Kamps, Inc., one of the nation’s leading pallet organizations, has announced the strategic acquisition of the operations of John Rock, Inc., a multi-entity organization headquartered in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Specializing in end-to-end value chain management of the pallet manufacturing process, the company, or “The Rock” for short, has industry-leading capabilities in lumber milling, logistics and new and recycled pallet manufacturing, noted Kamps.
The transaction marks Kamps’ 15th strategic acquisition since 2019 when Freeman Spogli & Co. took majority ownership of the company.
The Rock was founded in 1973 in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania by founder John Rock. In 1997, the organization was taken over by the current president, Bill MacCauley. Under MacCauley’s leadership, the organization has become a global manufacturer of new pallets and an industry leader in operations and automation, Kamps added. The organization’s new pallet manufacturing operations are housed in a state-of-the-art 300,000+ square foot facility and produce more than half a million new pallets per month. Rock’s vertically integrated supply chain and sawmill capabilities provide a unique support system for the organization, enabling a consistent supply of high-quality lumber and raw materials.
The Rock has more than 65 tractors and more than 200 trailers in its expansive fleet, enabling the organization to serve clients in nine states throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast coasts. All 300 employees of Rock, in five plants, plan to stay in Kamps. This includes the organization’s senior management team, led by President Bill MacCauley.
“I am very pleased to have Bill MacCauley and his company join our Kamps team,” said Kamps CEO Bernie Kamps. “I have known and respected Bill for 25 years. During that time, he built the best new pallet manufacturing facility in the country. Rock’s world-class business and team will enable Kamps to continue to serve our valuable customer base nationwide and enhance our reputation as the leading pallet company in North America.”
“Bill MacCauley has built an all-star team and a superb new pallet company,” said Kamps President Mitchell Kamps. “The depth and breadth of our comprehensive line of products and services has been significantly elevated to new heights with the addition of Rock. Rock’s ability to acquire new timber is second to none and will help support our existing facilities. Finally, our new pallet sales team will bring new growth opportunities for Bill and his team.”
“We are pleased to join the Kamps organization and expand our operations in the pallet, sawmill and logistics business,” said Rock President, Bill MacCauley. “The Kamps organization offers significant opportunities for our customers, suppliers and employees. I have known the Kamps family for over 25 years and am honored to join the Rock team in the most advanced pallet organization in the country.”
“This is a transformative opportunity for both organizations and creates a true industry leader that offers a differentiated and comprehensive suite of pallet solutions to their combined customer base,” added Jon Ralph, president and COO of Freeman Spogli.
Kamps’ acquisition of Rock’s business is expected to benefit both organizations’ customers and suppliers, Kamps explained. Rock’s value chain capabilities will provide vital support in all phases of Kamps’ existing operations in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions and in the broader geographic footprint. The combination of Rock’s new pallet manufacturing operations with Kamps’ pallet recycling capabilities creates a unique, full-service pallet solution. The addition of Rock increases Kamps’ national presence to 60 company-owned locations, supported by over 8,000 trailers and over 4,000 employees.