HPG Acquires Webb Company

Boston-based supplier HPG has acquired Eagan, Minnesota, supplier Webb Company (PPAI 143213, S8) in a deal finalized August 31. The acquisition expands HPG’s reach into the fast-growing personal care segment of the North American promotional products industry.

The move also establishes HPG’s second production site in the state of Minnesota (joining HPG’s Beacon Promotions subsidiary in New Ulm) and further strengthens HPG’s North American footprint with nine locations across the U.S. and Canada, and a planned expansion under way that will double the site’s production capacity when completed later this year. The Webb facility is slated to become HPG’s personal care center of excellence.

Established in 1986, family-owned Webb Company manufactures promotional products across multiple categories, including U.S.-made hand sanitizers, lip balms and mints.

Company founder and CEO Alan Webb will oversee the Eagan operation and President Dan Webb will remain in an expanded role as HPG vice president of business development. “After more than 30 years in the industry, it was important for me to find the right partner and ensure Webb Company is positioned for further growth—and 30 more years of success,” says Alan Webb. “Based on their impressive rise and track record of acquiring several other high-quality suppliers, such as Hub, Origaudio, Debco, BEST Promotions, Cooler Graphics, HandStands, BCG and our neighbors at Beacon Promotions, HPG was my first call, and I could not be more pleased with the outcome.”

Dan Webb, who is in his 17th year with the company, says, “Webb Company’s manufacturing expertise, combined with our fulfillment, drop shipping, and a wide variety of large-scale, quick turnaround decorating capabilities, has enabled us to make our distributors excel—even in the face of widespread hand sanitizer shortages. Now, I am excited to take our business to a whole new level by partnering with HPG.”

Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG, adds, “When evaluating potential acquisitions, we start with the question ‘How will this benefit our customer?’ In this case, the answers were clear and compelling. With Webb’s expertise in personal care—and specifically USA-made hand sanitizers—their addition to the HPG family provides our distributor partners with a wide array of high-quality personal care products, made in the heartland, and backed by the power and reach of HPG. By adding these key personal care categories to our already broad range of hard goods, we have made it even easier for our customers to do business with HPG.”

First published September 10, 2020 / Press Release