CRL purchases supply division of Vitrododi

C.R.Laurence Co., Los Angeles, acquired the supply division of the Italian Vitrododi International Co., effective June, 30, according to a June 25 release.

For three generations Vitrododi has been operating in the glass field supplying machines and tools. The Milan-based company serves several markets, predominantly across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The business was established in 1927 by the Dodi family for the traditional production of mirror paint. In the second post-war period, the company devoted itself to exporting Italian made machines and tools around the world. The company continued to grow its product range, starting in the '80s to develop and manufacture its own machinery, and amongst other notable events, became the exclusive European distributor for Toyo Glass Cutters from Japan - the famous “Supercutters,” “Pistol” and “Thomas” Grip Hand Cutters, and Glass Cutting Wheels for automatic machines – such as the innovative “Tap Wheel”, plus all of Toyo’s associated glass working and breaking tools.

The company developed into two distinct business units, Vitrododi Production and Vitrododi Supply. CRLhas acquired the supply division, along with the distribution rights to the entire Toyo product line. This will allow Vitrododi to focus on R&D and the manufacturing of its glass washers, which will become the core business of the company’s Production Division.

“We are proud to welcome the Vitrododi Supply business into the expanding CRL family; this move both underscores our commitment to developing the European, Middle East, and North African markets, and to ensure our customers have great choice and availability of proven and well respected products," said Lloyd Talbert, president, CRL, in the release. "We are particularly proud of the support shown by Toyo, Japan, for this arrangement following their recognition that we are determined to not only serve them well, but also develop the markets and opportunities for their range. In addition, we will continue to supply the Vitrododi portfolio of small glass processing machines and the associated lines that we feel compliment or enhance our product offer.”

Managing Director of CRL Europe, Simon Boocock said in the release: “We will retain the Vitrododi name; it is highly respected, well recognized, and closely associated with the distribution of Toyo products. With this acquisition CRL moves further into Europe and becomes a major force in the supply of glass cutting tools, cutting wheels, and related technologies through the exclusive master distribution agreement. Just as Vitrododi did before, CRL Vitrododi will supply wholesalers and distributors throughout the region, in addition to any existing end users. To ensure high levels of service, the business will be transferred to our new 75,000-square-foot (7,000 m2) sales and distribution facility near Manchester, U.K. and will be operating as normal within a few short days.”