May 16, 2007 — /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Hawkins, Inc. today announced an agreement to acquire New Jersey-based Trumark, Inc., a growing company in the area of antimicrobial products for the food industry. The acquisition is designed to enhance research and development activities, add scale and expanded territory to production, service, and distribution activities while complementing product offerings in a growing market.
“Acquiring Trumark is a strategic move for Hawkins as we increase our focus on manufactured food ingredients and expand our presence nationwide. Trumark is a high quality lactate manufacturer that is well regarded in the industry and has an excellent track record with its customers. We intend to leverage those aspects of the business, retaining the Trumark name, utilizing a multi-plant production and distribution network and combining Hawkins product offerings with those of Trumark,” said John R. Hawkins, chief executive officer of Hawkins. “The strategic value of this acquisition is created from combining Hawkins chemical expertise, scale, customer base, production capabilities and distribution channels with the product development activities and reputation of Trumark. Both companies have a strong presence in providing lactate blends to the meat industry as microbial inhibitors.”
“Trumark, which was founded in 1977, has earned a positive reputation for product quality, on site customer service and custom blending to meet functional requirements of customers. This combination provides excellent resources to grow the business, expand our manufacturing presence and provide the additional capital to develop new and enhanced performance products,” said Jeff Wales, president of Trumark. “We feel fortunate to find a partner that shares our strategic direction, is dedicated to grow the antimicrobial business and is committed to providing customers with solutions for their processing needs.”
About Trumark, Inc.
Trumark is a privately held concern, incorporated in New Jersey that has developed and marketed antimicrobial agents since 1977. It provides on-site customer service and expertise to solve problems associated with food safety and shelf life issues with particular skills in meat processing applications.
About Hawkins, Inc.
Hawkins, Inc. is a highly focused regional company, which provides a full range of bulk industrial products complemented with the technical competence and ingenuity to formulate and blend specialty chemicals. The company sells and services related products and equipment to safely dispense chemicals in highly controlled environments. Hawkins serves customers in a wide range of industries, including chemical processing, electronics, energy, environmental services, food processing, metal finishing, pharmaceutical, medical devices, pulp and paper, and water treatment. Hawkins is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company operates fifteen facilities in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South and North Dakota and Wisconsin and services customers in Upper Michigan, Kansas and Wyoming as well.
Source: Hawkins, Inc.
Contact:
Marvin E. Dee, chief financial officer of Hawkins, Inc.
+1-612-617-8571
[email protected]
Jennifer A. Weichert
Weichert Financial Relations, Inc.
+1-651-686-9751
[email protected]