What's happening: The Hoffman Family of Companies has acquired the Upper Peninsula-based Besse Forest Products Group, according to a press release submitted by the companies on March 13. Besse has been a family-owned company since it was created in 1966. Its headquarters has been in Gladstone, with other locations in Baraga and Wisconsin, and now joins the larger Hoffman Family of Companies with ties to timber, agriculture, manufacturing and marine industries.
Bolstering veneer and plywood: Besse is the second large acquisition in hardwood manufacturing by Hoffman after the group bought Minnesota-based Ferche Millwork in 2021. In total, Hoffman has more than 2 million square feet of production facilities and 1,400 workers in the wood products manufacturing industry. The move makes Hoffman one of the largest employers of veneer and specialty plywood manufacturers in the Upper Midwest, while also maintaining high environmental certifications at both facilities.
What they're saying: “We are excited to partner with Besse as they enter a new chapter under the Hoffmann Family of Companies umbrella,” said Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO of Hoffman Family of Companies. “Our commitment to growth and excellence in manufacturing drives every decision we make. With the acquisition of Besse Forest Products Group, we’re not just expanding our footprint, but building on a legacy that spans generations.”
What's next: The company stated that Besse CEO Greg Besse will stay in his role overseeing the operation of the business. Businesses acquired by Hoffman Family of Companies have seen a high retention rate of staff throughout the changeover.
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