#United States #Whitebridge Capital #Racine #R&B Grinding #Racine Wisconsin

Whitebridge Capital Partners Expands Portfolio with R&B Grinding Acquisition

On June 11, 2025, Whitebridge Capital Partners, LLC, announced its strategic acquisition of certain assets belonging to R&B Grinding, a well-established manufacturer based in Racine, Wisconsin. With a legacy spanning 67 years, R&B Grinding has been a key player in providing machined components to a diverse range of industrial clients, including several Fortune 500 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Previously a division of JE Companies, the firm is now poised to undergo a significant transformation.

The acquisition was facilitated in collaboration with Maynards Industries and Holland Industrial Group, showcasing a robust history of working together on complex transactions. This partnership underscores the commitment to achieving value-driven outcomes in challenging business situations. Under the new banner, R&B Grinding will be rebranded as RB Industrial Manufacturing LLC, reflecting the expansive range of machining processes and capabilities it can now offer from its expansive 140,000 square foot facility.

According to Todd DiBenedetto, a partner at Whitebridge, the deal marks a promising turnaround for the local economy, as it aims to restore around 100 jobs to the Racine community. He stated, “We are excited to work with our colleagues at Maynards to rejuvenate this company and focus on domestic manufacturing. Our experience in revitalizing industrial businesses gives us confidence that RB Industrial Manufacturing will thrive once again.”

The Whitebridge team, which includes DiBenedetto, Mark Heinze, and Linda Budz, brings a wealth of expertise in guiding distressed businesses toward profitability. Their history of addressing deep-rooted challenges through operational and management improvements is expected to be instrumental as they steer RB toward a robust recovery.

Maynards Industries, with over 120 years in the industry, is recognized for its role in transforming undervalued assets into profitable opportunities across 42 countries. Their recent acquisition of Wolf Industrial Advisors further positions them as leaders in the industrial solutions space. "By collaborating with Maynards, we can restore RB into a strong U.S.-based manufacturer that aligns with the national emphasis on revitalizing American manufacturing," remarked Mark Heinze.

The landscape of manufacturing is witnessing a notable shift as businesses increasingly pivot away from offshoring. With a renewed focus on domestic solutions, Whitebridge and its partners aim to harness the latent potential of manufacturers that previously struggled under past trends. Their comprehensive approach, which includes working closely with existing operators and financiers, positions them well to implement creative solutions that prioritize stability and growth in U.S.-based operations.

Budz, who has a keen understanding of legal and financial landscapes, has emphasized the importance of partnerships in these transitions and the potential for success in the current climate, where U.S.-based manufacturing is regaining favor. Her extensive background in business development across industrial and commercial sectors stands to facilitate sourcing opportunities, especially in insolvency contexts.

Whitebridge’s model is not merely about acquiring businesses; it’s about nurturing an environment where distressed companies can thrive. Their innovative and hands-on management style allows them to not only inject capital but also rejuvenate operations fundamentally. The firm is focused on restructuring and improving processes, enhancing vendor relations, and instigating robust growth within the companies they invest in.

As the economic landscape continues to evolve, Whitebridge Capital Partners' acquisition of RB Grinding symbolizes a commitment to both the community of Racine and the broader manufacturing sector in the U.S. With its veteran team at the helm, RB is set to embark on a new chapter, one that aims not just for survival, but robust growth and a resurgence in the manufacturing realm. This strategic move is expected to pave the way for similar ventures that could reshape the future of domestic manufacturing, ensuring that companies can thrive within their local economies once again.