Marlin Steel Wire Products acquires Franklin Display Group

Marlin Steel Wire Products has acquired Franklin Display Group, bringing the Illinois display maker into the Marlin and Madsen family of companies. The deal expands Marlin’s manufacturing capabilities and customer reach while preserving Franklin leadership and operations in Belvidere, Illinois.

Why it matters: - The acquisition adds Franklin Display Group’s display and metal fabrication expertise to Marlin Steel Wire Products’ broader manufacturing platform. - The combination is positioned to give customers more capabilities, more resources and a larger U.S.-based supply base. - Franklin’s safety record, scale and long operating history strengthen the manufacturing portfolio Marlin now controls.

What happened: - Marlin Steel Wire Products announced the acquisition of Franklin Display Group on July 22, 2026. - Franklin Display Group is joining the Marlin and Madsen family of companies. - Franklin Display Group was founded in 1978 in Belvidere, Illinois. - Franklin Display Group makes tube, wire and sheet metal racks for retail and showroom use. - The company has worked with national beverage brands and golf equipment brands.

The details: - Franklin’s services cover planning and design, engineering and prototyping, manufacturing, materials and finishing, assembly and logistics. - Franklin operates two Belvidere facilities located about a mile apart. - The company employs 100 people and has more than 210,000 square feet of manufacturing space. - Franklin’s equipment includes three flat lasers, a CNC tube laser, tube bending equipment, a powder coating line and Schlatter mesh welders. - Franklin has gone more than 600 consecutive days without a lost-time safety incident. - Don Mutert Jr., a 43-year veteran of the business, is retiring. - Bob Berleth, Franklin’s president, will remain in his role and continue leading the team. - Berleth has 30 years of senior executive leadership experience in manufacturing. - Marlin says the combined company will reinvest in American manufacturing and keep products made in the USA. - More information is available on Marlin Steel Wire Products. - The company also shared social media links for LinkedIn and YouTube.

Between the lines: - The deal appears aimed at deepening Marlin’s product mix rather than changing Franklin’s operating base. - Keeping Bob Berleth in place suggests continuity for customers and employees during the ownership transition. - Franklin’s safety streak and multi-step manufacturing model may be part of the value Marlin wanted to buy, not just the customer list.

What's next: - Franklin’s team will continue operating in Belvidere under the new ownership structure. - Marlin and Franklin will market their combined capabilities to customers on both sides of the transaction. - The companies are likely to focus on integrating operations while preserving Franklin’s existing leadership and production footprint.

The bottom line: - Marlin Steel Wire Products is betting that Franklin Display Group’s fabrication depth and retail display know-how will help the combined company win more business in U.S. manufacturing.