One of the largest American distributors, Winsupply Inc., has purchased Thomas Pipe & Supply, a Phoenix, Arizona distributor of industrial pipe, valves and fittings.
“Thomas Pipe & Supply is the number one wholesale distributor of industrial pipe, valves and fittings in Arizona …,” said Roland Gordon, president and CEO, Winsupply Inc. “The company offers pipe fabrication and has enjoyed consistently strong performance through innovation, product line expansion, industry-leading customer service and a superior operating model. Thomas Pipe gives us a strong PVF presence in the Valley of the Sun and beyond to surrounding states.”
In selecting Winsupply as its buyer, Thomas Pipe President Don Helmlinger Jr., said, “Winsupply’s entire acquisition team created a comfort level for us, which allowed both companies to communicate in a positive atmosphere. At that point, my staff and I realized we had found the perfect fit.”
Helmlinger, who co-owned Thomas Pipe & Supply with investment group GenCap America, of Nashville, Tenn., will continue as president as well as invest equity in Thomas Pipe & Supply with Winsupply. In the Winsupply co-ownership business model, Winsupply Inc. has majority equity in each of its locations, while the local company presidents and sometimes employees own substantial equity.