Printed Circuit Design & Fab Online Magazine - All Flex Acquires Tri-C's Panelization Group

NORTHFIELD, MN – Flexible circuits manufacturer All Flex has purchased the CAD and panelization portion of its longtime supplier TRI-C Design.

The deal includes Tri-C five employees, who will now be located at one of All Flex's Northfield facilities. No financial terms were disclosed.

Northfield, MN-based Tri-C provides computer aided design, panelization, and automation for flexible and printed circuit board manufacturers. It has been a supplier to All Flex for over 20 years.

The companies said the transaction permits each company to better address the needs of their existing and future customers.

In a press release, president Greg Closser said the investment demonstrates All Flex's commitment to continuous improvement, “All Flex is all about meeting the product and quick response needs of our customers. Adding these five talented individuals with extensive industry expertise will streamline job set up efficiency, ultimately getting product to our customer quicker. We are looking forward to strong revenue growth in 2013 and believe these additional internal resources will help us with some of the challenges that come with growth.”

Tri-C owner Keith Hildahl, who remains with Tri-C, said the company will now focus more on flex circuit design. “Over the last 20 years, All Flex had become our largest panelization customer. A customer representing this volume requires and deserves considerable attention. The sale of the panelization portion of our business to All Flex seemed to be a natural progression in the business relationship at this time. This sale will allow TRI-C to again focus attention on enhancing design capabilities and on our many flexible circuit design customers.”

The companies expect a "fairly seamless" transition as most of the designers already have working relationships with All Flex employees and some customers. This design group is located with other support staff in the additional 5,000 sq. ft. building All Flex recently obtained in Northfield. The acquisition brings All Flex's head count to 140 employees.