ROM Corporation Acquires Fire Research Corporation

R·O·M Corporation (“R·O·M”) is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of Fire Research Corporation (“FRC”).  FRC will become a subsidiary of R·O·M and maintain its presence in Nesconset, NY.

FRC Founder Jack McLoughlin, along with his two other partners Toh Meng and Neocles Athanasiades will continue in their current roles at FRC. Mr. Meng will assume the role of President of R·O·M’s Electrical Component Division. The transaction allows both companies to share best practices and continue to develop market-leading products. All FRC operations, including sales, customer service, engineering and production will remain based in Nesconset, NY.

The acquisition continues R·O·M’s long-term strategic initiative of growth through acquisitions, new product introduction, geographic expansion, and strategic partnerships. Jeff Hupke, CEO of R·O·M, indicated that R·O·M will work with FRC’s management team to maintain continuous improvement of FRC’s already strong quality and on-time delivery while further expanding FRC’s customer relationships to provide a strong launch pad for future growth.

“The reputation of the FRC brand is unparalleled,” Hupke said. “With this acquisition, R·O·M becomes the largest supplier of emergency scene lighting, pressure governors and flow meters. When combined with R·O·M’s strengths in roll-up doors and safety grating, we continue proving true to our mission to improve firefighter safety and productivity.”

“For FRC customers, it’s business as usual,” McLoughlin said. “Same location, same processes, same contacts. We’re continuing our pursuit of innovation and great service.”

Mr. Hupke also noted that “outside sales coverage will also improve.” The R·O·M and FRC sales teams will work together to improve the already robust customer service department. Both companies have a decades-long history to improving worker and firefighter safety and productivity through innovative, high-quality products.

With a stated goal of increasing exposure for FRC’s products and enhancing product development for R·O·M, Mr. Hupke and Mr. McLoughlin envision no major changes in facility operations, as both companies prepare for continued growth to keep up with demand. R·O·M currently has 286 employees at its Belton, MO, East Stroudsburg, PA, and West Saint Paul, MN facilities. FRC currently has 112 employees at its location in Nesconset, NY.

No financial terms were disclosed as part of the announcement, which was made jointly by Mr. McLoughlin and Mr. Hupke.