Scaffold Giant Safway Group Acquires Coating and Fireproofing Companies

Oct. 3, 2012
Safway Group, one of the world’s leading scaffolding rental companies, has acquired North American Coatings and its group of companies including CL Coatings, Industrial Coatings & Fireproofing and SEI Coatings.

Safway Group, one of the world’s leading scaffolding rental companies, has acquired North American Coatings and its group of companies including CL Coatings, Industrial Coatings & Fireproofing and SEI Coatings. NAC specializes in the application of high-performance coatings in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, power, refining, marine, manufacturing, transportation and commercial construction industries. The acquisition strengthens Safway’s position as a multi-service industrial services provider offering scaffolding, insulation and painting.

“Acquiring an outstanding national industrial painting and coatings company such as NAC and its family of companies is part of our overall multi-service strategy,” said Bill Hayes, Safway Group president and CEO. “Many of our customers would prefer to work with companies that offer scaffolding, insulation and painting, rather than contract separately for these services. With the NAC family of companies, Safway adds unmatched depth, experience and expertise in painting, coating and fireproofing, to its insulation services and access solutions. We believe this will provide our customers with increased efficiency, savings and a higher degree of performance.

“By bringing our solid, high-performing brands together, we can deliver superior value in multiple service areas across the markets we serve. We’re looking forward to working with Mike Chakos, president of NAC, and his experienced group, as key members of our team.”

NAC president Chakos said NAC’s philosophy of respect, safety and quality, “has been cultivated over several generations and countless successful projects for some of the largest Fortune 500 companies. We have provided service on large capital projects and implemented long-term maintenance coatings programs that resulted in substantial benefits for our customers.” Chakos added that NAC has won numerous safety awards from clients.

The NAC companies will continue to operate independently as the painting, coatings and fireproofing subsidiary of the Safway Group.

“Safway Services LLC has worked with CL and ICL as a supplier and as a partner for the past six years on numerous projects,” added Hayes. “Our teams have successfully worked together in many areas. The working relationship between our companies is excellent.”

Based in Waukesha, Wis., Safway Services is No. 15 on the RER 100.