CUDAHY, Wis. - Vilter Manufacturing Corp. announced the purchase of the company by the private equity firm of J. P. Kotts & Co. The transaction is designed to enable the company to build on its existing worldwide growth in the refrigeration and process industries.

This combination is designed to allow Vilter to pursue business opportunities, accelerate the development of new products, and make strategic acquisitions as they arise. With the experience of J. P. Kotts & Co., especially in the oil and gas industry, a major new marketplace will be further opened to Vilter to use its compression technology outside of its traditional industrial refrigeration market, according to the company.

The existing management team led by President and CEO Ron Prebish will continue to operate the company. "Vilter is one of the few companies in the United States that has the ability to design and manufacture innovative world-class industrial compressors and related products," said Prebish.

"We have a team of exceptionally talented people in place, and we have spent, and will continue to spend, heavily on new products and new technologies to strengthen Vilter's position as a technology leader in the industry. The continuity in management at Vilter will result in continued support to its customers, with no change in personnel or philosophy. I and the whole team here at Vilter look forward to the future with renewed confidence."

Publication date: 02/21/2005