August 15, 2011 – Windjammer Capital Investors, a national private equity firm with offices in Newport Beach, CA and Waltham, MA, has acquired the operations of JWC Environmental (JWC) from Joseph W. (Woodie) Chambers Jr., a leading figure in the wastewater industry for nearly 40 years and an inventor of the Muffin Monster®. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, with operations in California, Georgia, the UK and China, JWC is one of the most recognized brands in the wastewater treatment equipment industry. JWC manufactures and services over 200 highly engineered variations of grinders, screens and processing systems, including the legendary Muffin Monster sewage grinder. Over 25,000 Muffin Monsters are installed globally to grind up the solid debris that ends up in wastewater pump stations, pipelines and sludge lines. The dual-shafted grinder protects pumps and downstream systems from clogging and potential damage.
“The acquisition by Windjammer is the next logical step in our company’s history as we continue to invest in our products, capabilities and people in support of our growing base of customers,” said Ronald A. Duecker, President and 30-year veteran with the Company. “Windjammer will provide JWC with access to capital and operating resources that will position us for growth through accelerated new product development, market expansion and other strategic initiatives. It’s a win-win for both the JWC family and the wastewater treatment community,” said Mr. Duecker.
JWC’s experienced senior management team, who by virtue of this transaction will have an ownership interest in the company, will continue to lead the company and implement its strategic and operational plans. As a result, this acquisition will create a seamless transition for customers and employees, both of which will benefit from the company’s evolution. Mr. Duecker continued, “I am proud of our executive team and we intend to honor JWC’s legacy while being firmly committed to delivering valued solutions for the environmental market as we move toward our fifth decade and beyond.”
“We are excited to be acquiring a clear market leader like JWC that has a strong brand, high quality products and deep engineering expertise,” said Jeff Miehe, Managing Director of Windjammer Capital. Mr. Miehe added, “JWC is a great fit for Windjammer and our investment strategy. The combination of our capital and operational resources, together with JWC’s industry leading management team, will position the company to fully capitalize on its multiple growth opportunities. We are very excited about the opportunities ahead.”
About JWC Environmental, LLC
In addition to its core Muffin Monster and Channel Monster® equipment, JWC produces a line of high-tech, high-flow wastewater fine and coarse screens under the Monster Separation Systems® trade name. These systems feature stainless steel or UHMW perforated plates and more traditional bars. When combined with the patented Screenings Washer Monster® they offer the most effective means to capture, remove and clean wastewater debris.
Since its founding in 1973, JWC has remained on the cutting edge of wastewater treatment technology. The firm developed a score of patented technologies, grew the product line into 17 different Monster solutions and has won the prestigious Water Environment Federation Innovative Technology Award four times – more than any other wastewater equipment manufacturer. In recent years JWC has been awarded patents for the breakthrough Screenings Washer Monster and the highly automated Monster Blind Diagnostic System™.
At this year’s WEFTEC exhibition in Los Angeles JWC will roll out four new product innovations in both its grinding and screening product families. This follows the successful launch of four new products introduced during 2010’s WEFTEC, including: new efficient Sludge Monster® grinder; new Honey Monster® SRS-XE with debit card option; new more powerful Screenings Washer Monster; and the new pre-fabricated Muffin Monster Manhole.
JWC sells and distributes its products through a global network of independent representatives and distributors. In addition, JWC provides extensive sales and service support through its regional and international manufacturing and service facilities. For more information, contact: Alec Mackie at jwce@jwce.com.
About Windjammer Capital Investors
Windjammer Capital Investors, with offices in Newport Beach, California and Waltham, Massachusetts, is a national private investment firm that makes control and non-control investments in leading middle market companies in partnership with management. Founded in 1990, Windjammer manages institutional funds totaling over $1.2 billion of capital and is currently investing out of its latest fund of $575 million. In its history, Windjammer has closed on portfolio company investments with an aggregate value exceeding $7 billion. To learn more, visit www.windjammercapital.com.
Scott Kelly (pictured right) was promoted to Vice President of Sales for JWC Environmental, owner Woodie Chambers announced today. Kelly started with the company in 2003 and served as Sales Manager and Director of Sales for North America.
