Hunter Foundry Machinery acquired by SMG Group
The SMG Group has announced the acquisition of Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation, the world’s leading supplier of matchplate moulding machines, mould handling equipment and sand casting technology for the global foundry market. The acquisition was finalised on 24 July 2024 at Hunter’s headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois (Chicago).
Manny Gandhi, CEO of the SMG Group, commented on this strategic move for his company: “The addition of Hunter to the SMG portfolio is a significant milestone and an exciting new venture for us. We are committed to preserving the Hunter family’s legacy, whilst at the same time providing the necessary capital for global growth and strengthening the existing Hunter management team with top-calibre talent. Our aim is to continue providing Hunter’s customers with first-class service, supporting their growth and contributing to their success – with the technical expertise, high-quality equipment and foundry production skills that have made Hunter a leading company in the industry for decades.”
Bill Hunter, the former Chairman of the Board, comments: “This transition will expand Hunter’s capabilities whilst maintaining our core competencies. Manny and his team will bring significant added value to Hunter’s entire operation, and we look forward to the continued success that this decision will bring. My son Doug will carry on the traditions established by my father, Al Hunter, who founded the company in 1964, and bring his 25 years’ experience to the new team.”
Management team to remain in place
“Our current president, Peter Li, who headed our Shanghai branch and played a key role in this transition, will also remain part of the Hunter family. We are fortunate to have long-serving employees who understand the industry and our company’s ability to serve it. This has been a great help to me in making this decision.”
The new management team at SMG Group and Hunter’s existing management team are 100 per cent committed to delivering added value, including lead times that meet customers’ individual and business objectives.
Hunter is a global leader in the foundry sector and has a presence in almost every industrialised country in the world. In addition to its engineering facility in Chicago, Hunter has a global network of sales representatives, application engineers and customer service staff.
The company was founded in 1964 by Al Hunter, who developed the concept of the automatic matchplate moulding machine and held dozens of patents in the industry. His son Bill, the former chairman of the board, who will serve in an advisory capacity during this transition, has also developed numerous innovations in the field of sand moulding machines and mould handling technology for the global foundry market. Bill’s son Doug and his two siblings will continue to hold a minority stake in Hunter. Doug is well known in the foundry industry, having spent the last ten years working in manufacturing, sales and customer service. Source: Hydro