Service Centers

UPG Expands Portfolio with Metalex Acquisition

December 18, 2019

Chicago-based UPG Enterprises LLC has acquired Metalex LLC and its Morton Rail Products division, formerly known as Morton Manufacturing Co. Metalex is a manufacturer of perforated products, expanded metal, safety grating, perforated tubes and architectural metals.

UPG said this acquisition significantly enhances its portfolio, not only with a suite of new products and capabilities, but with two modern facilities, including one in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The acquisition continues to fuel UPG’s strategy to move further down the supply chain to offer expanded capabilities and products to current and future customers.

Both the Morton and Metalex brands will continue under UPG’s leadership. “We look forward to meeting with all employees, customers and vendors to share UPG’s vision and drive growth for Morton Global and its customers,” stated Chris Sekella, UPG’s EVP of Operations. “We are confident that we will continue to earn business with current, former and new customers as we share with them UPG’s approach to long-term investment within its family of companies, as well as with its customers.”

“The Morton name is synonymous with best-in-class rail products and innovation in the rail industry, and we are looking forward to increasing R&D to accelerate new product development and light-weighting techniques for the rail industry,” said a statement from UPG co-founders Chris Hutter and Paul Douglass. “For Metalex, joining the UPG family will mean an increase in vertical integration synergies and speed to market. Access to new markets, expanded capabilities and larger geographic leverage are additional advantages.”

UPG Enterprises operates a diverse set of industrial companies focused on metals, manufacturing, distribution and logistics with 25 locations throughout North America.