Article Number : 8890 |
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| Date | 5/28/2014 8:15:08 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=8890 |
| Abstract | ST. LOUIS, Missouri (May 27, 2014) – E.J. Welch Company, Inc. has acquired the Merle B. Smith Company of Burr Ridge, Illinois. Incorporated in 1971, MBS Co. grew rapidly to become one of the Chicago area’s largest... |
| Article | ST. LOUIS, Missouri (May 27, 2014) – E.J. Welch Company, Inc. has acquired the Merle B. Smith Company of Burr Ridge, Illinois. Incorporated in 1971, MBS Co. grew rapidly to become one of the Chicago area’s largest hardwood flooring distributors. Having successfully led the company for the last 44 years, owners Merle B. Smith—age 84 and Dominic J. Reda—age 69, sought a buyer to first secure the future for the business and its employees for another 44 years; and second, to finally be able to retire. According to Dominic J. Reda, President of Merle B. Smith Co., “The acquisition provides many benefits to the loyal customers of MBS Co. – namely a greater range of products and services. And in addition to the Burr Ridge location, our customers will also have a second fully stocked location in Elk Grove Village, IL at E.J. Welch Company’s new 75,000 square foot facility, complete with classroom and training space hosting regularly scheduled National Wood Flooring Association installation training classes”. “We are excited about the great potential of the Merle B. Smith Company and we also recognize the specialized nature of the unfinished hardwood business”, said Michael Welch, President of E.J. Welch Co. “We are keeping the Merle B. Smith Co. name indefinitely and retaining all employees – except for Merle and Dominic, who are retiring. Brian Quinn was recently hired to manage our unfinished hardwood business, while Ryan Reith will head up Merle B. Smith Co. customer service in Elk Grove Village”, said Michael Welch. E.J. Welch Company is a value added wholesale distributor serving the flooring trade since 1962. Its diversified product portfolio of top residential and commercial flooring brands, quality installation products and tools and accessories is a key element to the company’s tagline of People, Products and Solutions. |