PE-backed CGI buys DFF

CGI Automated Manufacturing, which is backed by CORE Industrial Partners, has acquired DFF Corporation, a maker of precision machined components and electromechanical assembly products. No financial terms were disclosed.

PRESS RELEASE

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–CORE Industrial Partners (“CORE”), a Chicago-based private equity firm, announced today the acquisition of DFF Corporation (“DFF” or the “Company”), a leading precision manufacturer specializing in medium-to-high volume production of precision machined components and electromechanical assembly products, by CORE portfolio company CGI Automated Manufacturing (“CGI”).

DFF is the latest addition to the CGI platform launched by CORE in August 2021 and the sixth overall company to join the platform. CGI collectively operates approximately 200 CNC machines, eight lasers and 650,000 square feet with more than 700 employees across eight facilities in seven states. CGI’s certifications include ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 17025 and AS9100D, in addition to ITAR and FDA registrations.

Founded in 1969, DFF offers comprehensive manufacturing services, including automated CNC milling and turning, electromechanical assembly, design and engineering, prototyping and quality assurance for warehouse robotics, medical, semiconductor, aerospace & defense, and industrial end markets. The Company’s advanced manufacturing technology allows DFF to run 24 / 7, combining precision machining expertise and climate-controlled assembly capabilities with a humidity-controlled quality lab to function as a single source for customers. Located in Agawam, Massachusetts, DFF operates a 300,000 square foot facility and holds AS9100D and ISO 9001 certifications along with an ITAR registration.

Matthew Puglisi, Partner of CORE, said, “DFF is a scaled, design and engineering-driven manufacturing services provider with a strong track record of growth. In addition to roughly doubling the platform’s footprint, this transformational addition provides significant strategic value, including deeper penetration into attractive end markets and a complementary East Coast location to broaden national reach.”
Carey Chen, Chief Executive Officer of CGI, said, “DFF’s focus on medium-to-high volume production parts and assemblies is a natural fit with CGI. The Company bolsters CGI’s precision CNC machining capacity while also complementing our precision sheet metal fabrication capabilities. We’re looking forward to working with the talented DFF management team to add even more value to our combined customer base.”

Bill Marganti, President of DFF, said, “Since our founding more than a half-century ago, DFF has differentiated itself through a high-touch customer engagement model and robust technical capabilities that enable full continuity of the production process. CORE’s deep experience investing in the precision manufacturing space coupled with the highly synergistic fit with CGI made for an easy decision to partner with CORE and CGI to support our continued growth.”

Winston & Strawn LLP provided legal representation to CGI and CORE in the transaction.

About CORE Industrial Partners:
CORE Industrial Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm with $700 million of capital commitments investing in North American lower middle-market manufacturing, industrial technology, and services businesses. CORE’s team is comprised of highly experienced former CEOs and investment professionals with shared beliefs, deep experience, and a proven track record of building market-leading businesses. Through our capital, insight, and operational expertise, CORE partners with management teams and strives to build best-in-class companies. For more information, visit www.coreipfund.com.