Twitchell Technical Products, a portfolio company of Highlander Partners, has purchased fabrics and coated films maker The Quantum Group. The acquisition of Quantum reinforces Highlander's “ongoing strategy of executing strategic add-on acquisitions that expand our portfolio companies' product offerings and market share,” states Highlander CEO Mike Nicolais.

Quantum manufactures yarn and knitted fabric materials for the furniture, construction, recreational, industrial, healthcare, automotive and airline industries. Founded in 1985, the target has production capabilities to produce materials in custom colors, flame retardants, and mono-, bi- and tri-component. The target even produced the roof fabric used today on the Centre Court at the Wimbledon Tennis Center. Quantum manufactures its materials from its facility in Colfax, North Carolina.

Twitchell began producing fibers, textiles and coatings for a variety of markets in 1922. Based in Dothan, Alabama, the buyer has a coated and laminated products line in addition to its fabrics and textile division. The Quantum deal brings together “complementary categories and strengthens Twitchell's technological expertise and strategic positioning,” according to the company.

Highlander, located in Dallas, has more than $1.2 billion in assets under management and backs companies that generate up to $500 million in sales. The firm targets the manufacturing, food, chemicals, building materials, consumer products industries. Some of Highlander’s other investments include: auto-care supplier Hi-Tech; car-care product provider Valvoline; ingredients manufacturer Fuerst Day Lawson Holdings Ltd; auto-parts manufacturer Lund International; and packaging company Popular Ink.

Nicolais says "this is our second acquisition in the last twelve months and Twitchell is well-positioned to continue supplementing its organic growth with M&A opportunities.” Financial terms of the Quantum deal were not disclosed.

Related manufacturing and fabric deals include: Platinum Equity LLC’s purchase of International Textile Group Inc.; BV Investment Partner’s backing of fabrics producer C.F. Stinson; and the Riverside Co.’s acquisition of textile distributor Momentum Group from Norwest Equity Partners.

Manufacturing industry Private equity Private equity funds Strategic buyers Highlander