Multi-category pool/spa product maker Custom Molded Products has purchased Bobe Water & Fire.
Bobe's lines of fire features, scuppers, water/fire pots, spillways and other metal fabricated features will add to CMP's existing line of waterfeatures and LED lighting to expand its ornamental offerings.
CMP expects both operations to benefit from each others' strengths. "They know more about the science and engineering associated with fire and water features than anyone else in our industry," said Bill Drury, CEO and president of CMP, based in Newnam, Ga. "They have a great product line, but equally important, they have great ideas for future products. We can help by providing resources to get these ideas developed and delivered to market quickly and consistently."
Bobe founders Kris Kesler and Julie Crone, who are brother and sister, will remain with the company, which will continue to operate out of its Phoenix facility.
This purchase of Phoenix-based Bobe makes the fourth acquisition for CMP in a year. The streak began in September, 2017 when CMP entered the ozone/UV sanitizer market with the purchase of Del Ozone, a manufacturer in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Last spring it entered the salt chlorinator business by acquiring Saline Generating Systems (SGS) based in Tempe, Ariz. In July, CMP announced the purchase of Aqua Sun Ozone, another sanitation producer, this one headquartered in Palm Springs, Calif.