Federal Hose acquires MPI

Eastlake’s Marine Products International has recently been purchased by Painesville Township’s Federal Hose Manufacturing.

Marine Products produces and distributes rubber and plastic hosing for use in the recreational marine industry. Federal Hose is also tied to hosing manufacture.

The move brings both companies under the umbrella of the larger Crawford United, a holding company which acquired Federal Hosing from the privately held First Francis Co. Inc in 2016.

The acquisition of MPI is expected to add $18 million in annual sales to Federal Hose Manufacturing, according to a statement released by Crawford

United. Financial details related to the sale were disclosed.

“The recreational boating market is a growth market around the world and we sell around the world,” Crawford United CEO Brian Powers said. “In good times and bad, people still go fishing.”

While the acquisition is significant on a business level, staff and the principle manufacturing process are not anticipated to see major changes. Powers, who is also the president and chairman of Crawford United, said that all currently employed MPI staff will be retained.

He speculated on adding to their workforce but no specific numbers were offered. MPI will also continue to operate under its original name, according to the release.

“This is a big deal and the two companies together are committed to growing here,” MPI President Dennis Koch said in an email.

Painesville Township Trustee Gabe Cicconetti discussed previous talks held with Federal Hose’s plant managers throughout the acquisition process.

“It’s a growth through acquisition process,” he explained. “(Federal Hose) can now reach additional markets that they didn’t previously have access to.”

Cicconetti added that the two sides have discussed the possibility for the company to expand further within the township. Federal Hose currently owns 5 acres at its 25 Florence Ave. location, but only two of which have been developed.

“We are happy for them to expand in general and are more than willing to help see them develop in the township,” he said. “We opened the door and when the time comes, we will work with them anyway we can expand their bases.

“Expansion means more jobs, which is something we always welcome.”

Staff and the principle manufacturing process are not anticipated to see major changes.