Brian Gleason is the president and CEO of Des-Case Corporation, whose products extend the life of industrial lubricants by preventing contamination with desiccant breathers, removing contaminants with filtration systems, and detecting lubricant problems with visual oil analysis. Mr. Gleason oversees the day-to-day operations of the company and continues to build on strategic partnerships with global distribution networks, OEMs, and key business decision-makers. He sat with MPT to discuss the recent news of Des-Case Corporation’s new parent company.
MPT: Des-Case Corporation’s parent company was recently purchased by Industrial Growth Partners (IGP). How did this new partnership come about and what made Des-Case such a desirable investment?
Brian Gleason: In the ordinary course of ownership by Pfingsten, there was a decision to sell the holding company. We had the opportunity to speak with a number of very high quality potential partners. IGP emerged as a favorite because of the way they embraced the vision and the strategy of our organization. The markets we serve, the types of products that we manufacture and market, and our leadership position in key product segments, made us a very attractive investment. We are truly excited about the partnership.
Des-Case created the first desiccant breather, which replaces the standard dust cap or OEM breather cap on equipment, offering better filtration to protect against even the smallest particulates that destroy the effectiveness of your machinery, and cause downtime and costly repairs. As air is drawn into equipment through the breather, the layered desiccant filter elements remove particulate while the desiccant beads strip harmful moisture. While in service or during shut-down, the desiccant beads attract moisture from inside the equipment reservoir, actively drying the equipment.
MPT: What changes, if any, should Des-Case customers expect under this arrangement?
Brian Gleason: Our customers should expect a seamless transition to new ownership. Our customers can count us to strengthen our leadership position in the desiccant breather segment, increase our investments in R&D, and continue to expand our product portfolio both organically and through acquisition.
MPT: With IGP’s financial backing, what avenues for growth do you foresee for Des-Case and its products?
Brian Gleason: IGP specializes in working with management teams to accelerate the growth of mid-market manufacturers. Our partners will challenge us to accelerate our growth by looking at strategic acquisitions, investing in R&D, and continuing to find ways to increase awareness of the importance of equipment reliability and the key role that desiccant breathers and the proper storage, handling and filtration of industrial oils play in it.
MPT: What are some of the long-term goals IGP and Des-Case share moving forward?
Brian Gleason: We share a vision to increase the adoption rate of desiccant breathers by a factor of 5 in the next five to ten years. As we continue to build a market by increasing awareness of lubrication best practices, we want to be thought leaders and partners to the thousands of end users who trust their equipment to our products and services. When we do that well, we know the partnership will be a success. ◆
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MODERN PUMPING TODAY, September 2016
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