BROOKSVILLE, Fla.—Equipment Supply Co. (ESCO) has been sold to an unidentified investment firm looking to grow and promote ESCO globally.
ESCO makes and sells tire service equipment for the OTR, mining and heavy-duty trucking sectors and the automotive aftermarket.
After 29 years under its previous ownership, the Brooksville-based company said it is kicking off its 30th year by expanding distribution and its product offerings, “getting back to the basics that built ESCO.”
Christopher Manfre, marketing and advertising manager for privately owned ESCO, told Tire Business that “due to confidentiality and to protect the interests of the investment firm that purchased ESCO...we are unable to disclose the name of the investment firm.”
ESCO said it is known in the marketplace for establishing and developing the hydraulic bead breaker market in the early 1980s.
“First and foremost, we want to assure all current and future customers that ESCO will remain ESCO. We only look to aid in growing and continuing to service our customers and build even stronger relationships,” said Jeff Jobe, CEO of ESCO who, according to his LinkedIn page, previously worked for Myers Industries Inc. before joining ESCO in January 2010.
“The fundamental practices that have built and sustained ESCO for 29 years revolved around progress and innovation in tire service equipment. We want to bring those traits to the forefront of our organization moving forward and support it with exceptional customer service.”
Due to confidentiality, Mr. Manfre also said he could not provide the names of the investment firm's officers and principals. However, he noted that ESCO will continue to be managed by Mr. Jobe “alongside the company's preexisting management structure” and “all of the employees and previous management positions were retained in the transaction.”
ESCO has more than 20 employees, Mr. Manfre added.