On January 21, 2025, MPE Partners, commonly referred to as Morgenthaler Private Equity, unveiled a significant investment in SKB Cases, a notable manufacturer specializing in protective cases. This strategic move is set to bolster SKB's operations while enhancing its capacity to serve its diverse client base. SKB Cases boasts a robust customer portfolio that spans over 2,000 clients in various sectors, including military, industrial, music, professional audio-visual, and sports industries. The collaboration aims to leverage MPE's resources to accelerate SKB’s growth trajectory, securing its position at the forefront of the protective case industry.
Steve Kottman and Dave Sanderson, the founders of SKB Cases, established the company in 1977 with a vision to produce high-quality protective solutions for musicians and entertainers. Their decades-long dedication to innovation has not only expanded SKB's product offerings but has also allowed the company to penetrate multiple end markets successfully. "We are excited about this new chapter for SKB and believe that the investment from MPE will serve as a catalyst for further growth," expressed Kottman and Sanderson.
MPE has taken a strategic partnership approach in its investment, working closely with SKB's leadership team, including Executive Chairman and CEO John Saxon and President Daniel Jewell. The firm aims to prioritize product development and customer support, aspects that have long positioned SKB as a leader in quality and customization. Matt Yohe, a partner at MPE, remarked, "From its inception, SKB has garnered a reputation for its high-quality products, swift lead times, and customization options that cater to diverse client needs." Nick Stender, Principal at MPE, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their excitement to partner with SKB’s experienced management team.
This investment comes at a pivotal time as demand for protective cases continues to grow in various sectors. SKB's manufacturing capabilities encompass advanced techniques such as injection molding, rotational molding, vacuum molding, and foam customization, all of which cater to the specific requirements of its clientele. The company is headquartered in Orange, California, and has an additional facility in Mexicali, Mexico, which enhances its operational capabilities.
As they chart their path forward, SKB is poised to not just maintain but indeed enhance its reputation as an industry leader in protective cases. Alongside MPE's investment, the company is expected to innovate its product lineup further, ensuring it can meet the evolving needs of its customers with quality solutions.
MPE Partners, with bases in Cleveland, Ohio, and Boston, Massachusetts, has a history of investing in profitable lower middle-market companies. The firm focuses primarily on high-value manufacturing and commercial industrial services. Both MPE and SKB are excited about the road ahead, with aspirations to further the legacy of quality and innovation that has defined SKB Cases for decades.
For more details, please visit SKB Cases' website at
SKB Cases and MPE Partners at
MPE Partners.