CEI Equipment Company, a subsidiary of Kentucky Trailer that provides animal transportation equipment, recently acquired the feed transportation assets of Warren Manufacturing.
The deal was announced by Alleghany, a private equity firm that owns and manages a diverse portfolio, including RC Tway Company, which does business as Kentucky Trailer, a manufacturer of trailers and custom vehicles.
“We are excited to expand Kentucky Trailer’s position within the animal feed transportation market through this transaction, which follows closely on our December 2018 acquisition of CEI,” said Gary A Smith Sr, president and chief executive officer of Kentucky Trailer. “As part of the acquisition, Jack Lyle, president of Warren Manufacturing, and Mike Dennis, vice president of sales at Warren Manufacturing, as well as a dedicated team of associates, will be joining CEI.
“Through the combined expertise of the teams at Kentucky Trailer, CEI and Warren Manufacturing, as well as an enhanced facility and service footprint, we believe that CEI brings a truly unique set of capabilities and resources to its markets.”
Headquartered in Birmingham AL, Warren designs, produces and services bulk feed delivery truck bodies and trailers for the poultry and other end markets.
“Since we formed Warren Manufacturing in 1985, we have strived to deliver the best products and services for our customers,” said Russell Warren, founder of Warren Manufacturing and owner of the Warren family of companies. “I believe that by combining our feed transportation assets and the experience of our team with Kentucky Trailer and CEI, our customers will benefit from the strength of these two fine organizations.
“The other divisions within the Warren family of companies, which produce dump bodies and trailers, spreaders, refuse trailers and elevating fifth wheels, will continue under the Warren name and management.”
Dan McDowell, a managing partner at CEI, said the acquisition augments existing operations, allowing CEI to increase capacity and broaden its geographic reach.
“As the clear industry leader in the animal feed transportation market following this transaction, CEI is well-positioned for its next phase of growth through a continued commitment to providing our customers with the highest quality equipment and service,” McDowell said. “At the same time, we believe this transaction will provide exciting options for our expanded group of talented associates as we pursue numerous growth opportunities worldwide.”