The thermoforming machinery market in the US is consolidating. The most recent acquisition was by Thermoforming Technology Group (TTG) of Lyle Industries. TTG also owns another thermoforming machine maker Brown Machine and Epco, a machinery remanufacturer and repairer for thermoformers and injection/blow moulding and die-casting equipment, both companies were acquired in 2008. TTG is wholly owned by private equity firm Spell Capital Partners and TTG Management.

According to Mike Stein, Chairman of TTG, “This acquisition brings a great thermoforming brand into our group and allows Lyle to compete more effectively on a global scale.”

Founded in 1965, Lyle Industries is a manufacturer of web or roll-fed thermoforming machinery for the vacuum forming industry, as well as bottle trimmers and trim presses. The company serves customers globally in a wide range of industries, including food packaging, horticulture, medical, retail and automotive.

TTG says the acquisition will allow Lyle to enhance and expand its product offerings and service capabilities, as well as expand its manufacturing capacity and boost R&D capabilities.

Spell Capital Partners has been selling its plastics businesses in moulding, such as the Minnesota-based operations of moulding processor Spectrum Plastics Group and Northwire, a moulder and contract service provider of custom technical products including wire and cable, retractile cords, cable assemblies, connectors and harnesses.