Midwest Rake Company purchases Seymour Manufacturing

Oct. 16, 2012 – Midwest Rake Company, located in Warsaw,
Ind. has purchased Seymour Manufacturing, headquartered in Seymour,
Ind. The effective date of the acquisition was September 28. Both companies
are tool manufacturers, serving multiple markets both domestically and
internationally.

Both companies will continue to operate independently with existing management
in place.

Midwest Rake Company is a 22-year-old family owned and operated manufacturer
and supplier of long-handled tools used in a variety of markets and work environments.
Midwest Rake products are sold and in use domestically and internationally,
under the Midwest Rake, Kenyon, Northstar and Toolite labels. Midwest Rake is
also known for its OEM and private label capabilities. Many of Midwest Rake’s
products are crafted in Indiana, with the company placing great importance on
quality, creativity and service.

Seymour Manufacturing began its history in Seymour, Indiana in 1872, three
years before the first telephone, as a manufacturer of wagon wheel spokes.
Purchased by Semple and Birge Manufacturing Company of St. Louis, Missouri in
1875, Seymour has remained in the Birge family since that time. During the
middle of the last century, Seymour established its reputation of providing the
market with high-quality digging tools and snaths. Under the leadership of Berl
Grant, the Company embarked on a program of product line expansion that
included the acquisition of Structron and its line of fiberglass handled tools
in 1995, and more recently, O.P. Link, Inc. and its replacement handle
business. Today, Seymour sells over 2400 different lawn & garden tools,
fireplace equipment and accessories. Seymour will continue to operate in
Seymour, Indiana and all three Tennessee locations.

Clifford Birge, chairman of the board and representing the Birge family,
states, “The Birge Family is
delighted to announce the union of Seymour Manufacturing and Midwest Rake,
two like-minded
family owned companies, with a tradition of integrity, quality and service to
their valued customers.
We feel secure in our knowledge that our 140-year legacy will not only be
preserved, but enhanced
by the combined resources of the two companies.”

Bill Henthorn, president and CEO of Midwest Rake, states “Both Midwest
Rake and Seymour
are healthy and progressive companies. We have great respect for the 140-year
history of Seymour,
the commitment to quality and integrity which underscores the Seymour heritage,
and for the
dedication and skills of Seymour employees in satisfying the needs of the
customer. We are
committed to protecting and building upon the many strengths of Seymour, with
customer satisfaction being our top priority. We look forward to
working with our employees, business
partners and customers alike as we begin this new and exciting era.”

Related Links
www.midwestrake.com
www.seymourmfg.com