H.I.G. Capital Targets Manufacturing Revival Through Strategic Industrial Acquisitions
Industrial manufacturing has become a cornerstone of H.I.G. Capital’s investment strategy, with the private equity firm completing multiple acquisitions targeting companies positioned to benefit from reshoring trends and automation advances. The approach reflects growing investor confidence in North American manufacturing capabilities and supply chain localization.
H.I.G.’s acquisition of German machine tool manufacturer HELLER Group demonstrates the firm’s commitment to precision manufacturing investments. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nürtingen, HELLER operates five production facilities across multiple continents while serving aerospace, energy, defense, and automotive sectors through advanced CNC machining systems.
“HELLER is a global technological leader,” said Christian Kraul-von Renner, Managing Director at H.I.G. “We are impressed by its engineering excellence, the exceptional skills of its workforce, and the outstanding capabilities of its management team.”
The HELLER acquisition represents H.I.G.’s bet on companies with deep technical expertise and established customer relationships across critical industries. HELLER’s 130-year legacy and 2,600-person workforce provide a foundation for expansion into new markets and applications.
Food Manufacturing Platform Expansion
Food production has emerged as another growth sector for H.I.G.’s industrial investment thesis. The firm’s portfolio company Patriot Pickle completed construction of a new production facility in Garland, Texas, more than tripling the company’s manufacturing capacity for refrigerated pickles and fermented foods.
Patriot Pickle, acquired by H.I.G. from Swander Pace Capital in January, operates an 86,000-square-foot facility in Wayne, New Jersey, alongside the new Texas location. The company serves thousands of distributors, restaurant chains, supermarkets, and delis nationwide with products ranging from classic kosher dill to specialty varieties.
“The opening of a new production facility in Garland is a major step forward for Patriot Pickle,” said Bill McEntee, founder of Patriot Pickle, and Adam Ricci, the company’s chief executive officer. “Our ability to open this facility is a testament to the strength of our Company’s product, the support we’ve received from our loyal customers, and the partnership we’ve built with H.I.G.”
The Texas facility enables Patriot to deliver fresh products within five days across the United States while creating an estimated 75 jobs in the Garland community. The expansion reflects H.I.G.’s operational approach to manufacturing investments, combining capacity increases with geographic diversification.
Energy Services and Infrastructure
Mobile fuel delivery represents another industrial sector where H.I.G. has deployed capital. The firm completed the acquisition of 4Refuel, a Canadian mobile on-site refueling provider, for up to CAD 400 million from Finning International. Founded in 1995, 4Refuel delivers approximately one billion liters of fuel annually through specialized vehicles serving construction, transportation, and infrastructure sectors.
“4Refuel is a scaled, differentiated, technology-enabled platform operating in a mission-critical segment of the energy value chain,” said Matt Kever, Managing Director at H.I.G. “We are excited to partner with Larry and the 4Refuel team to accelerate growth through organic initiatives and acquisitions.”
The mobile refueling model addresses efficiency demands across industries requiring on-site fuel delivery for equipment and fleet operations. 4Refuel’s network spans 27 locations across Canada and Texas, serving over 3,000 customers with direct-to-equipment refueling services.
Larry Rodo, CEO of 4Refuel, emphasized the partnership’s growth potential: “H.I.G. brings deep sector expertise and a proven playbook for value creation. We’re excited to continue our mission of delivering best-in-class refueling services while pursuing new opportunities to serve customers across Canada and the U.S.”
H.I.G. Capital’s Manufacturing Investment Approach
The firm’s manufacturing strategy emphasizes companies with defensible market positions, technical expertise, and expansion opportunities. HELLER Group’s global presence across Europe, Asia, and the Americas provides a platform for capturing growth in precision machining markets while serving diverse industrial end markets.
HELLER’s product portfolio includes advanced 4-axis and 5-axis machining centers, milling-turning systems, and process machines enhanced by digitalization and automation solutions. The company’s technology addresses manufacturing trends toward higher precision, productivity, and flexibility across aerospace, automotive, and energy applications.
“HELLER is positioned for a bright future, and unlocking the Company’s full potential requires realignment,” said Dr. Thorsten Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer of HELLER. “Our objective is to strengthen and expand our status as a market-leading innovator which will enable us to serve new industries and attract a broader customer base.”
The partnership structure preserves HELLER’s identity as a family business while providing capital and expertise for growth initiatives. Nicole Pfleiderer and Marc Heller, representing the fourth generation of the founding family, will retain ownership alongside H.I.G.’s investment.
Technology Integration in Traditional Manufacturing
H.I.G.’s industrial investments increasingly target companies integrating technology into traditional manufacturing processes. HELLER’s digitalization capabilities include automation solutions and data analytics for production optimization, reflecting broader industry trends toward smart manufacturing.
Patriot Pickle’s operations similarly emphasize technology integration through automated production lines and quality control systems at both New Jersey and Texas facilities. The company maintains SQF Level 2 and HAACP certifications while implementing sustainability practices throughout manufacturing processes.
The firm’s approach to industrial modernization extends beyond equipment upgrades to include workforce development, process optimization, and market expansion initiatives. H.I.G. works with portfolio companies to identify operational improvements and investment opportunities that enhance competitiveness.
Market Trends and Investment Outlook
Manufacturing reshoring trends have created opportunities for companies with North American production capabilities and supply chain advantages. H.I.G.’s investments in companies like Patriot Pickle and 4Refuel position the firm to benefit from increased domestic manufacturing activity and regional supply chain preferences.
“Patriot Pickle has been a tremendous partner and we’re proud to have worked closely with them on this opportunity,” said Justin Reyna, managing director at H.I.G. Capital. “The Company has experienced growth since it was founded two decades ago and is now poised for major expansion with the opening of this new, state-of-the-art facility.”
Energy transition investments represent another growth area where H.I.G. sees opportunities in industrial services and infrastructure. The firm’s infrastructure arm invested in Fluo Group, a Finnish circular economy provider operating waste management and recycling facilities that convert recovered materials into high-quality products.
Manufacturing automation and precision engineering continue attracting H.I.G.’s investment focus. The firm’s global presence enables identification of companies with advanced manufacturing capabilities and export potential across diverse end markets.
Industry analysts note H.I.G.’s emphasis on companies with established market positions and growth potential through operational improvements. The firm’s track record includes successful exits from manufacturing investments across economic cycles, demonstrating its ability to create value through hands-on operational involvement and market expansion initiatives.
Current manufacturing portfolio companies benefit from H.I.G.’s global network and sector expertise while maintaining operational independence under experienced management teams. The approach has generated returns through capacity expansion, market development, and strategic acquisitions that strengthen competitive positions in target industries.