We always like to report good news for Michigan business. Now Backyard Products, a Monroe, Michigan, company that specializes in wooden swingsets, playsets and backyard sheds, has announced that it is purchasing one of its competitors ? Swing-N-Slide. The purchase of Swing-N-Slide, which is primarily known for its play equipment, is headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin.
The purchase will position Backyard Products to become the country’s leading producer of wooden backyard and playground equipment and accessories. Its chief executive officer says that he sees the highly-successful Wisconsin company as a good fit with Backyard Products, and one that will help grow the business.
Swing-N-Slide, which started in 1979 as a metal fabrication business and branched out into making swingsets in 1986, is currently owned by PlayCore Holdings, which makes play equipment for residential and playground use. Its CEO noted that Backyard Products and Swing-N-Slide already share a number of accounts. Both companies’ products are sold by large and small retailers throughout the country.
According to Backyard Products, the company will maintain Swing-N-Slide’s manufacturing plant in Janesville. There are anywhere from 50 to 80 people working there, with the size of the workforce varying seasonally. Meanwhile, the Michigan company’s 200 square-foot plant will stay in Monroe. Its CEO noted that, unlike many of its competitors whose products are now made in China, its products are manufactured in the U.S. They are sold under the brands Kids Creations, Heartland, Yardline and Handy Home Products.
Although all sides seem to be on board with the partnership of these two companies, there will no doubt be legal, financial and regulatory issues to iron out. It is essential that both companies have a strong legal team in place to ensure that everything goes as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Source:
Gazettextra.com, “Michigan company buys Swing-N-Slide” Jim Leute, Nov. 14, 2013
