Industrial Opportunity Partners has made an investment in foam maker Creative Foam Corp., partnering with the target's management team on the deal.

Creative foam makes die cut, and nonwoven foam materials for the automotive, medical and energy sectors. The company has 14 facilities spread across Michigan, Indiana, Colorado, Ohio, Tennessee and Florida. Based in Fenton, Michigan, Creative Foam was founded in 1969.

"IOP brings both capital and significant industry experience, which I believe will enhance the company’s ability to support growth and to expand our capabilities," says Creative Foam president David Swallow.

IOP is an Evanston, Illinois-based middle market PE firm that invests up to $50 million in businesses that have between $30 million and $350 million in revenue. The firm, which focuses on the construction, automotive and industrial sectors, recently closed its third fund.

Middle-market foam producers are proving to be attractive targets . Arsenal-backed Acella is purchasing assets from Covestro; FFL Partners backed-Icynene is buying Lapolla Industries and in 2016, Audax porfolio comppany Innovative Chemical Products acquired Fomo Products.

Western Reserve Partners advised Creative Foam. McDermott Will & Emery represented IOP. JP Morgan (NYSE: JPM), Comerica Bank, Hancock Capital Management and Norwest Mezzanine Partners provided financing. Financial terms were not disclosed.