08/03/2020
PolyVision Acquires US-Based Visual Display Board Manufacturer, Marsh Industries Inc.
ATLANTA, Ga. – July 31, 2020– PolyVision, a global leader in the innovation and manufacture of CeramicSteel, collaborative writing products, and architectural panels for cladding, announced today the acquisition of Marsh Industries Inc., an Ohio-based visual display board manufacturer.
The purchase of Marsh trails the recent announcement that Illinois-based private equity firm, Industrial Opportunity Partners, acquired PolyVision propelling the company’s growth strategy. This investment will create synergies with PolyVision’s existing manufacturing facilities and operational resources, enabling PolyVision to grow the architectural panel business in North America, expand capacity and offer shorter lead times.
“I’m excited to combine two of the industry’s legacy brands,” says Peter Lewchanin President & CEO of PolyVision. “Marsh has a rich history dating back to 1914, with five consecutive generations of family ownership who share the same core values as PolyVision. This new operations platform will enable us to expand our panel fabrication capacity and our geographic presence, offer higher volumes of quality CeramicSteel panels and local mass customization.”
Norm Young, an IOP Operating Principal, commented "I am thrilled to have Marsh Industries join our portfolio company PolyVision Corporation. We believe Marsh has built a solid company over the years and look forward to expanding the business across PolyVision’s served geography."
Brian W. Marsh, who will continue to lead Marsh as CEO, says, “Marsh’s joining the PolyVision family is a great fit and I couldn’t be more pleased”. We’ve worked together for years in a different capacity and this new partnership provides opportunities for growth for both businesses.”
Marsh Industries will operate as an independent brand and continue to focus on board manufacturing for their existing product lines.
ABOUT POLYVISION
PolyVision Corporation is a global leader in the innovation and manufacture of CeramicSteel for a variety of industries. For over 65 years, we’ve helped make the world a better place by creating products that enhance visual experiences and connect people to their environments. PolyVision CeramicSteel is used around the world for traditional chalkboard and whiteboard surfaces, modern collaboration products for many of the world’s most influential organizations and architectural walls and cladding for public spaces. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, PolyVision does business in over 65 countries. For more information about CeramicSteel and its uses, visit polyvision.com.
ABOUT MARSH INDUSTRIES, INC.
Marsh Industries is based in New Philadelphia, Ohio and is one of the largest manufacturers of visual board products in the United States. The family-owned business manufactures various visual display products for schools such as markerboards, tackboards, space dividers and acoustic panels. For more information, visit marsh-ind.com
ABOUT INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS
IOP, an Evanston, Ill.-based private equity firm with $910 million of committed capital since inception, is dedicated to creating value through investing in manufacturing and value-added distribution businesses with revenue between $30 million and $400 million. IOP focuses on businesses with strong product, customer, and market positions, and provides management and operational resources to support sales and earnings growth at its businesses. For more information, visit IOP’s website at iopfund.com.
