CINCINNATI, OH – RKCACINCINNATI, OH – RKCA, Inc. (“RKCA”), a leading, independent, middle-market investment bank, is pleased to announce the successful sale of Johnson Welded Products, Inc. (“JWP” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of air reservoirs – also known as air tanks – used primarily in heavy vehicle braking systems. The transaction closed in March 2024. Inc. (“RKCA”), a leading, independent, middle-market investment bank, is pleased to announce the successful sale of Ascent Technologies Inc., (“Ascent”), an AI-driven software platform for regulatory compliance.
“We are proud of the reputation that Johnson Welded Products has earned as a leading manufacturer and service provider since we built our first reservoir in 1970,” said Lilli Johnson, President of JWP. “It’s always been our driving force to achieve exceptional loyalty with our amazing customers by having great people build remarkable products in Ohio. JWP’s name will remain in the market and Johnson family members will continue in leadership roles and ownership in the combined companies. Tramec is a perfect partner to reinforce and carry-out JWP’s legacy for many decades to come.”
JWP, based in Urbana, Ohio, was founded in 1970 by Truman Johnson, drawing upon decades of manufacturing and welding experience. Truman Johnson passed in 1981 when the company had fewer than twenty employees. Lilli Johnson, Truman’s wife, assumed the role of President and has since led the company alongside her children, who have held and continue to hold various leadership positions. The family has been instrumental in driving remarkable growth. JWP now employs over 400 people and sells more than one million tanks annually.
Over its 54 year history, the Company has earned an industry reputation of “the air reservoir specialist” through its unrelenting dedication to quality and culture of continuous improvement. JWP’s customers include some of the largest truck and trailer manufacturers in the country. The Company has successfully built symbiotic, long-standing relationships with employees, vendors, and customers.
JWP was acquired by Tramec, LLC, a group of manufacturing and distribution companies headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois. Tramec’s companies operate across several vertical markets including commercial vehicle and automotive, industrial, HVAC, lawn and garden, recreational vehicle, marine, construction, and agriculture throughout North America, Asia, and Australia. JWP marks Tramec’s seventh acquisition since 2018. (Tramec Press Release).
“We’re thrilled with the successful conclusion of the deal. We couldn’t have found a better firm to represent our family business. Tom and his team were invaluable throughout the entire process, and in the end, achieving the goals we set for them. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend RKCA to other family-owned companies looking to sell their business.” said Bill Johnson, General Manager of JWP.
About Johnson Welded Products:
JWP is a leading manufacturer of customizable steel and aluminum reservoirs, ping, purge, and de-aeration tanks. The Company is a core supplier to key truck and trailer manufacturers throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.jwp-inc.com.
