Duke Manufacturing Co Acquires Counter Craft

St. Louis (June 11, 2014) – Duke Manufacturing, a leading foodservice equipment company, today announced it would purchase privately owned Counter Craft, a Houston-based Custom Serving and Counter Design and Manufacturing Company.

Counter Craft will continue to operate out of its Houston, Texas location and will remain decentralized. "We have had a 3 year Joint Venture with Counter Craft and are very confident in their exceptional management team and the unique value proposition they bring to the market place," said Dave Marvel, President of Duke Manufacturing. "We believe this acquisition will leverage the strengths of both companies and create even greater traction and increased customer value."

As a result, Lloyd Hartsfield will remain as President of Counter Craft, which will maintain the way it goes to market, including its use of independent manufacturers' reps and in house installation. "Lloyd and his team at Counter Craft have developed a unique position and trusted relationship with consultants and end users across the country. Their high level of service, product innovation and attention to detail has made them the envy of the market," says Marvel. "Our plan is for Lloyd and his team to continue to grow their best in class operations while at the same time creating a sharing and learning environment for the two companies continued growth.

"Duke and Counter Craft have enjoyed great success in expanding our market position during our joint venture," says Hartsfield. "The acquisition of Counter Craft puts the two companies in the fortunate position of having the most novel and complete line of products in the Serving and Counter market."

"We have grown Duke's business over the years through strategic investment to become the most trusted solutions partner in the foodservice industry," says Jack Hake, CEO. "The purchase of Counter Craft provides us the distinct opportunity to leverage our market leading Serving and Counter business with the most innovative custom design and manufacturer in the country."

About Duke Manufacturing
Duke Manufacturing is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of equipment and software solutions for the food-service industry, including major restaurant chains and dining facilities for schools and other institutions. Founded in 1925, the company is based in St. Louis, Mo., with two U.S. manufacturing facilities and distribution and service centers in Europe, Latin America and Asia. A recipient of the 2009 Energy Champion Award from the U.S. Department of Energy, the company's research and development is focused on creating cost-saving and eco-friendly technologies that save resources while delivering the highest quality food for the ultimate consumer.