The Metal Ware Corporation has new owners as Rick Carey has been named company president and Ross Niemi has been named executive vice president/COO.
Carey and Niemi take over the 96-year old company that serves as the parent of Nesco and American Harvest. The two previously led Chard International, a company focused on outdoor cooking, housewares and private label product development. The Chard assortment includes meat grinders, meat tenderizers, slicers, deep fryers, smokers and stock pots.
Wess Drumm will remain with the company as co-owner and chairman of the board.
“For me, the most exciting part of this new opportunity is to manufacture many of our goods right here in the USA,” said Carey.
Metal Ware operates a 165,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Two Rivers, WI, that includes a state-of-the-art injection facility and a deep draw facility. Niemi and Carey said they have plans to expand the manufacturing to accommodate Chard’s existing product line.
In addition, Niemi feels that operating a privately held company such as Metal Ware offers competitive advantages including identifying consumer trends, developing long-term strategic goals and having a streamlined decision making process.