ClarkDietrich Building Systems Announces Acquisition of Strait-Flex, Creating an Industry Leader in Interior Finishing Solutions
With Acquisition, ClarkDietrich Becomes Manufacturer of the Widest Array of Interior Finishing Products
Feb. 1st, 2017 - West Chester, Ohio – ClarkDietrich Building Systems, the construction industry’s largest manufacturer of cold-formed steel framing products, today announced its acquisition of Strait-Flex International, a leading provider of finishing solutions for interior drywall applications. The addition of the Strait-Flex line of tapes, trim, tools and patches to ClarkDietrich’s already extensive portfolio of products and accessories, provides contractors with the most complete product line in the industry.
For more than 20 years, the primary focus of Strait-Flex has been to help identify construction problems and provide innovative product solutions. This approach has led to product innovations such as X-Crack which eliminates ceiling cracks, stick cornerbeads that require no fasteners, Mud-Pro compound applicators that require no daily clean-up, and durable patches that quickly correct miss-cut and damaged drywall. These game-changing products will join ClarkDietrich’s existing line of contractor-friendly finishing solutions that includes vinyl, paper-faced and metal drywall finishing products.
“Strait-Flex is the perfect complement to our existing product lines and gives us the ability to provide a solution for nearly every finishing application a contractor may encounter,” said Bill Courtney, President and CEO of ClarkDietrich Building Systems. “ClarkDietrich is uniquely positioned as the largest manufacturer of steel framing products, with the widest range of interior finishing solutions.”
Beginning immediately, ClarkDietrich and Strait-Flex will execute the planned integration of the two companies’ products, customers and employees to ensure a smooth transition that will deliver immediate value for customers, partners and stakeholders. John S. Conboy, founder of Strait-Flex, who has 21 years of experience as a professional homebuilder and 20 years as chief innovations officer of Strait-Flex, will serve in a R&D consulting capacity with ClarkDietrich.
“It was important for me to align Strait-Flex with a company that has high ethics and similar core values. I found that with ClarkDietrich Building Systems,” said Conboy. “This is the best way to address the growing demands for high-performing drywall products for contractors and the DIY market worldwide. ClarkDietrich has the resources, talent, and distribution to supply our customers in a time-sensitive environment. I feel very confident that this acquisition is for the good of all.”
About ClarkDietrich™ Building Systems
ClarkDietrich™ Building Systems is the leading manufacturer of a full line of drywall studs and accessories, structural studs and joists, metal lath and accessories, shaft wall studs and track, interior finishing products, and connectors and accessories for commercial and residential construction. Quality manufacturing, a full-line offering, national distribution, engineering services and responsive customer service position ClarkDietrich Building Systems as the largest manufacturer of light gauge steel framing in North America. Clarkwestern Dietrich Building Systems is a 75/25 joint venture with Marubeni-Itochu Steel America Inc. (MISA) and Worthington Industries, Inc.