Thurston Manufacturing Company has announced the asset purchase of a Spencer, Iowa, based company, Simonsen Iron Works. Nick Jensen, co-owner and Chief Marketing Officer of Thurston said, “This acquisition is an exciting opportunity for Thurston Manufacturing, furthering company diversity into a larger number of markets and industries by continuing to operate Simonsen Iron Works as a competitive and reliable provider of contract manufacturing services”.

“Just as important as diversification is the immediate addition of production capacity for our current domestic and overseas markets. This modern 130,000 sq. ft. facility will provide a relief valve to current production of BLU-JET and Circle R Side Dump products in Thurston, allowing us to accept orders we would otherwise be forced to turn away,” Jensen continued.

Recent business activity at Simonsen Iron Works includes the production of attachments for the ATV and skid steer industries as well as various components for several area manufacturers. The business has two automated flat sheet lasers, five robotic welders, numerous manual welding stations, several press breaks, large stamping presses and shears plus tube bending, cutoff machinery and machining center capabilities. A state of the art conveyor-fed powder coat paint system followed by an efficient assembly and packaging line is also encompassed.

After former ownership was forced to lay off Simonsen employees last week, Thurston Manufacturing expedited the purchase process and 30 of the 32 staff members have now been rehired under the new ownership. This includes Operations Manager Aaron Schulz, who has been instrumental in maintaining employee and supplier relationships throughout this process. Ryan Jensen, Chief Operating Officer, Thurston co-owner and brother of Nick Jensen commented, “The employees of this facility take great pride in their work and their work place as evidenced by the excellent on-time shipping records, extremely low warranty experience and the overall spotless, physical appearance of the entire facility."

Jensen continued, “This is a very impressive factory, inside and out”.  Work as usual commenced under the new ownership at 6 a.m. Monday, May 20 Thurston Manufacturing Company, incorporated in 1971, designs, manufactures and markets Blu-Jet Fertilizer Injection and Tillage Equipment and Circle R Side Dump Semi-Trailers in Thurston, Nebraska.

The now 160 employee company has been operating at maximum capacity, running 3 shifts, 50 hours per week for over eight years. This strategic acquisition will help Thurston diversify into different industries and increase overall capacity.

Founded in 1906, Simonsen Iron Works is poised to expand into new opportunities for business growth.

Layton Jensen, CEO related: “Thurston Manufacturing Company is pleased to add this facility in Spencer, a community filled with skilled and vibrant workers, and we look forward to a long lasting relationship with the city and its people."

For further information about Thurston, visit www.Blu-Jet.com and www.CircleRSideDump.com.