It's just business: Manufacturing moves from General Motors, MadeInUSA.com, Greenleaf, and more
As manufacturers strive to optimize and improve profitability, they often use various business strategies to stay competitive. These actions include mergers, acquisitions, promotions, layoffs, funding, and much more. Below are just a few of the companies that are making moves and making headlines in the industrial sector.
Acquisition: Greenleaf Corporation has acquired key assets from Haydale Ceramic Technologies, LLC to strengthen its position as a vertically integrated supplier of whisker-reinforced ceramic cutting tools. The acquisition supports Greenleaf’s efforts to secure the supply chain for critical materials and maintain consistent product availability for its customers worldwide. In a recent quote, James Greenleaf, President and CEO of Greenleaf Corporation, said, “Our investment reaffirms our commitment to American manufacturing and to the long-term reliability of advanced tooling materials. Greenleaf’s vertical integration—from raw materials through finished tools—gives our customers a dependable, high-quality alternative in the global cutting tool market.”
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Partnership: MadeInUSA.com has announced a new partnership with Royal Apparel, a U.S.-based manufacturer committed to American labor and sustainability, to help revitalize domestic clothing production. The collaboration aims to make American-made garments more accessible to consumers while supporting ethical manufacturing and economic resilience. In a recent quote, Don Buckner, Founder of MadeInUSA.com, said, “We are honored to welcome Royal Apparel to the MadeInUSA.com family. This partnership represents more than just a business agreement—it reflects a shared vision for economic self-sufficiency and a resilient American supply chain. Supporting companies like Royal Apparel helps rebuild the foundation of our domestic clothing industry.”
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Acquisition: Kering Eyewear has acquired Italian manufacturer Lenti, expanding its industrial capabilities with in-house production of sun lenses and protective components. Lenti, based in Bergamo with approximately 100 employees, brings specialized expertise in moulding and surface treatments for various industries. In a recent quote, Roberto Vedovotto, Founder, President, and CEO of Kering Eyewear, said: “We have appreciated the excellence of Lenti’s products for many years, and we are very proud to see it now joining Kering Eyewear, providing an additional area of expertise to our platform of best-in-class manufacturing skills, facilities, and, more than anything else, talents.”
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Acquisition: TOPS Products LLC has acquired Smead Manufacturing, including its entire product portfolio, in a move that strengthens TOPS’ leadership in the North American office products market. The acquisition provides Smead with access to TOPS’ extensive distribution network and supports the long-term growth of both companies' brands and product offerings. In a recent quote, Casey Avent, CEO of Smead, said, “Joining TOPS is the next step in a line of strategic decisions we’ve made to do what’s best for the Smead business and our exceptional team. I am confident this decision will preserve Smead’s unwavering tradition of quality and innovation while enhancing its leadership position in the market. With TOPS’ backing, customers will continue to enjoy the same top-tier products and services they’ve come to expect from Smead for the next 100 years.”
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Personnel: General Motors has appointed Mike Trevorrow as senior vice president of global manufacturing, a role in which he will also retain his responsibilities as VP of global manufacturing engineering. Trevorrow will oversee more than 95,000 team members across 110 sites in 11 countries, helping to strengthen alignment between manufacturing and product development while accelerating GM’s integration of advanced manufacturing technologies. In a recent quote, GM President Mark Reuss said, “Mike’s extensive experience in manufacturing operations and engineering, along with his steady leadership, make him the right choice to lead our global manufacturing organization into the future. His promotion means we will maintain a strong link between manufacturing engineering and product execution, encourage more collaboration among our teams, and increase the pace of advanced technology and innovation.”
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