KODA Enterprises Group Acquires Continental Trailers / Water-Land Supply (Water-Land)

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Waltham, MA – August 7, 2018
For Immediate Release

KODA Enterprises Group announced today the acquisition of Continental Trailers and Water-Land Supply with locations in Miami, Florida and Clearwater, Florida.

Water-Land is a leader in the Southeast where it maintains entrenched, long term relationships with boat dealers and manufacturers, marine accessory dealers, and trailer dealers.  The company’s product line covers a wide variety of trailers for saltwater boats, personal watercrafts, Jon boats, skiffs, pontoons, kayaks, canoes, jet skis and catamarans.  The wholesale distribution division carries thousands of aftermarket parts and accessories.

According to Janice Hodson, KODA Enterprises Director of Corporate Development, “We believe that Water-Land’s strong track record, corporate culture and long-term growth prospects all fit nicely with KODA’s strategy of locating and partnering with strong companies and management teams to make them even better.”

Mr. Kelly Hays has been appointed President and CEO of the new Water-Land.  Kelly has spent many years with the company most recently as Executive Vice President.  Said Kelly, “We are excited to have KODA as our new owner and look forward to working with them to continue and enhance our growth and we look forward to an exciting future together.”

KODA Enterprises Group located in Waltham (MA) is a middle market private investment firm that concentrates on companies in niche markets that have the potential to benefit from the financial strength and operational expertise KODA provides to its portfolio companies.

Financing for the transaction is being provided by Webster Bank, Boston MA and Harvest Capital Credit, New York, NY.  The seller was represented by the investment banking firm of Sperry Mitchell, New York, NY.

For further information contact:

James H. Peden, Chief Operating Officer
KODA Enterprises Group, 423-756-8891 jpeden@koda.com

Or

Janice Hodson, Director of Corporate Development
KODA Enterprises Group, 513-846-3864 jhodson@koda.com

KODA Enterprises Group Acquires Bus Air Manufacturing

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Waltham, MA – September 26, 2017
For Immediate Release

KODA Enterprises Group through its portfolio company ProAir Holdings announced today the acquisition of Bus Air Manufacturing from its owner and founder Anthony (Tony) Woods. “We are delighted that Tony Woods will continue in his capacity as President and CEO of Bus Air. He has an exceptional team who along with Tony will be responsible for the day to day operations of Bus Air” said Bill Karol, President of KODA Enterprises.

Tony, Dave Oberdorff, President and CEO of American Cooling Technologies (ACT) also a part of ProAir Holdings, and Dennis Mitchell, President and CEO of ProAir LLC will now join forces and represent the most seasoned and knowledgeable professionals in the industry offering the widest range of engineering, product and service in the industry. KODA’s involvement with the specialty HVAC and bus heating and air conditioning markets dates back over twenty years with its acquisition in 1997 of ProAir and the acquisition of ACT in 2012.

According to Tony Woods, “While it has certainly been a ride of a lifetime building and growing Bus Air, the opportunity to be a part of the increased size and financial strength offered by KODA is an opportunity to further strengthen our company and offer our customers the absolute best solutions and value possible.”

“I have known Tony and his company as a friend and competitor for many years and I am excited about what this opportunity brings for both our companies and our customers,” said Dave Oberdorff.

The combined companies have manufacturing plants in York, PA, Elkhart, IN and Rhome, TX and installation and service facilities in Tulsa, OK, Conway, AR and Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

For further information contact:
James H. Peden, Chief Operating Officer
KODA Enterprises Group, 423-756-8891 jpeden@koda.com

Or

Janice Hodson, Director of Corporate Development
KODA Enterprise Group, 513-846-3864 jhodson@koda.com

KODA Enterprises Group Acquires V-TEK, Inc.

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Waltham, MA – April 3, 2017
For Immediate Release

KODA Enterprises Group announced today the acquisition of V-TEK, Inc., headquartered in Mankato, Minnesota and its subsidiaries, V-TEK Mexico located in Guadalajara Mexico and Royce Instruments located in Napa, California.

V-TEK, Inc., through its V-TEK and Royce Instruments product lines, is a leading manufacturer of precision packaging, inspection, and bond testing equipment for the electronics, automotive/aerospace, medical, micro-molding, and microstamping industries. They are also a major provider of precision packaging supplies, packaging services, and electronic inspection/rework. The Company will continue to operate with its existing management at its current locations in Mankato, Napa, and at its Mexico locations in Guadalajara, Reynosa, and Queretaro.

According to James H. Peden (Jim), KODA Enterprises Chief Operating Officer, “As we got to know Mitch Jacobs, President and CEO and his management team we became convinced of their ability under KODA’s ownership to continue the remarkable progress of V-TEK to further grow and develop the company and build upon its market leadership.”

“We are pleased to have found KODA to partner with through this change in ownership” said Mitch Jacobs. “KODA shares our vision of advancing our position as a global leader. This provides V-TEK a platform for growth and enables us to aggressively pursue both organic product development and those strategic acquisitions that secure V-TEK’s bright future.”

KODA Enterprises Group located in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a middle market private investment firm that concentrates on companies in niche markets that have the potential to benefit from the financial strength and operational expertise KODA provides to its portfolio companies.

For further information contact:
James H. Peden, Chief Operating Officer
KODA Enterprises Group, 423-756-8891  jpeden@koda.com

Or

Janice Hodson, Director of Corporate Development
KODA Enterprise Group, 513-846-3864  jhodson@koda.com

American Cooling Technology Expands School Bus Capabilities

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York, PA – American Cooling Technology  (ACT) has recently acquired the assets of the Kingmor AC Installation Company in Conway, Arkansas renaming the business ACT South.

ACT has taken over the lease of the existing facility at 700 South German Lane in Conway, Arkansas. All former employees including General Manager, Terry Hare are still continuing the business.

The same quality minded experienced AC technicians will work to complete excellent air conditioning installations, bus up-fitting and customizations including body work and lettering. ACT technicians are highly experienced and qualified to complete air conditioning installations from split systems to high capacity rooftops both free blow and ducted systems.

Conway General Manger, Terry Hare commented “we look forward to continuing to supply our customers with quality AC Installations, bus lettering and modifications in partnership with ACT”.

“With their extensive industry knowledge and experience ACT is very fortunate to have Terry Hare and the employees in Conway, Arkansas join our growing team and expand our customer support and AC installation capabilities” stated ACT President & CEO Dave Oberdorff.

ACT’s School Bus AC units are the result of research, engineering analysis, testing and final component selection from ACT’s experienced staff. For additional information on these units, and ACT’s other full line of in-wall, ceiling mount, and roof mount systems please contact American Cooling Technology at 501-470-8248, or by visiting our website at www.actusa.us.com.

American Cooling Technology (ACT) designs, manufactures, and supports a complete line of advanced bus air conditioning systems for the transportation industry, including systems for School Buses, Commercial, Shuttle, Transit and Para Transit Buses. ACT HVAC systems are available for both conventional and hybrid drive vehicles. In addition to its own complete Bus AC product ACT is also the North American distributor for Eberspächer large bus advanced HVAC units. ACT also offers a complete line of aftermarket service parts and on-site product training services. The company is well-known throughout the industry for its advanced product design, excellent customer support and the on-time delivery of a quality product.

American Cooling Technology Announces Organization Update

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York, PA – American Cooling Technology is pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Adolfo Salinas to the organization as Director of Engineering R & D.

Mr. Salinas has over 20 years of progressive experience in the engineering design and application of mobile bus air conditioning and brings a strong background in supporting customers through precise product application.

Throughout his career Adolfo has developed a professional reputation for taking the time to fully understand the customer’s requirements and expectations and then supplying and supporting the best technical HVAC solution for the customer’s application.

“With his extensive engineering background coupled with his industry knowledge and experience ACT is very fortunate to have Adolfo join ACT Vice President and Co-Founder James Schreiber to lead our Engineering  team and expand our HVAC design, application and customer support capabilities” stated ACT President Dave Oberdorff.

American Cooling Technology (ACT) designs, manufactures, and supports a complete line of advanced bus air conditioning systems for the transportation industry, including systems for School Buses, Commercial, Shuttle, Transit and Para Transit Buses. ACT HVAC systems are available for both conventional and hybrid drive vehicles. In addition to a complete Bus AC product line ACT offers its customers specification support, product testing, service parts and on-site product training services. The company is well-known throughout the industry for its advanced product design, excellent customer support and the on-time delivery of a quality product.

Jeff Armstead Promoted to Vice President of Sales & Marketing at ProAir

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Elkhart, IN – ProAir, LLC is pleased to announce that Jeff Armstead has been promoted to Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

In his new role Jeff will direct the company’s sales & marketing department and he will be developing new business opportunities both domestically and globally. Jeff will take a greater responsibility in the strategic planning and implementation of projects involving the overall organization.

“Jeff’s promotion is well-deserved recognition for the department responsibilities” said Dennis Mitchell, President. “He has played a huge part in mentoring and directing growth with each individual sales representative. ProAir has the best sales team in its history, and we look forward to continuing our success moving forward”.

Jeff is presently in his 10th year with ProAir and previously served as the company’s National Sales Manager.

ProAir designs, manufactures, and markets premium quality climate systems for the specialty vehicle industry. ProAir is an industry leader, with a 37-year track record of outstanding service to customers. Facilities are maintained in Elkhart, Indiana and Ontario, California. ProAir is a holding company of KODA Enterprises Group of Waltham, MA. For more information about ProAir, LLC please call (574) 264-5494 or visit the company website at www.proairllc.com.

 

Cincinnati Business Courier Announces KLW as Finalist for the 2015 Innovation & Technology Awards

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By Nikki Kingery, Projects Editor- Cincinnati Business Courier

The Cincinnati Business Courier announced the finalists today for its fifth annual Innovation & Technology Awards. The awards recognize businesses and individuals that have helped fuel the region’s economy through new ideas and approaches. Categories were expanded this year from five to 10. The 42 finalists are:

Outstanding Marketing Innovation:

  • Assurex Health
  • Ahalogy
  • C2B Solutions
  • Lisnr
  • Skinny Mom

Outstanding Bioscience Innovation:

  • Airway Therapeutics
  • Assurex Health
  • Enable Injections
  • Microbial Robotics

Outstanding Advanced Engineering:

  • AMP Electric Vehicles
  • Enable Injections
  • Intelligrated
  • KLW Plastics
  • KW River Hydroelectric
  • Polymet Corp.

Best Software Product:

  • Ahalogy
  • CoupSmart LLC
  • MedaCheck LLC

Best IT Services Company:

  • Ascendum Solutions
  • Contingent Network Services
  • Pomeroy
  • Socius

Tech Company of the Year:

  • Ahalogy
  • Assurex Health
  • Gaslight LLC
  • RoundTower Technologies
  • Vora Ventures

Tech Team of the Year:

  • Melink Corp.
  • Strap
  • Zimcom

Best Device/Application:

  • MedaCheck LLC
  • NexGen Consultants
  • Perceptive Devices LLC
  • TREW Grip LLC

Most Promising Startup:

  • Ahalogy
  • Enable Injections
  • Lisnr
  • Simplify3D

Best Chief Technology Officer/Chief Information Officer:

  • Rick Hensley, Messer Construction Co.
  • Robert Nichols, Appica
  • Radu Pavel, TechSolve
  • Glenn Warden, Bahl and Gaynor Investment Counsel

The winners will be announced during an awards event on Tuesday, April 28, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202.  Click here for registration information.

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Click here to view the article on line

 

KLW Plastics Introduces New Line of Lightweight, Sustainable Packaging Solutions

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UN Approved Containers Reduce Environmental Impact

Monroe, OH

KLW Plastics, a leading manufacturer of 3.5 – 7 gallon tight-head containers, is proud to announce a new line of lightweight, sustainable packaging solutions. The E-Tainer® line of products focuses on source reduction, increased use of post-consumer resin (PCR), multi-layer manufacturing technology, and combined hybrid technology through the use of RockTenn’s precision mandrel formed Meta® corrugated cases.

This line of packaging solutions includes four new container configurations designed to meet customer demand.  The  E-Tainer® Global, a 950 gram, UN rated tight-head container with an international design for global uniformity, the E-Tainer® Hybrid, a UN rated 450 gram lightweight container combined with a Meta® corrugated case, the E-Tainer® Kube, a collapsible, semi-rigid bladder-in-a-box, and the E-Tainer® Flex, a bag-in-box flexible packaging solution. Environmental benefits include:

• Up to 80% less plastic used compared to a standard tight-head container

• Reduced energy use

• Corrugated weighs up to 30% less while maintaining container integrity

• Boxes are 100% recyclable

“We recognized the need for lightweight, innovative packaging solutions in today’s competitive environment. Our access to the latest manufacturing technology and partnerships with industry experts, allowed us to quickly respond to customers’ needs with the E-Tainer® Line,” said Scott Dowrey, President and CEO. “We remain committed to innovation and continuous improvement. Developing sustainable value propositions that improve operational efficiency and reduce packaging costs clearly demonstrates our focus on that commitment.”

For more information about KLW Plastics, please visit: www.klwplastics.com

About KLW Plastics

KLW Plastics is a leading manufacturer of 1-7 gallon UN & non-regulated, rigid and semi rigid, tight-head plastic containers serving a broad array of markets. KLW Plastics is headquartered in Monroe, Ohio, with additional manufacturing facilities in Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, please visit www.klwplastics.com.

Contact: Kathleen Jay KLW Plastics 513-539-2673

kjay@klwplastics.com

KLW Plastics Inc. Receives ISO 9001:2008 Certification

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Certification for quality management includes all manufacturing facilities.  

Monroe, Ohio –  KLW Plastics Inc., a manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions, has received ISO 9001:2008 certification. This certification confirms that KLW Plastics has met the requirements of the ISO standard for its Quality Management System across all of its manufacturing facilities.

To achieve certification as an ISO 9001:2008 certified company, KLW Plastics underwent a comprehensive review and evaluation of its quality management activities across all areas of the business. These activities included the development and documentation of a quality management system, internal audits, and the elimination of non-conformances through corrective actions. Certification to the ISO 9001:2008 Standard demonstrates KLW Plastics’ unwavering commitment to delivering consistent, high quality products and services to customers. “Achieving ISO certification is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire team at KLW Plastics,” said Scott Dowrey, President and CEO. “All colleagues were committed to our success in certification and committed to a continuous improvement platform to ensure we deliver the highest quality product to our customers every time.

” For more information about KLW Plastics, please visit: www.klwplastics.com

About KLW Plastics KLW Plastics is a leading manufacturer of 1-7 gallon UN & non-regulated, rigid, tight-head plastic containers serving a broad array of markets. KLW Plastics is headquartered in Monroe, Ohio, with additional manufacturing facilities in Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia.

Contact: Kathleen Jay KLW Plastics

513-539-2673

kjay@klwplastics.com

Koda Celebrates 25 Years in Business

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The Koda team assembled at their new corporate headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts for a cocktail party on September 11, 2014. The cocktail party hosted by CEO Bill Karol and his wife Sinesia was a celebration of 25 years in business. Approximately 50 guests were in attendance,  many of Koda’s “Corporate Bonds” were there to share in the accomplishment. So many who were there 25 years ago when it all began, took part in the evening.

Bill_Karol_speaks2

Short speeches of thanks and gratitude were given by Bill Karol, Bill Leaver and Jim Peden. The Koda team wished to thank everyone there for their role in Koda’s success. Here is to the next 25!

Koda_party

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Leaver_Karol_Peden