Marlin Steel Wire Products acquires Franklin Display Group

Marlin Steel Wire Products has acquired Franklin Display Group, a Belvidere, Illinois maker of display racks founded in 1978. The deal expands Marlin’s manufacturing capabilities, adds 100 employees, and keeps Franklin president Bob Berleth in place.

Why it matters: - The acquisition gives Marlin Steel Wire Products more manufacturing depth in tube, wire and sheet metal displays. - Franklin Display Group adds production scale, retail display expertise and additional U.S.-based capacity. - The combined company says the deal supports continued reinvestment in American manufacturing.

What happened: - Marlin Steel Wire Products announced the acquisition of Franklin Display Group on July 22, 2026. - Franklin Display Group was founded in 1978 in Belvidere, Illinois. - Franklin Display Group has joined the Marlin and Madsen family of companies. - Bob Berleth, Franklin’s president, will remain in his role and continue leading the team. - Don Mutert Jr. is retiring after 43 years with the business.

The details: - Franklin Display Group designs and manufactures tube, wire and sheet metal racks. - The company works with national beverage brands and golf equipment companies, along with other retail customers. - Franklin’s service model includes planning and design, engineering and prototyping, manufacturing, materials and finishing, assembly and logistics. - The company operates two facilities in Belvidere, Illinois, located about a mile apart. - Franklin employs 100 people and has more than 210,000 square feet of manufacturing space. - Franklin’s equipment includes 3 flat lasers, a CNC tube laser, tube bending, a powder coating line and Schlatter mesh welders. - Franklin has gone more than 600 consecutive days without a lost-time safety incident. - Bob Berleth brings 30 years of senior executive leadership experience in manufacturing.

Between the lines: - The acquisition appears aimed at widening Marlin’s customer offering by combining Franklin’s display fabrication capabilities with Marlin’s broader industrial reach. - Franklin’s safety streak and long family ownership signal a culture-focused integration, not just a capacity play. - The move also keeps manufacturing and jobs anchored in the U.S., which the company presents as a competitive advantage.

What's next: - Marlin said Franklin’s display expertise will combine with the broader capabilities of the family of companies to create new customer opportunities. - The company is directing interested customers to its website for more information. - More information is available at the company's website.

The bottom line: - Marlin is adding a seasoned display manufacturer with real scale, specialized equipment and an established leadership team.