Why Growing Through M&A is the New Normal in Manufacturing
In the modern manufacturing industry, growth through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) has shifted from a strategic option to a leading pathway for expansion. With the increasing market complexity, labor shortages and rapid technological advancements, M&A has become essential for companies that want to stay competitive and thrive. For many, it’s a faster, more efficient way to reach their goals compared to the often slower and riskier route of organic growth.
The Changing Landscape: More Companies Ready to Sell
One of the largest shifts we’ve seen in manufacturing over the last few years is the sheer number of acquisition-ready businesses now available. Many of today’s manufacturing companies are led by owners from the Baby Boomer generation who are ready to exit but lack successors. This creates a “buyer’s market” in the sector, where manufacturers can strategically acquire companies to enhance capabilities, expand geographically or secure skilled talent — advantages that were far more challenging to achieve a decade ago.
The limited pool of individual buyers interested in owning and operating manufacturing businesses further increases acquisition opportunities for companies actively seeking growth.
The Manufacturing Segments Leading M&A Activity
While M&A activity is rising across the board, certain sectors are leading the charge. Industries like plastic injection molding and metal fabrication are prime targets. These sectors have a high number of small to mid-sized businesses, many of which are family owned and without a clear succession plan. For buyers, this presents a unique opportunity to acquire well-run companies with strong foundations.
Automation is another hot area for M&A but for a different reason. Building automation capabilities from scratch is tough and requires specialized expertise. Instead of trying to recruit and develop that talent internally, companies are finding it easier to acquire automation businesses that are already equipped with skilled teams and technical know-how. This approach isn’t just faster; it’s often more cost-effective, providing instant access to capabilities that would otherwise take years to develop.
Why Companies Opt for M&A over Organic Growth
The motivations behind manufacturing M&A vary but they often come down to three key areas: capacity, geographic reach and technology. Each of these factors addresses a need that organic growth can’t meet as quickly or efficiently.
For example, a manufacturer looking to serve customers in a new region can benefit from acquiring a local company rather than building a facility from the ground up. Not only does this save on setup time but it also provides immediate access to the local workforce and customer base. Similarly, companies looking to enhance their technology can bypass the R&D phase by acquiring a business that’s already at the forefront of innovation.
There’s also the challenge of today’s labor market. Skilled labor is in short supply and, even though more people are re-entering the workforce, finding the right talent remains difficult. Acquisitions provide an advantage here, too. When you buy a company, you’re acquiring not just its equipment or customer relationships but also its team — a team that’s already trained, experienced and ready to contribute.
M&A Offers a Faster Path to Scale
One of the main advantages of M&A is speed. Growing your business by 10-20 percent organically could take years but, with the right acquisition, that same growth can be achieved in a matter of months. For manufacturing companies, where timing and efficiency are essential, this difference is substantial. You’re not just expanding capacity — you’re gaining the ability to hit the ground running with minimal lag.
Of course, doubling the size of your business through acquisition brings its own set of challenges. Large integrations take time, and the process needs to be handled carefully to ensure that the merged entity functions smoothly. But, when you’re targeting an acquisition that adds 10-20 percent in volume, the integration can often be done quickly, providing a significant boost to your top line and capabilities in a short timeframe.
Advice for Manufacturing Owners Exploring M&A
As the economy remains stagnant or even declines, the companies that lean into M&A will be the ones that continue to grow and adapt. M&A allows businesses to achieve growth that isn’t feasible through organic means in a low-growth environment. And, as the talent pool for traditional business ownership shrinks, it’s becoming even more difficult for owners looking to exit to sell to individual buyers. This dynamic creates more opportunities for strategic acquisitions by companies that are ready to grow.
Whether it’s gaining access to a new market, acquiring technical expertise or scaling up quickly, M&A offers manufacturers a powerful tool for navigating today’s challenges and positioning for tomorrow’s opportunities.
About the Author
Randy Rua is president of NuVescor, a leading provider of mergers and acquisitions services for manufacturers. He can be reached at rrua@nuvescor.com.
NuVescor is an MMA Premium Associate Member and has been an MMA member company since May 2024. Visit online: nuvescor.com.