Lowell, MI (July 9, 2024)—The Hoffmann Family of Companies (HF Companies) has successfully acquired Envision Engineering, a full-service, state-of-the-art metal forming and manufacturing company that specializes in the deep-draw forming of sheet metal components. This acquisition is a significant step in aligning HF Companies Manufacturing vertical to provide a broader range of support and services.
Founded in 1999, Envision Engineering offers services related to tooling and engineering using top-of-the-line simulation, design, and inspection software. The company handles a wide range of manufacturing jobs, including deep-draw forming, Tig welding, laser scanning, laser cutting, precision machining, and fabrication.
“We are excited to welcome Envision Engineering to the Hoffmann Family of Companies,” said Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO, Hoffmann Family of Companies. “Their reputation for designing and creating beautiful and innovative parts for some of the highest quality and most iconic brands in the motorcycle industry position them well for future growth within the HF Companies portfolio.”
Envisions Engineering’s in-house experts have a proven track record, working with major names in various sectors, including OEM, Custom Motorcycle, Marine, and Aerospace. Their extensive experience positions them as reliable partners for handling demanding projects. Envision Engineering utilizes cutting-edge technology to measure and certify their tooling, fixtures, and products, and all inspection processes conform to industry-recognized standards.
“Since 1999, we have built Envision to deliver high-quality service and components to our key markets,” said Scott Roerig, Founder & Co-Owner, Envision Engineering. “Through this acquisition, we are committed to another 25 years of providing custom end-to-end engineered products for our customers, under our next-generation leadership team.”
The acquisition of Envision Engineering adds to HF Companies’ impressive portfolio of manufacturing companies, which includes companies across Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.
About Hoffmann Family of Companies
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 100 global brands, and employs 11,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Aviation, Agriculture, Financial Services, Hospitality, Business & Professional Services, Industrial, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing, Real Estate and Transportation.
About Envision Engineering
Envision Engineering (Envision) is a full-service, state-of-the-art metal forming and manufacturing company that specializes in the deep draw forming of sheet metal components. Founded in 1999, products engineered and manufactured by Envision can be seen on several top-of-the-line OEM American-made motorcycles, including fuel tanks, fenders, covers, and belt guards for Indian, Victory, and Harley-Davidson (aftermarket). In addition to the motorcycle industry, Envision also supplies the aftermarket automotive, agriculture, and marine industries. For more information, visit: www.envisionengineering.com.
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Oberweis leadership team driving expansion plans with support from Hoffmann Family of Companies
WINNETKA, Ill. (June 19, 2024) – Hoffmann Family of Companies, through its investment arm, Osprey Capital LLC, announces that it has purchased Oberweis Dairy in its entirety. This significant milestone demonstrates the Oberweis brand emerging from Chapter 11 reorganization with renewed strength and an eye toward steady, strategic growth.
Adam Kraber, President of Oberweis Dairy, expressed enthusiasm about the new chapter: “The entire Oberweis team is thrilled to embark on this journey with the support of Hoffmann Family of Companies. From our manufacturing and distribution centers to our corporate offices and retail stores, the Oberweis team will continue the company legacy of super-premium quality and convenience. We remain committed to ‘serving up happiness’ to our valued customers.”
The Hoffmann family’s dairy heritage traces back to founder David Hoffmann’s childhood, where he helped his father, a milkman, make deliveries before school. When Oberweis, with nearly a century of history, faced bankruptcy, the Hoffmanns seized the opportunity to revive and enhance the brand, leveraging its storied reputation for quality.
Milk delivery experience runs through the management team as well. President Adam Kraber began his career at Oberweis as a milkman and was promoted into roles with increasing responsibility from 2000 to 2015. In 2022, Kraber returned to Oberweis as COO and was promoted to President in February 2024.
“My wife and four boys have always loved Oberweis! We have been consistent home delivery customers for more than 15 years, and often visit the Glenview, IL, location to share a laugh and a cone,” said Geoff Hoffmann, co-CEO of Hoffmann Family of Companies. “Those family moments are so important as our kids grow up. Now, as part of Hoffmann Family of Companies, we’re excited to contribute to the continued legacy of the Oberweis brand, creating family memories for generations to come!”
Drawing on extensive experience in acquiring founder-led companies, Hoffmann Family of Companies is well-positioned to provide capital for growth and improvement. Most of the companies acquired by Hoffmann Family of Companies continue to be led by their founders and existing management teams. Adam Kraber will continue as President of Oberweis Dairy, drawing on over 17 years of experience with the company. The company’s management team of tenured and talented leaders will also retain their positions.
Geoff Hoffmann added, “Adam and the management team have pivotal roles in continuing the Oberweis brand and building a new plan for profitability. Together, we’ll develop a new strategy to enhance operations, drive expansion, and maintain the premium quality that Oberweis represents.”
Following the acquisition, the company will implement a short-term, 100-day plan for rapid improvements while crafting a long-term growth strategy. In the coming weeks and months, the company plans to announce new locations in Chicagoland and other key markets. There are no plans to close existing locations or make substantial cuts to the business. The Oberweis Dairy brand name and beloved recipes will remain the same.
Regular updates will be shared with customers via social media and email. Additionally, Oberweis Dairy and Hoffmann Family of Company leaders plan to host an ‘Ice Cream Day’ at stores in key markets throughout the summer.
Oberweis and Hoffmann teams come together to invest in the future of Oberweis and continue serving happiness to loyal customers
WINNETKA, Ill. (June 5, 2024) – Hoffmann Family of Companies is pleased to announce the court-approved acquisition of Oberweis Dairy. This milestone marks the end of a challenging chapter for the storied family-owned brand, which filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in April 2024.
“We’re grateful to our employees and customers for standing by us during this difficult time,” said Geoff Hoffmann, co-CEO of Hoffmann Family of Companies. “With new financial backing, Oberweis Dairy is poised to continue its legacy as the most trusted name in dairy and beyond.”
The Hoffmann Family of Companies, a multi-vertical, family-owned firm, specializes in partnering with strong management teams and hands-on leaders. Their focus on customer and employee experiences drives sustained value across businesses, and the firm works across companies to provide and share support, insights, opportunities, and best practices.
Plans are already underway to enhance production capabilities and streamline operations in Oberweis Dairy’s manufacturing facilities. Immediate improvements are expected in select locations, including brighter stores and an expanded product selection. The company will soon announce additional Chicagoland market locations and other expansions where Hoffmann-owned companies operate. Notably, there are no plans to close existing locations or make substantial cuts to the business, and the Oberweis Dairy brand name will remain intact.
“Oberweis is primed for growth with the support of Hoffmann Family of Companies,” stated Adam Kraber, President of Oberweis Dairy. “Our customers can look forward to exciting improvements throughout the summer and fall.”
The Hoffmann family’s dairy roots trace back to founder David Hoffmann’s childhood on a Missouri dairy farm. Their extensive experience in acquiring founder-led companies positions them to provide capital for growth and improvements. Most of the companies acquired by Hoffmann Family of Companies continue to be led by their founders, including second and third-generation family leaders.
“The Oberweis acquisition aligns with our core investment philosophy: ‘Invest in good businesses, good properties, good people – all with the potential to be better,’” emphasized Geoff Hoffmann. “We eagerly anticipate delivering smiles to customers and employees for years to come.”
About Hoffmann Family of Companies
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 100 national brands, and employs 9,000 global employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 250 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Aviation, Agriculture, Financial Services, Hospitality, Business & Professional Services, Industrial, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing, Real Estate and Transportation.
About Oberweis Dairy
Having been started on a dairy farm nearly a century ago, Oberweis Dairy provides the best-tasting milk, ice cream, and now chocolates available anywhere. The company is famous for milk in its trademark glass bottles as well as its best-in-class smooth and creamy ice cream. The company distributes its products through its 48 ice cream and dairy stores, to thousands of homes through its home delivery service, and through grocery stores. Oberweis is family-owned and operated, currently by the 3rd and 4th generations. For more information about Oberweis Dairy, visit www.oberweis.com.
CDN Controls Encompasses 10 Branches, Boasts Over 700 Employees & Harnesses a Robust Fabrication Facility
The Hoffmann Family of Companies (HFOC), a US-based family owned private equity firm, has acquired majority ownership of CDN Controls (CDN)—a leading player in electrical and instrumentation maintenance, automation, communication and renewable/solar services. CDN operates across 10 branches, employs over 700 professionals and manages an expansive fabrication facility.
The Hoffmann Family of Companies is committed to providing CDN Controls with access to capital, new market opportunities and supporting their accelerated growth. The acquisition is aimed at fostering CDN’s autonomy, fortifying its business foundation and creating avenues for seizing new opportunities.
“Hoffmann Family’s decision to purchase CDN was rooted in the alignment of values, culture and business acumen,” said Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO of HFOC. “We see our role as a catalyst for CDN’s continued growth rather than an agent of change, preserving CDN’s strategic and daily operational autonomy.”
“When we started CDN in 2011, we wanted to create an industry dominator—and business fueled by performance and anchored by strong core values,” said Dean Fraser, CEO, and Nick Stewart, COO, both original founders of CDN. “An investment from the Hoffmann Family of Companies will allow our business to seize newer and bigger opportunities. On the horizon are significant opportunities to put our services to good use in the global energy transition—specifically massive improvements and innovations to global energy infrastructure. As the demand grows for large-scale players to undertake this work, the Hoffmann Family of Companies will help to position CDN in that space.”
In addition, CDN also announced today their intention to penetrate the US market. Those operations will occur under the name CAVIS (kay-vis) Energy Corp. Canadian operations will remain under the name CDN.
The CDN Executive Team will be comprised of Dean Fraser, serving as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Founder, Nick Stewart as Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Founder, David Gillett as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Susan Borrows as Chief People & Corporate Services Officer (CPCSO).
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jessica Carruth
Director, Communications & PR
[email protected]
About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
The Hoffmann Family of Companies (HF Companies), a multi-vertical family-owned company consisting of over 100 national brands, employs 9,000 global employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 250 locations around the world. The HF Companies’ verticals include Aviation, Agriculture, Financial Services, Hospitality, Business & Professional Services, Industrial, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing, Real Estate and Transportation. For more information, visit: www.hfcompanies.com.
About CDN Controls:
CDN is Western Canada’s leader in electrical and instrumentation maintenance, automation, communication, and renewable/solar services. United by a vision to become a globally recognized business celebrated for our tenacious full-service approach in relentless pursuit of industry dominance, CDN’s collective team of more than 700 employees and contractors are committed to the highest standards in performance, measurement, and safety — and, above all, pride in a job well done. With 10 branches, six formal Indigenous partnerships, and a history of building impactful relationships, CDN delivers systems that perform.
50-Year-Old Company Encompasses Footprint of 57 Dealer Locations
In a significant move underscoring Hoffmann Family of Companies’ (HFOC) commitment to manufacturing and continued growth, the organization has successfully acquired Doonan Specialized Trailer, LLC (Doonan)—a renowned custom semi-trailer manufacturer based in Great Bend, Kansas.
With a distinguished history spanning five decades, Doonan has become synonymous with excellence in designing and producing specialized trailers tailored to the unique requirements of owner-operators.
Doonan has established a robust network of over 57 dealer locations across North America, making it a key player in the transportation industry. The company’s focus on delivering high-quality, custom-designed products with features and options unmatched by high-volume manufacturers sets it apart in the market.
“As we continue to grow our network, our venture with Doonan is an affirmation of our belief in the future of American Manufacturing,” said Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO at Hoffmann Family of Companies. “Doonan is a great fit for the Hoffmann Family of Companies, and we have tremendous confidence in the proven management team and the positive culture fostered throughout the company. We are excited for our future success as the team continues to operate and expand the business.”
Mike Ruddle, Vice President of Operations at Doonan, and Kelly Zecha, National Dealer Manager / Application Specialist, will both continue to play pivotal roles post-close, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in serving customers with excellence.
“We are thrilled to be joining the Hoffmann Family of Companies to expand on the success of Doonan built over the past 50 years,” said Mike Ruddle, VP of Operations at Doonan Specialized Trailer.
The Doonan acquisition expands HFOC’s presence in the transportation sector, building on the 2021 purchase of Texas Bragg Trailers, based in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Established in 1977, Texas Bragg Trailers offers a selection of trailers through their expansive dealer network in 21 states.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jessica Carruth
Director, Communications & PR
[email protected]
About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
The Hoffmann Family of Companies (HF Companies), a multi-vertical family-owned company consisting of over 100 national brands, employs 9,000 global employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 250 locations around the world. The HF Companies’ verticals include Aviation, Agriculture, Financial Services, Hospitality, Business & Professional Services, Industrial, Marine, Media & Marketing, Real Estate, and Transportation. For more information, visit: www.hfcompanies.com.
About Doonan Specialized Trailer:
Established in 1973, Doonan Specialized Trailer has been at the forefront of designing and building specialized trailers, including custom flatbeds, drop decks, double drops, oilfield trailers, extendibles and RGN lowbeds. The company’s commitment to delivering “Best in Class” solutions through its extensive Dealer Network further emphasizes its dedication to meeting the specialized needs of owner operators. Learn more at www.doonan.com.