition represents a big step forward for our business,”
“Kaiser is aligned with our core values and focus on delivering the highest quality and customer satisfaction.”
Jack A. Hockema, Chairman and CEO of Kaiser Aluminum, adds, “The acquisition brings significant technology and intellectual property to broaden Kaiser’s ability to provide solutions for demanding applications in compatible end markets.”
Full terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed.
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Featured image shows John Barneson (left) Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Kaiser Aluminum Corporation, shakes hands with Chris Joest (right), President of Imperial Machine & Tool Co. Photo via Imperial Machine & Tool Co.
