Growth isn’t a new concept at The Macomb Group. From improving our internal systems to adding resources to expanding our footprint, we’re continually focused on finding new ways to be the best PVF supplier for our customers. We’re excited to announce that this commitment to growth has led us to our most recent acquisition: West Penn Supply, a family-owned pipe, valve, and fitting supplier in Pittsburgh, Penn.

A great fit
“West Penn has been around 50+ years in the industry, and they were looking for an opportunity to grow,” says Bill McGivern, owner and president of The Macomb Group. “They are in the very same industry we are — they’re a true, traditional PVF supplier, and they fit perfectly into our profile.”

West Penn Vice President Scott Geiger says, “We have a good mix of experience and youth, with knowledge of the Pittsburgh market. West Penn Supply sees The Macomb group as a company with a good reputation and a wealth of resources to assist in our penetration of the market.”

In fact, Dennis Roberts, General Manager of NorthEast Operations at The Macomb Group, notes that West Penn is such a good fit that the transition is happening quickly. “The staff at West Penn are all highly knowledgeable, and their skillsets work really well with the diverse products we offer,” Dennis says. “So everyone at West Penn will stay in place. We’ll transfer them over to Macomb’s systems within 60 days so that they have the advantage of the integrated technology solutions that our other locations enjoy.”

Unbeatable benefits to local customers

The West Penn acquisition offers an opportunity to improve and expand relationships with clients in that region. Bill says, “We’re hoping to spread our wings not only in the Pittsburgh market in particular, but also in the specific kind of business we’re coveting: the oil and fracking business.”

Pittsburgh sits right in the middle of two active areas in the oil industry: the Utica Shale and the Marcellus Shale. Scott notes that the oil industry has been a large driver of growth in the West Penn market, especially in Western Pennsylvania. “With the Marcellus shale boom, we have seen a major spike in competition in the area. Customers are looking for outstanding service coupled with competitive pricing. Smaller companies such as ours have found it beneficial to form relationships with companies like the Macomb Group in order to expand our offerings and continue competing in the market.”

Macomb has also been feeling the increased demand in the Pennsylvania market, which Dennis says made it imperative for Macomb to extend its reach. However, he says, “Rather than start from scratch, we looked to an existing supplier to partner with, a company that had a robust, solid team in place to execute Macomb’s commitment to superior customer service. West Penn Supply has a seasoned, knowledgeable, service-minded staff. And now they have Macomb’s resources to enhance their operations.

“Together,” says Dennis, “we can take both customer bases to new levels through expanded inventory depth and breadth, more trucks and same-day deliveries, and even more competitive pricing.”

Substantial growth potential

Of course, the perks aren’t just for the locals — The Macomb Group is looking forward to realizing the benefits of a Pittsburgh branch, too. Having a local hub will greatly reduce wear and tear on vehicles and make transportation, delivery, and client relations much more efficient. Plus, there are high expectations for growth.

“We are confident that what was a very small branch will increase annual revenue in the next 3-5 years by as much as 25-30 times,” Bill says.

Scott has confidence in his team’s ability to deliver what that market demands. “I see West Penn — as the Pittsburgh Branch of The Macomb Group — being a very competitive player in not only the Pittsburgh market, but Western and Central Pennsylvania and West Virginia. We will offer our customers and our target customers a service mentality with competitive pricing, backed by a reputable company. I see us adding team members, perfecting our inventory, and catering our operations to the needs of a demanding region.”

The momentum is already building, says Dennis. “We’ve been experiencing terrific success in the oil and gas market in Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas, and demand is growing because we already deliver great service to those customers. We have great systems, great logistics — and now, we have a local location with great, service-minded people.” That’s what makes the West Penn acquisition such a positive move for customers and employees alike!

Want to know more about the acquisition? Contact Scott at [email protected] or (412) 221-8300, or Dennis at [email protected] or (330) 379-9006.