OPEI Adds 4 Board Members
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) recently named four new members to its board of directors.
The four new board members include:
- Rick Gray, president, outdoor power equipment, Milwaukee Tool
- Andreas Rangert, president, North America, Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division
- Doug Redpath, president and general manager, outdoor, Stanley Black & Decker
- Tom Rugg, senior vice president and president, energy solutions, Briggs & Stratton
“We look forward to our new board members’ perspective and strategic thinking for OPEI, Equip Exposition, and the TurfMutt Foundation as the industry continues to evolve and faces new market and regulatory challenges,” said OPEI President Kris Kiser.
Oshkosh Corp. to Acquire AUSA
Oshkosh Corp., manufacturer of purpose-built vehicles and equipment and parent company of JLG, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire AUSACORP S.L. (AUSA), a privately held international company and manufacturer of wheeled dumpers, rough terrain forklifts and telehandlers for the construction, material handling, agriculture, landscape and specialty equipment industries. Upon closing, AUSA will become part of the Oshkosh Access segment.
“AUSA’s history of producing high-quality, purpose-built equipment aligns with our 'Innovate, serve, advance' strategy, allowing us to broaden our product offerings in both current and adjacent markets,” said John Pfeifer, Oshkosh Corporation’s president and CEO. “We look forward to welcoming the AUSA team into the Oshkosh family.”
AUSA products will enhance the JLG line of telehandlers, as well as Hinowa tracked dumpers and forklifts to strengthen the Access segment’s portfolio of equipment. The companies began working together through a partner agreement in 2020, with AUSA manufacturing the JLG-branded SkyTrak 3013 compact telehandler. The AUSA acquisition supports the Oshkosh accelerated growth strategy. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close within 90 days.
AUSA, which was founded in 1956 in Barcelona, Spain, reported sales of approximately $132 million euros in 2023. The company’s near 350 team members and 600 dealers bring with them a long history of innovation, quality and customer service.
Mariani Premier Group Grows with 20th Acquisition
Mariani Premier Group added Drost Landscape to its network of companies.
Founded in 1991 by Bob Drost and headquartered in Petoskey, Michigan, Drost Landscape provides a comprehensive range of services including design-build, enhancements, irrigation, pool/spa maintenance, tree services, snow removal, fertilization, lighting and maintenance.
SiteOne Purchases Majority State in Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery
SiteOne Landscape Supply has acquired a majority stake in Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery, a company in which AGR Partners has been an equity partner since 2021.
Over the past three years, with the support of AGR Partners, Devil Mountain Wholesale Nusery has made two acquisitions to become the largest wholesale distributor of landscape trees and plants in California.
“AGR Partners’ support was vital over the last few years as we grew and developed Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery,” said Drew McMillan, CEO of Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery. “During this partnership AGR provided more than capital; AGR provided valuable counsel that helped us double market reach and better serve our core landscape customers as a one-stop shop for quality plants. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”
