#USA #New Orleans #Precision Manufacturing #LongueVue Capital #Saelens

LongueVue Capital Partners with Saelens to Drive Growth

In an exciting development within the manufacturing sector, LongueVue Capital (LVC), a private equity firm based in New Orleans, has entered into a strategic partnership with Saelens, a distinguished precision manufacturing platform. This collaboration aims to accelerate the growth trajectory of Saelens, which specializes in highly automated CNC machining and strategic sourcing tailored for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) clients across a variety of industrial sectors.

Founded in 1974, Saelens has established itself as a leader in the precision manufacturing space with its headquarters in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. The company operates two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and boasts a strong portfolio that includes widely recognized brands like Diamond Precision Products (DPP) and Coupling Nut Supply (CNS). Saelens also extends its manufacturing capabilities globally through its subsidiary Lembak Global Sourcing.

A Strategic Move Post-Growth

Over the past five years, Saelens has experienced remarkable growth, doubling its revenue while expanding its manufacturing capacity significantly. The company currently employs 230 individuals who contribute to its mission of delivering high-quality products to its clients. Bryan Weiss, the CEO of Saelens, has expressed that the firm's decision to partner with LongueVue Capital stems from a desire to maintain their growth momentum while positioning the company for long-term success.

"After years of significant growth, we recognized the need for a partner to help us continue this trajectory," Weiss explained. "We chose LongueVue Capital due to their extensive expertise in precision manufacturing and our shared cultural values. Their enthusiasm for our vision gave us the confidence to move forward together."

In echoing this sentiment, Eric Weiss, President of Saelens, added, "LongueVue’s approach resonated with us from the start. Their experience scaling manufacturing companies and commitment to our workforce and automation strategy reassures us of a prosperous future together."

Optimizing Operations and Market Position

Ray Jeandron, Managing Partner at LVC, reiterated the mutual benefits of this partnership, stating, "We are excited to work with Bryan, Eric, and the Saelens team as they embark on their next growth phase. Saelens has built a robust platform characterized by its exceptional automation capabilities, strong customer relationships, and a relentless pursuit of quality, which we believe positions them well to leverage market opportunities ahead."

Len Zaiser, an Operating Partner at LVC, noted the scalable operating model Saelens has developed, combining disciplined engineering, innovative automation, and a commitment to meeting complex machining needs of customers. He expressed enthusiasm for working with the management team to bolster investments in technology and talent, fostering Saelens’ growth into a leading entity in the manufacturing industry.

Supporting Infrastructure and Financing

The transaction was secured with the support of Abacus Finance, which provided senior debt financing. Legal counsel for LVC was handled by Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, while Capstone Partners acted as advisors to Saelens. Additionally, Foley & Lardner LLP provided legal guidance to Saelens during this strategic transition.

About LongueVue Capital

Founded in 2001, LongueVue Capital specializes in equity investments aimed at enacting transformational growth within middle-market companies. With a notable track record of over 25 years in fostering business success, LVC has committed more than $800 million across five funds, making it an ideal partner for companies looking to maximize stakeholder value during critical growth phases.

About Saelens

Saelens is renowned for its precision manufacturing offerings that include automated CNC machining, value-added engineering, and global sourcing services for leading OEMs. With facilities in both Wisconsin and Vietnam, Saelens is equipped to deliver mission-critical machined components, underpinned by advanced automation and robust customer relationships. For more information, Saelens can be reached at their website.