CDN Controls Encompasses 10 Branches, Boasts Over 700 Employees & Harnesses a Robust Fabrication Facility
The Hoffmann Family of Companies (HFOC), a US-based family owned private equity firm, has acquired majority ownership of CDN Controls (CDN)—a leading player in electrical and instrumentation maintenance, automation, communication and renewable/solar services. CDN operates across 10 branches, employs over 700 professionals and manages an expansive fabrication facility.
The Hoffmann Family of Companies is committed to providing CDN Controls with access to capital, new market opportunities and supporting their accelerated growth. The acquisition is aimed at fostering CDN’s autonomy, fortifying its business foundation and creating avenues for seizing new opportunities.
“Hoffmann Family’s decision to purchase CDN was rooted in the alignment of values, culture and business acumen,” said Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO of HFOC. “We see our role as a catalyst for CDN’s continued growth rather than an agent of change, preserving CDN’s strategic and daily operational autonomy.”
“When we started CDN in 2011, we wanted to create an industry dominator—and business fueled by performance and anchored by strong core values,” said Dean Fraser, CEO, and Nick Stewart, COO, both original founders of CDN. “An investment from the Hoffmann Family of Companies will allow our business to seize newer and bigger opportunities. On the horizon are significant opportunities to put our services to good use in the global energy transition—specifically massive improvements and innovations to global energy infrastructure. As the demand grows for large-scale players to undertake this work, the Hoffmann Family of Companies will help to position CDN in that space.”
In addition, CDN also announced today their intention to penetrate the US market. Those operations will occur under the name CAVIS (kay-vis) Energy Corp. Canadian operations will remain under the name CDN.
The CDN Executive Team will be comprised of Dean Fraser, serving as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Founder, Nick Stewart as Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Founder, David Gillett as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Susan Borrows as Chief People & Corporate Services Officer (CPCSO).
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jessica Carruth
Director, Communications & PR
[email protected]
About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
The Hoffmann Family of Companies (HF Companies), a multi-vertical family-owned company consisting of over 100 national brands, employs 9,000 global employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 250 locations around the world. The HF Companies’ verticals include Aviation, Agriculture, Financial Services, Hospitality, Business & Professional Services, Industrial, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing, Real Estate and Transportation. For more information, visit: www.hfcompanies.com.
About CDN Controls:
CDN is Western Canada’s leader in electrical and instrumentation maintenance, automation, communication, and renewable/solar services. United by a vision to become a globally recognized business celebrated for our tenacious full-service approach in relentless pursuit of industry dominance, CDN’s collective team of more than 700 employees and contractors are committed to the highest standards in performance, measurement, and safety — and, above all, pride in a job well done. With 10 branches, six formal Indigenous partnerships, and a history of building impactful relationships, CDN delivers systems that perform.
Besse is North America’s Premier Private Producer of Wood Products, Boasting 10 State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facilities
The Hoffmann Family of Companies (HFOC) announces its acquisition of Besse Forest Products Group (Besse), a longstanding family-run company with a rich history in the wood products manufacturing business.
This strategic move adds to HFOC’s portfolio, complementing their existing Ferche Millwork operations. With over 2 million square feet of production facilities and a workforce of more than 1,400 people, the combined strength of Besse and Ferche positions HFOC as a significant player in the wood products manufacturing industry.
Besse Forest Products Group operates a network of sawmills, wood drying facilities and veneer and plywood factories across northern Michigan and Wisconsin. It has been an integral part of the industry for over a century. The company, founded in 1966, has remained 100% family-owned, growing from a modest workforce to employing hundreds of individuals across the United States.
“We are excited to partner with Besse as they enter a new chapter under the Hoffmann Family of Companies umbrella,” said Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO of HFOC. “Our commitment to growth and excellence in manufacturing drives every decision we make. With the acquisition of Besse Forest Products Group, we’re not just expanding our footprint but building on a legacy that spans generations.”
Besse Forest Products Group, a leading manufacturer of high-quality Northern hardwood veneer, lumber and specialty plywood, has played a crucial role in supplying products for cabinets, doors, flooring, furniture, industrial pallets, millwork, musical instruments, railroad ties, sporting goods, wall panels, windows and other wood products used worldwide.
Greg Besse, CEO and Owner of Besse Forest Products Group, expressed confidence in the acquisition, stating, “The decision to join forces with the Hoffmann Family of Companies was based on their exceptional brand and reputation as a well-run family business. We believe this partnership will not only modernize our operations but also ensure that our legacy continues to thrive.”
The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its FSC® certification, aligning with the principles of environmentally sound, socially beneficial and economically prosperous forest management.
The acquisition further solidifies Besse Forest Products Group as one of North America’s largest privately-owned producers of hardwood veneer, lumber and specialty plywood. With ten manufacturing facilities operating in the United States, including four veneer mills, four sawmills, one lumber drying concentration yard and one cut-to-size plywood mill, the company stands as a pillar in the wood products industry. Greg Besse will continue in his role as CEO of the Besse Forest Products Group, overseeing the entire operation and ensuring the success of the organization.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jessica Carruth
Director, Communications & PR
[email protected]
About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
The Hoffmann Family of Companies (HF Companies), a multi-vertical family-owned company consisting of over 100 national brands, employs 9,000 global employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 250 locations around the world. The HF Companies’ verticals include Aviation, Agriculture, Financial Services, Hospitality, Business & Professional Services, Industrial, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing, Real Estate and Transportation. For more information, visit: www.hfcompanies.com.
Besse Forest Products Group:
Established in 1966, Besse Forest Products Group has remained steadfastly committed to its roots as a 100% family-owned enterprise. As a leading manufacturer, the company has garnered a distinguished reputation for producing high-quality Northern hardwood veneer, lumber and specialty plywood. The company’s diverse product portfolio caters to a wide range of industries, including cabinets, doors, flooring, furniture, industrial pallets, millwork, musical instruments, railroad ties, sporting goods, wall panels, windows and other wood products that are utilized globally. Learn more at www.bessegroup.com.
About Ferche Millwork:
Since 1958, Ferche Millwork has been internationally recognized for providing high quality standard mouldings & veneered millwork and the leader in hardwood mouldings in North America. Headquartered in Rice, MN, Ferche Millwork produces over 13,000 products per year and continues to grow through innovation, passion and dedication. Learn more at www.ferche.com.
50-Year-Old Company Encompasses Footprint of 57 Dealer Locations
In a significant move underscoring Hoffmann Family of Companies’ (HFOC) commitment to manufacturing and continued growth, the organization has successfully acquired Doonan Specialized Trailer, LLC (Doonan)—a renowned custom semi-trailer manufacturer based in Great Bend, Kansas.
With a distinguished history spanning five decades, Doonan has become synonymous with excellence in designing and producing specialized trailers tailored to the unique requirements of owner-operators.
Doonan has established a robust network of over 57 dealer locations across North America, making it a key player in the transportation industry. The company’s focus on delivering high-quality, custom-designed products with features and options unmatched by high-volume manufacturers sets it apart in the market.
“As we continue to grow our network, our venture with Doonan is an affirmation of our belief in the future of American Manufacturing,” said Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO at Hoffmann Family of Companies. “Doonan is a great fit for the Hoffmann Family of Companies, and we have tremendous confidence in the proven management team and the positive culture fostered throughout the company. We are excited for our future success as the team continues to operate and expand the business.”
Mike Ruddle, Vice President of Operations at Doonan, and Kelly Zecha, National Dealer Manager / Application Specialist, will both continue to play pivotal roles post-close, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in serving customers with excellence.
“We are thrilled to be joining the Hoffmann Family of Companies to expand on the success of Doonan built over the past 50 years,” said Mike Ruddle, VP of Operations at Doonan Specialized Trailer.
The Doonan acquisition expands HFOC’s presence in the transportation sector, building on the 2021 purchase of Texas Bragg Trailers, based in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Established in 1977, Texas Bragg Trailers offers a selection of trailers through their expansive dealer network in 21 states.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jessica Carruth
Director, Communications & PR
[email protected]
About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
The Hoffmann Family of Companies (HF Companies), a multi-vertical family-owned company consisting of over 100 national brands, employs 9,000 global employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 250 locations around the world. The HF Companies’ verticals include Aviation, Agriculture, Financial Services, Hospitality, Business & Professional Services, Industrial, Marine, Media & Marketing, Real Estate, and Transportation. For more information, visit: www.hfcompanies.com.
About Doonan Specialized Trailer:
Established in 1973, Doonan Specialized Trailer has been at the forefront of designing and building specialized trailers, including custom flatbeds, drop decks, double drops, oilfield trailers, extendibles and RGN lowbeds. The company’s commitment to delivering “Best in Class” solutions through its extensive Dealer Network further emphasizes its dedication to meeting the specialized needs of owner operators. Learn more at www.doonan.com.