Waukesha, WI – September 3, 2024 – Prolec-GE Waukesha, Inc., a business unit of global energy infrastructure leader Prolec GE, today announced its acquisition of the remaining equity stake in Menk USA LLC, a leading North American manufacturer of cooling radiators for power grid transformers. Having been a partial owner of the company since 2002, Prolec GE Waukesha has now acquired complete ownership of Menk USA from Germany-based Menk-Schmehmann Group, one of the world’s leading specialists for complex tube forming, welded assemblies and steel structures for mobile cranes. This acquisition will allow Menk USA to become fully integrated into Prolec GE’s components portfolio, bolstering the company’s supply chain resiliency and enhancing its strategic capabilities.
Prolec GE has enjoyed a successful relationship with Menk USA since 2002, with Menk being a high quality, reliable supplier. The decision to acquire full ownership aligns with Prolec GE’s strategic vision to secure critical supply chains and collaborate with customers and suppliers to strengthen the U.S. market’s availability of key transformer components. Menk-Schmehmann Group’s shareholders expressed gratitude for the Menk USA team’s achievements over the last 20 years and excitement for what this acquisition means for the company and its employees.
Ricardo Suarez, CEO of Prolec GE, stated, “This acquisition marks another milestone in our evolution. Menk USA has been a valuable ally, and now, as a fully integrated entity, we are excited to leverage our combined strengths to drive innovation and deliver enhanced value to our customers. We are confident that this strategic move will further solidify our position as industry leaders and generate new business opportunities for our company.”
Chip Donahue, CEO of Menk USA, commented, “We have had a productive and successful relationship with Prolec GE for over 20 years. Now, by integrating into the Prolec GE business, Menk USA is in an optimal position to better serve our existing customers while exploring new opportunities for expansion and development. We look forward to continuing our mission of providing the highest quality radiators in the market under the guidance and resources of Prolec GE.”
About Prolec GE
Prolec GE is a joint venture between Xignux and GE Vernova, internationally recognized for quality manufacturing and reliable performance for over 25 years. The company is an electric industry leader in the Americas with eight manufacturing facilities strategically located in Mexico, the United States, and Brazil and an installed product base in over 35 countries. Its broad power transformer services offering in the U.S., as well as its wide variety of high voltage transformer components, complement Prolec GE’s full line of transformer solutions for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical energy for utilities, co-ops, municipalities, renewable project developers, data centers and original equipment manufacturers.
As a leading supplier in the industry, Prolec GE embraces its commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience, superior quality products, comprehensive solutions and on-time deliveries while actively developing innovative, responsible, and sustainable solutions to solve the industry’s challenges. To learn more, visit www.prolec.energy/prolecge or follow us on LinkedIn.
About Xignux
Xignux is a leader in the energy and food industries. Based in Monterrey, Mexico, we manage a variety of companies that energize life and society to contribute to a better world, thanks to the hard work and talent of more than 30,000 employees in Mexico, the United States, and Brazil.
In the energy industry, Viakable offers electrical conductors, and Prolec specializes in energy transformation and delivery. In the food sector, Qualtia provides a wide portfolio of cheeses, cold cuts, meats, and food service, while BYDSA produces savory snacks. Through its Social Responsibility model and the Xignux Foundation, the company also contributes to society´s sustainable development with active participation in four priority areas: energy, nutrition, education, and community development.
Xignux was founded 68 years ago and the solutions from its companies reach over 35 countries. Learn more about us at www.xignux.com.
About GE Vernova
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with approximately 75,000 employees across 100+ countries around the world. Supported by the Company’s purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova and LinkedIn.
About Menk-Schmehmann Group
Menk-Schmehmann Group: Over 75 years of innovation and precision in metalworking
The Menk-Schmehmann Group, consisting alongside Menk, of the companies Schmehmann and Schäfer-Menk, has stood for outstanding expertise and innovative solutions in metal processing for over seven decades. With deep-rooted expertise and state-of-the-art machinery, the group has established itself as one of the leading specialists for complex tube forming, welded assemblies and steel structures for mobile cranes.
Schmehmann: Tradition meets high-tech in Bad Marienberg
For over 75 years, Schmehmann (www.menk-schmehmann.de), based in Bad Marienberg Germany, has been a reliable partner for the most demanding projects in pipe forming and welding technology. The company’s strength lies in its proven blend of decades of experience and state-of-the-art technology. This approach enables Schmehmann to meet even the most complex requirements of its customers and to realize projects with the highest precision and quality.
Schäfer-Menk: Premium solutions for mobile cranes and construction machinery Schäfer-Menk (www.schmenk.cz), based in Czech Republic, is the premium partner for the manufacture of steel structures for mobile cranes, construction machinery and handling equipment. The company is characterized by its proactive and innovative approach, which enables it to always deliver the best solutions for its customers. Schäfer-Menk’s key competencies include innovation and industrialization in the field of welding. A lean organizational structure ensures a continuous increase in productivity and efficiency.