Ariens Company has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its aftermarket parts business to Arrowhead Engineered Products Inc. of Blaine, MN. The aftermarket parts business includes the Stens brand sold directly to independent power equipment dealers, and the JThomas Parts brand sold directly to professional landscape contractors. The sale is expected to be complete by the end of this year. Both companies are privately held and terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.
“This is a strategic decision that allows the company to continue to reinvest in the original equipment manufacturing business,” says Dan Ariens, chairman and CEO of Ariens Company. “We have been enhancing our manufacturing plants with automation technology and, at the same time, we will continue to invest in R&D capabilities to accelerate the rate of new product introductions.”
The company will also invest in a robust e-commerce platform for its niche outdoor supply brands Gempler’s, AW Direct and Ben Meadows. Ariens Company acquired Stens in 1995 and JThomas in 2008.
Arrowhead CEO Jim Wisnoski commented, “The combination of Arrowhead with the Stens and JThomas organization creates a unique and powerful platform in support of our mission to always be our customers’ first choice for critical replacement parts. We are excited for the combination of our two organizations, and the shared focus of our combined employees to continue providing exceptional service to our worldwide customers.”
“We appreciate the significant contribution of the employees in Stens and JThomas who have been dedicated to profitably growing this business,” says Ariens. “Stens has been part of the Ariens family of brands for a long time and the employees have built a solid reputation for a high level of service and a strong brand in their own right.”
The priority for both companies is ensuring that customers experience a seamless transition, according to Wisnoski and Ariens. “The Ariens Company and the Ariens family gave this a lot of thought and consideration, and feel that the owners of Arrowhead are a close match with Ariens in that we share numerous cultural values and have a high regard for customer relationships.”
