Plastics Extrusion Machinery LLC, which makes downstream extrusion equipment for PVC pipe and custom profiles, has acquired technology from BellTech Machinery, a downstream equipment maker in Costa Rica.

PEM, based in McPherson, Kan., said BellTech, of San José, Costa Rica, has refocused on an existing non-downstream business segment. That change in focus initiated the process of looking for a provider that could consistently support their customers and service existing equipment in the field. BellTech pursued the opportunity with PEM. Jwell Extrusion Machinery

For Plastics Extrusion Machinery, the technology pickup adds oriented PVC pipe (PVC-O) to its product line. PVC-O maintains exceptional and consistent orientation of PVC pipe, company officials said. The deal also brings PEM into international markets.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Plastics Extrusion Machinery makes pipe pullers, belt pullers, belling machines, saws, hydrostatic testers and other equipment.

"This is an exciting time for PEM and its customers," CEO Nathan Spearman said. "We have been undergoing many innovative improvements, including the integrations of recently acquired Advance Equipment Co. and BellTech's business technology. This positions PEM to provide quality, state-of-the-art downstream equipment which utilizes the best technologies and resources from around the world, which offering the same PEM quality — built right here in the heart of America."

In May, PEM acquired Advance Equipment Co. LLC, a downstream equipment manufacturer in Tumwater, Wash. That operation focuses on small-diameter downstream equipment as a division of PEM.

Spearman bought Plastics Extrusion Machinery in December 2017 from the Hal Wright, who founded the company in 1978.

Spearman was chief financial officer of cross-linked polyethylene pipe maker Vanguard Piping Systems Inc. in McPherson from 2000 to 2005, and he remained as CFO after Viega Inc. bought Vanguard 2005. In 2016 he moved to become CFO of Alltite Inc., a maker of torque wrenches and calibration equipment. Then he bought Plastics Extrusion Machinery.

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