Werner Co. has acquired 100 percent ownership of Knaack LLC, a unit of Emerson's Commercial & Residential Solutions business.
The acquisition brings to Werner the industry leading KNAACK® and WEATHER GUARD® brands, which will both complement and expand Werner's product offering in the professional channel.
Based in Crystal Lake, Illinois, Knaack is the leading manufacturer of jobsite storage equipment, including storage chests, workstations, rolling workbenches and hand tool boxes marketed under the KNAACK® brand. The company also markets a complete line of truck and van equipment, including drawer units, shelving and cabinets, and racks for full size and compact pickups, vans and utility vehicles, under the WEATHER GUARD® brand.
"The union of Werner and Knaack creates a product portfolio that will allow us to leverage the broader company networks in manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing to strengthen our position in the industrial/construction segment," said William T. Allen, president and CEO at Werner Co.
"This strategic acquisition will diversify our business, build on our existing global infrastructure and continue to create value to grow our company for our key stakeholders and employees throughout the world."
Frank Carroll, president at Knaack, said: "We are proud to join the Werner family. Our category leading products combined with Werner's market leadership creates an opportunity to provide enhanced service and expanded offerings to our customers."
Werner Co. is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of ladders, climbing equipment, ladder accessories and fall protection products under Werner, Green Bull, Keller and other licensed brands.
