Wanco Inc. last week acquired the Voltmaster America product line from SML Industries. Based in Melrose Park, Ill., SML has manufactured portable generators, welders and de-watering pumps under the Voltmaster America brand name since 1984.
Wanco is an Arvada, Colo.-based manufacturer of variable message signs, arrowboards, radar signs, portable floodlighting systems, portable surveillance trailers and other products for the highway safety, contractor equipment and security markets. The Voltmaster product line will be offered as part of a new and separate product division, with a dedicated marketing program and sales force. Wanco’s portable light tower line will join VoltMaster in the new General Rental Product Group.
Voltmaster products will continue to be manufactured in the Chicago area for the time being, but Wanco plans to eventually move all manufacturing of Voltmaster products to its Arvada, Colo., production facility. SML president Bob Graham will join Wanco and assume a key role in the operation of the new product division.
“The respected VoltMaster brand name will allow us to expand our business platform on the contractor and general rental sides and more easily meet our overall growth objectives,” said Wanco president Michael Wanasz. “Our production of Voltmaster products will lead to greater manufacturing efficiency, and provide better economies of scale, which will benefit Wanco in many ways.”
Wanasz added that Wanco will continue its presence in the highway safety product market. “We have every intention of improving our position and increasing market share in the highway safety industry.”
