ACAT Global buys Whitman Manufacturing to boost catalytic converter business
Advanced Clean Air Technologies (ACAT) Global, manufacturers of efficient, lightweight catalytic converter substrates, has purchased Whitman Manufacturing of Milton, Ontario, maker of custom automotive mufflers and exhaust system components for aftermarket and OEM applications.
“Small engine and power equipment emissions regulations continue to become more stringent,” said Joe A. Moch, CEO of ACAT Global. “The Whitman organization brings muffler and sound attenuation expertise into our portfolio, which can be packaged with ACAT’s advanced emissions technology. This makes us an ideal partner to assist small engine and specialty equipment manufacturers meet their exhaust and emissions needs.”
The bulk of Whitman’s product offerings consist of custom designed muffler and exhaust components for original equipment manufacturers of small engine related equipment – turf care, auxiliary power units and generators. Whitman currently has over 250 unique applications designed to meet customers’ specific exhaust design needs. In addition, the company also manufactures Roll-Over Protection Systems (ROPS) for commercial turf and utility vehicles and aftermarket automotive catalytic converters.
“Joe Moch and ACAT are quickly becoming a major part of the exhaust after-treatment business,” said Gerald Whitman, who founded Whitman Manufacturing in 1989. “In addition to strengthening our OEM position, the two companies’ aftermarket product lines complement each other nicely, offering expanded coverage in the marketplace.”
ACAT’s purchase of Whitman is effective immediately and is their second purchase of a Canadian exhaust system manufacturer this year. In August, ACAT purchased Emico, based in Barrie, Ontario.
Moch’s initial plan calls for Whitman’s products to be integrated with the Emico brand of catalytic converters, down pipes and exhaust components to market to OE and aftermarket customers. With Emico and Whitman, ACAT Global is now able to manufacture a complete exhaust system, including the catalytic converters and substrates, one of a handful of companies in the industry able to do such work.
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