SBP Holdings Sells Bishop Lifting Products, Inc. to Altamont Capital Partners

Dallas, TX – SBP Holdings completes the sale of Houston-based Bishop Lifting Products, Inc (BLP) – a group of value-added distributors of lifting products and specialty rental equipment. The transaction encompasses the entire BLP business. Following the transaction, SBP Holdings will be comprised of two divisions with significant organic and acquisition growth opportunities: Industrial Hose & Rubber and Fluid Power & Automation.

“This transaction enables us to focus and align our attention and efforts on our two core businesses and markets. Both the Industrial Hose & Rubber and Fluid Power & Automation divisions have natural customer and vendor overlap and synergies, and we look to continue aggressive acquisitions in those segments to accelerate growth,” said Craig Osborne, CEO of SBP Holdings. “I thank Harold King and the entire Bishop Lifting team for their contributions to the SBP platform over the years and wish them continued success as they move forward with their new partner.”  

Following the transaction, Osborne will remain CEO of SBP Holdings and the leadership team will remain unchanged.

About SBP Holdings

 Singer Equities, Inc. and Dakota Fluid Power, Inc. are wholly owned subsidiaries of SBP Holdings, headquartered in Dallas, TX. SBP Holdings is a group of value-added distributorships in the industrial rubber, hose, fluid power, and automation industries. Our primary objective is to provide mission-critical components to a broad range of industrial markets throughout North America. SBP is focused on organic expansion and the acquisition of well-managed businesses where significant operating changes are not necessary. We believe that good companies are the result of good management. Our philosophy is to allow business leaders to remain and operate the businesses, affording them a tremendous level of responsibility, authority, and autonomy.

 Singer Equities, Inc. has acquired OB&E Rubber Company, headquartered in Jeffersonville, IN. OB&E Rubber provides heavy-duty conveyor belts, accessories, and field services including installation and conveyor maintenance out of their Indiana location. OB&E serves multiple markets including power generation, aggregate, recycling and resell.

The business, founded in 1952 and in its third generation of ownership, will continue operating under the OB&E Rubber name. Owners Nathan and Joe Endris will continue in their key management roles. “OB&E expands Singer’s footprint and potential in the Midwest, which complements the company’s conveyor service in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast”, said owner Nathan Endris. Joe Endris added, “We believe partnering with Singer Equities is the best decision for our company, employees, and culture.”

Craig Osborne, SBP Holdings CEO stated, “OB&E’s customer-centric focus will help strengthen our ability to service new and existing customers in the Midwest region.” Sam Petillo, President of Singer Equities, added “We are excited to add OB&E’s decades of knowledge, product expertise, and conveyor installation experience to the Singer family.”

Singer Equities, along with Bishop Lifting Products and Dakota Fluid Power, are wholly owned subsidiaries of SBP Holdings, headquartered in Dallas, TX. With this addition, SBP Holdings will increase its North American footprint to 95 locations with over 1,300 employees. SBP Holdings provides mission-critical components, inspection and testing services, repairs, and specialized rental activities throughout North America. More information can be provided by viewing www.sbpholdings.com, www.singerequities.com, www.lifting.com, www.dakotafluidpower.com

June 2, 2021 -- Dallas, Texas 

SBP Holdings has acquired Kenco Hydraulics and subsidiaries on Tuesday June 1, 2021.  Kenco Hydraulics will operate within the fluid power / automation platform (Dakota Fluid Power) for SBP Holdings.  The fluid power / automation platform is the third business vertical within the holding company along with its Industrial Rubber vertical (Singer Equities) and its Rigging and Rental vertical (Bishop Lifting Products).  With this addition SBP Holdings will increase its North America footprint to approximately 100 locations with over 1,300 employees.  

Kenco Hydraulics, established in 1989 by President Ken Veit, operates from a single location in Hatfield, PA with approximately 19 team members.  Kenco Hydraulics provides sales and repair services for all types of hydraulic products including hose, pumps, cylinders, and filtration.  Kenco Hydraulics is the regions leading expert in repair and clearly understands and responds to the urgency of customers’ requirements in several key markets including construction, mobile equipment and in plant systems.  Veit will continue to manage the Kenco Hydraulics operation and expand the enterprise through organic growth and cooperation with other SBP Holdings companies.     

SBP CEO Craig Osborne said, “We are truly excited about teaming up with Ken and the Team at Kenco Hydraulics to continue to expand our fluid power offering and geographic footprint.  Fluid Power continues to be a large addressable market with tremendous opportunity for growth and there is no question we have a solid base and the ability to expand.”  Dakota Fluid Power President Rick Lindemann added “We are looking forward to having Kenco Hydraulics join our Fluid Power group! 

Their reputation and business model of providing quality parts and service to their customers, aligns very well with Dakota Fluid Power.” 

Ken Veit said, “I feel strongly that we have teamed up with the right group to continue Kenco Hydraulics tradition of supporting customers in the PA and NJ markets and beyond.  We have a current relationship with companies within the SBP Holdings group and we look forward to expanding that over time.” 

SBP Holdings provides mission critical components, inspection and testing services, repairs and specialized rental activities throughout North America.  More information can be provided by viewing www.sbpholdings.com, www.singerequities.com, www.lifting.com, www.dakotafluidpower.com.   

With autumn temperatures returning we are reminded that Old Man Winter is not far behind. Lower temperatures generally mean one thing in the industrial hose world and that is…it must be steam hose season.

With pressures at a minimum of 250psi and temperatures reaching 450 degrees Fahrenheit, we can see the importance of proper hose selection and fabrication. Any company that utilizes steam hose in their day to day operation should know steam hose comes with its risks and rewards. The reward comes with the economic benefits of choosing a proper steam hose for an application and extending the life cycle of the hose, reducing replacement costs and unplanned down time. The burden of course is the risk of a premature hose failure and the potential for damage to property and serious injury to employees. The importance of safety when handling steam hose cannot be stressed enough.

A number of factors are involved with the use and maintenance of steam hose. Following are 5 Steam Hose Maintenance Tips to remember this winter season.

Regular Visual Inspection Intervals

All steam hoses should go thru a routine visual inspection prior to use. This inspection should include checking for wear or damage on the outside cover of the hose. The hose’s end fittings should also be inspected for proper installation. Keep an eye out for excessive rust and wear and tear. If the hose or hose fittings look damaged, do your due diligence to ensure the damage is superficial only, otherwise get a replacement.

Compatibility

The steam hose should be compatible with the application it’s connected to regarding pressure and temperature. Check your manufacturer’s guide to verify the maximum temperature and pressure ratings of your hose. Be sure your steam application will never exceed those maximum limits

Installation

How the steam hose is installed to the application is equally important. The distance between two connection points will ensure equal weight and pressure distribution. This practice prevents the hose from kinking thereby allowing for full flow during use as well as extending the life of the hose.

Handling & Storage Requirements

Proper steam hose handling and storage will combat the rigors of use including extending hose life. Factors to consider relate to the environment the hoses are kept in. Exposure to sunlight, chemical vapors and extreme temperature fluctuation can attack a steam hose even when not in use.

Draining Excess Moisture

Another practice to help increase the life of your steam hose is to thoroughly drain your steam hose after use. Be sure to completely remove all moisture before it is stored and maintained at ambient temperatures to avoid a type of tube deterioration know as “popcorning.” Popcorning is damage that occurs to the inner tube of a hose, ultimately caused by absorption of water vapor into hose tube wall. Once absorbed, the trapped water cools while the hose is not in use. Upon future use, that trapped water rapidly expands when it comes into contact with the high temperature steam causing damage to the tube as it tries to escape. The result is a damaged inner tube that resembles popcorn. Over time, continual popcorning will lead to a hose failure when the damage reaches a critical limit.

Final Takeaways

As you can see there are a lot of considerations when it comes to choosing and implementing a steam hose assembly. To mitigate the risks to employees and equipment and the potential financial loss to your business, it’s best to trust industry experts who can teach and advise you during your hose implementation or replacement process. Summers Rubber Company has been dealing with steam hose applications since the company first opened its doors in 1949. Our inside and outside sales teams can talk you through any scenario or questions you might have. From partnering with premier suppliers such as Continental Contitech USA for our steam hose and Campbell Fittings for our crimp steam hose fittings, Summers Rubber Company is ready to safely guide your business through another steam hose season.

Credit for Content: Gary Garza

September 3, 2019

Singer Equities, Inc. has acquired Shipyard Supply, LLC headquartered in Metairie, LA. Shipyard Supply distributes and fabricates metal, industrial and composite hose assemblies, fittings, and industrial supplies out of their locations in Metairie, LA, Houston, TX and Mobile, AL. The business was founded in 1992 and serves a diverse customer base in the general industrial, refinery, petrochemical, marine and construction markets.

President and owner Jeff Wickersham, who has been active in the business, will remain and the business will continue operating under the Shipyard Supply name. “Jeff and his talented team have built a successful hose business by providing exceptional service throughout the gulf region and beyond”, stated Sam Petillo, President of Singer Equities. Adding, “This acquisition expands Singer’s product offering and strengthens our presence in the refinery and petrochemical markets in the gulf region.” Jeff Wickersham stated, “Singer is the right partner to support Shipyard’s core values of providing exceptional customer service and world-class products. Singer’s scale and national footprint will help us better serve our customers”.

Singer Equities has 57 locations specializing in industrial and hydraulic hose, conveyor belt, gaskets, and related services.

Singer Equities, along with Bishop Lifting Products and Dakota Fluid Power, are wholly owned subsidiaries of SBP Holdings, headquartered in Houston, TX and through its 95 locations provides industrial rubber, wire rope, rigging, fluid power products and services to a broad range of industrial markets throughout North America. More information can be obtained at www.sbpholdings.com and www.singerequities.com.

Singer Equities, Inc. has acquired 4-STAR Hose & Supply headquartered in Dallas, TX.    4-STAR Hose & Supply distributes and fabricates industrial hose, hydraulic hose, metal hose, composite hose, fittings, valves and pumps out of their locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Midland, Pleasanton and Cleburne, Texas. The business was founded in 1983 and has been owned by the Culhane family since 2002.  4-STAR has 70 full time employees and serves a diverse customer base in the oil/gas, steel, chemical and food and beverage markets. 

All three owners, who have been active in the business, will remain and the business will continue operating under the 4-STAR Hose & Supply name.  “Keith, Kelly, and Brent Culhane and their team have built a profitable business by providing exceptional service throughout Texas and the surrounding region”, stated Sam Petillo, President of Singer Equities.  Kelly Culhane stated, “The team at 4-STAR Hose is excited to partner with Singer Equities.  We’ll be able to leverage Singer’s scale and product offering to better serve our customers.”  Brent Culhane added, “Being part of the Singer family will provide new growth opportunities for 4-STAR and our employees.  The addition of our five locations will expand Singer’s footprint in Texas.”

Singer Equities, along with Bishop Lifting Products and Dakota Fluid Power, are wholly owned subsidiaries of SBP Holdings, headquartered in Houston, TX and through its 92 locations provides industrial rubber, wire rope, rigging, fluid power products and services to a broad range of industrial markets throughout North America. More information can be obtained at www.sbpholdings.com and www.singerequities.com.

February 1, 2018 — Singer Equities, Inc. has acquired Smith Industrial Rubber & Plastics Inc. headquartered in Rockford, Illinois. Smith Industrial is a distributor and fabricator of hydraulic hose and fittings, conveyor belting, industrial hose, sheet rubber and die cut parts from plastic and rubber. The business was founded in the 1940s as a division of Smith Oil Corp. who was a dominant distributor of petroleum, rubber products and select automotive parts through most of the 20th century in the Rock River valley. Current owners Scott Greenfield and Tom Rudnicki were originally salesmen for Smith Industrial Rubber. Tom Rudnicki will remain as General Manager and will continue operating under the Smith Industrial Rubber and Plastics name.

“Scott Greenfield, Tom Rudnicki and their team have built a reputable rubber distribution business over the past 30 years and have earned that through their value-add product offerings and dedication to customer service”, stated Sam Petillo, President of Singer Equities. Adding, “We are very excited and proud to have Smith Industrial Rubber & Plastics join the Singer Equities team and expand our geographic footprint into Illinois. The addition of Smith Industrial further diversifies our customer base.” Rudnicki said, “Through this partnership with Singer we maintain our name, identity and business model that enabled Smith’s growth over the past 75 years. We plan to leverage Singer’s strength in the rubber industry to hasten the pace of our growth in the Midwest.”
Singer Equities, along with Bishop Lifting Products, are wholly owned subsidiaries of SBP Holdings. Singer Equities specializes in industrial hose, hydraulic hose, conveyor belt and gasket material fabrication and services. Bishop Lifting is engaged in the fabrication, distribution and rental of wire rope and rigging products and services. The combined entity has 58 locations throughout North America with over 1050 employees. More information can be obtained at www.sbpholdings.com and www.singerequities.com.

There are numerous reasons why a hydraulic hose can fail. More often than not, the most common failures are ones that could have been avoided with proper precautions. At Hampton Rubber Company, we utilize OnGuard™ Hose Safety to work closely with customers and educate them on how the program helps you avoid costly equipment downtime, maintenance costs and reassure you that your hoses are working efficiently and safely — all within compliance of OSHA/EPA standards.

November 12, 2018-Houston, Texas — SBP Holdings will acquire Dakota Fluid Power and subsidiaries with closing scheduled for December 3, 2018. The Dakota Fluid Power operation will form the platform foundation for SBP Holdings entry into the Fluid Power repair and services industry forming a third business vertical within the holding company along with its Industrial Rubber vertical, Singer Equities and its Rigging and Rental vertical, Bishop Lifting Products. With this addition, SBP Holdings will increase its North America footprint to 74 locations with over 1,300 employees.

Dakota Fluid Power established in 1991 by President, Rick Lindemann, and his partner and Vice President, Mike Nelson, is headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD and has grown to 13 locations and 197 associates in the upper Midwest U.S. with operations in North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Dakota Fluid Power organization provides hydraulic and pneumatic components and machinery along with service and repairs through its operations and subsidiaries Prairie Truck Equipment, Midway Machining, Engineered Products, Y2K Filtration, OEM Manufacturing and ASI Hydraulics. DFP is the region’s leading hydraulic expert in a variety of industries notably agriculture, on and off-highway construction, municipalities, utilities, waste, food processing, wind energy, mining and oil and gas. Lindemann and Nelson will continue to manage the DFP operation and expand the enterprise through acquisition and organic means.

SBP President and CEO Don Fritzinger said, “We are truly excited about teaming up with Rick and Mike at Dakota Fluid Power to enter the fluid power market. It is a large addressable market with tremendous opportunity for growth and there is no question we have the right team as a foundation.”

Rick Lindemann and Mike Nelson of Dakota Fluid Power are excited about the opportunity SBP Holdings provides to continue to grow the foundation they have built. “We feel strongly that we have teamed up with the right group to continue DFP’s tradition of “Commitment to Customer Success”. We look forward to the opportunity to expand our presence in the Fluid Power Industry. We are also eager to work with our fellow companies in the SBP group.

SBP Holdings provides mission-critical components, inspection and testing services, repairs and specialized rental activities throughout North America. More information can be provided by viewing www.sbpholdings.com, www.singerequities.com, www.lifting.com, www.dakotafluidpower.com.

Singer Equities, Inc. has acquired Connectall Ltd headquartered in Laval, QC Canada. The business was founded in 1994 and is owned by Frank D’Avola and Michel Bourque. Frank and Michel will remain with the business which will continue operating under the Connectall name.

Connectall is a fabricator and distributor of metal, hydraulic, Teflon, silicone and industrial hoses, as well as, expansion joints and fittings. Connectall serves multiple markets including transportation, HVAC, pharmaceutical, industrial and petrochemical through their Laval, QC and Plattsburgh, NY facilities.

“Frank, Michel and their 27 employees have built a profitable business by providing high-quality products and services to a diverse customer base”, stated Sam Petillo, President of Singer Equities. Adding, “They are a strong cultural fit within the Singer Equities group.” Michel Bourque said, “We are very proud and excited to be part of the Singer group of companies. We have been a successful company and now that we have new ownership, we are enthusiastically looking forward to the opportunities that await us.” Frank D’Avola added, “Singer’s approach to ownership drove our decision to join their family. The advantage of sharing best practices, improved buying power, and their strategic locations will speed our growth and expansion.”

Singer Equities, along with Bishop Lifting Products and Dakota Fluid Power, are wholly owned subsidiaries of SBP Holdings, headquartered in Houston, TX. Through its 76 locations provides industrial rubber, wire rope, rigging, fluid power products and services to a broad range of industrial markets throughout North America. More information can be obtained at www.sbpholdings.com and www.singerequities.com.