Drexel Building Supply, Blenker Building Systems join forces
Two forward-thinking Wisconsin companies have struck a deal while embracing off-site construction.
Drexel Building Supply is acquiring Blenker Building Systems from Blenker Companies, based in Amherst, Wis.
Under terms of the deal, Blenker Building Systems is now Drexel Systems, which will be combined with Drexel’s former Truss Systems in Little Chute, Wis. Blenker Companies will continue to own and operate its construction division, Blenker Construction, Inc.
The agreement is expected to be completed by April 30.
In a video announcing the deal, Drexel Building Supply President Joel Fleischman and Blenker President Jason Blenker said the deal grew after discussing off-site construction over a cup of coffee.
“I’m always up to finding out what someone’s got up their sleeve,” Blenker says. “It made a lot of sense that we continue the conversation and build something great.”
Blenker will remain with the operation and lead the new Drexel Systems while Fleischman will continue as president of Drexel Building Supply along with Drexel Systems. Blenker Building Systems employees will become Drexel employees following the completion of the deal.
“This is not to compete with the local builder, small or large, but to help them,” Blenker said. “Shortage of skilled labor is such a huge part of our building economy now. Offsite construction doesn’t solve everything but it’s a huge step in that direction. It’s exciting to provide another solution for our builders.”
Drexel Systems said that it plans to offer solutions to take a home from footing to roof, along with windows installed, in 4 days rather than 15 days through traditional methods.
“Our companies were both chasing the same goal. It made sense to join forces and create a super company with a shared vision. It is best for the builder if we work together rather than compete,” Blenker added.
The new Drexel division also said that the process can be much more efficient in a factory setting, featuring a controlled environment with minimal waste.
“For Drexel Building Supply it is taking our framing and lumber packages far ahead of our competition,” Fleischman explained. “It won’t be for every builder, and that’s awesome, nothing we do changes, but if they want to be part of offsite construction, they now can do it with us.”
Drexel Building Supply recently announced that it will expand with the addition of its ninth overall location in New Berlin, Wis. The finished product will include a 25,000 square-foot office and showroom along with multiple buildings totaling 128,000 square feet.
Regarding Drexel’s latest move, Fleischman said, “The future is very exciting for this segment of our company from design to build. It is a whole new world we are creating for our clients. Supplying more happiness is our mission.”
Drexel Building Supply, with the mission statement to "Supply Happiness," was the 2018 ProDealer of the Year.
Drexel Building Supply is acquiring Blenker Building Systems from Blenker Companies, based in Amherst, Wis.
Under terms of the deal, Blenker Building Systems is now Drexel Systems, which will be combined with Drexel’s former Truss Systems in Little Chute, Wis. Blenker Companies will continue to own and operate its construction division, Blenker Construction, Inc.
The agreement is expected to be completed by April 30.
In a video announcing the deal, Drexel Building Supply President Joel Fleischman and Blenker President Jason Blenker said the deal grew after discussing off-site construction over a cup of coffee.
“I’m always up to finding out what someone’s got up their sleeve,” Blenker says. “It made a lot of sense that we continue the conversation and build something great.”
Blenker will remain with the operation and lead the new Drexel Systems while Fleischman will continue as president of Drexel Building Supply along with Drexel Systems. Blenker Building Systems employees will become Drexel employees following the completion of the deal.“This is not to compete with the local builder, small or large, but to help them,” Blenker said. “Shortage of skilled labor is such a huge part of our building economy now. Offsite construction doesn’t solve everything but it’s a huge step in that direction. It’s exciting to provide another solution for our builders.”
Drexel Systems said that it plans to offer solutions to take a home from footing to roof, along with windows installed, in 4 days rather than 15 days through traditional methods.
“Our companies were both chasing the same goal. It made sense to join forces and create a super company with a shared vision. It is best for the builder if we work together rather than compete,” Blenker added.
The new Drexel division also said that the process can be much more efficient in a factory setting, featuring a controlled environment with minimal waste.
“For Drexel Building Supply it is taking our framing and lumber packages far ahead of our competition,” Fleischman explained. “It won’t be for every builder, and that’s awesome, nothing we do changes, but if they want to be part of offsite construction, they now can do it with us.”
Drexel Building Supply recently announced that it will expand with the addition of its ninth overall location in New Berlin, Wis. The finished product will include a 25,000 square-foot office and showroom along with multiple buildings totaling 128,000 square feet.
Regarding Drexel’s latest move, Fleischman said, “The future is very exciting for this segment of our company from design to build. It is a whole new world we are creating for our clients. Supplying more happiness is our mission.”
Drexel Building Supply, with the mission statement to "Supply Happiness," was the 2018 ProDealer of the Year.