Knell Acquires Great Lakes Architectural Hardware Inc.

I am pleased to announce that effective November 29th, 2019, Great Lakes Architectural Hardware Inc. (Great Lakes) has been acquired by William Knell & Company Limited (Knell’s) of Kitchener.

This transaction brings together two companies focused on the non-residential openings industry, which positions us to become industry leaders in Southwestern Ontario.

The commercial door and hardware industry is increasingly complex and the coming together of our two companies will allow us to develop specialized industry knowledge and expanded product and service offerings to improve life safety and security of the built environment.

After this transaction, Knell’s will operate through 3 divisions and one subsidiary:

Knell’s Door and Hardware (division) and Great Lakes Architectural Hardware Inc. (subsidiary)

We provide a complete offering of products and services for Division 8, 10 and 28 to help you design, build and install a wide range of metal doors, frames, wood doors, commercial hardware, electronic access control systems, automatic entrance systems, video surveillance, washroom partitions, lockers and accessories.

Knell’s Industrial Supply (division)

Knell’s Industrial Supply division is a distributor of a wide range of quality industrial and safety products to service contractors and maintenance professionals. We maintain a large inventory of products abrasives, cutting tools, power tools, health and safety equipment, machinery and maintenance supplies.

G&A Lock and Security (division)

G&A Lock & Security is a leading locksmith provider and security integrator specializing in mechanical and electronic security solutions. Access Control, Intrusion Security, Video Surveillance, and Automatic Door Operators.

Great Lakes will continue to operate as usual from our location at Rankin Drive Waterloo under my leadership with the existing Great Lakes management team as integration plans are jointly developed.

Each of our two companies has unique cultures, markets and strengths, and by coming together we will become a significant force with a single focus - to improve the customer experience, to grow our company and the door and hardware industry in Southwestern Ontario.

As our integration plans become more clearly defined, we will reach out to you with updated information.

Please join us in celebrating this new chapter.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Michael Moore,

Vice President, Great Lakes Architectural Hardware Inc.