By Talk Business & Politics staff | May 30, 2024
Conway-based manufacturer Uniforce has been acquired by Manufacturing Corporation of America (MCA), the two companies announced Thursday (May 30).
Uniforce produces custom thermoformed plastics for the recreational vehicle sector. MCA is an investor-owned, industrial-focused business specializing in American manufacturing. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded and managed by Ken Burks for nearly three decades, Uniforce had been looking for new ownership as Burks was set to retire. Greg White, MCA president of manufacturing operations, will lead the company. Kenny Burks, son of Ken Burks, will remain plant manager.
“We finalized the decision to purchase Uniforce after meeting Ken, learning the history behind this legacy company, and understanding the current and future business opportunities available,” said White. “Uniforce is a fully integrated business, from concept to custom product manufacturing, and known for delivering exceptionally high-quality products. They are already supplying some of the largest vehicle manufacturers worldwide, and we are committed to building on their success.”
“Once I recognized my declining health would diminish Uniforce’s future, I began searching for an experienced manufacturing team that would continue to produce quality products in Conway, Arkansas, for our impressive customer base while retaining all of our long-term employees,” Burks said.
“Other interested parties wanted to relocate the company to other regions of the country, which would not benefit our great customers or outstanding employee team. MCA came in with a plan to invest in the company and make it even more successful. They saw the growth potential and the value of what we built,” he added.
Aside from new ownership, everything else at Uniforce will remain the same, including the number of employees, pay rates, vacation allotments, and work schedules.
According to a press release, the five-year goal is to transition Uniforce to an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), ensuring that each individual in the organization becomes an owner and has a stake in the company’s success.
