Morbark Acquires Boxer Equipment

Morbark Inc., a Winn, Mich.-based manufacturer of recycling, tree care, sawmill, forestry and biomass chipping and grinding equipment, has completed the acquisition of Boxer Equipment. Boxer, which manufactures and markets mini-skid steers and attachments, is a product line of Mertz Manufacturing LLC. As part of the transaction, Morbark has acquired all product designs, intellectual property and manufacturing tools, as well as existing parts, completed units and other inventory.

Under the Boxer Equipment name the company has four models: the 118 dedicated trencher; and the 300-, 400- and 500- series that are built to handle a complement of more than 50 universal compact utility attachments.

The company’s standard quick attach system enables users to easily switch from a bucket to forks to auger or other tools for optimum on-the-job flexibility and bottom line performance. A feature unique to the Boxer 500 series is its variable-width, rubber track undercarriage, which allows the units to enter through gates as narrow as three feet wide.

Morbark says the Boxer acquisition will enhance its opportunities in its existing markets and expand its presence and current equipment offerings to other industries.

Steve Ballinger, president of Mertz Manufacturing, says, “In seeking the optimal buyer for the Boxer product line, we looked for a company that had its own manufacturing capability, as well as shared our desire to see the line continue to develop, grow and realize its full potential. We know without a doubt that Morbark shares this same vision and will apply the necessary resources to bring it to fruition.”

Manufacturing of the Boxer Equipment line, attachments and aftermarket parts is currently being moved to Morbark’s 1.1 million-square-foot factory and corporate headquarters in Winn.

Commenting on the close, Jim Shoemaker Jr., president of Morbark, says, “The strong strategic fit between our companies, combined with Morbark’s expanded capabilities in product development, manufacturing and dealer distribution, will enable us to efficiently maximize the value and long-term potential of the Boxer product line, allowing it to become one of the market leaders in the compact utility loader category.”