Colfax Creek acquired GLE Precision with a simple mission: turn a niche manufacturer into a market leader through steady stewardship and operational excellence. Six years later, Colfax Creek drives value at GLE Precision.
The Opportunity
Based in Bridgeport, Michigan, GLE Precision makes ultra-high-tolerance parts for waterjet cutting, medical devices, semiconductors, and aerospace. The company is known for grinding tungsten carbide and ceramics to exacting tolerances. At acquisition, it had strong technical know-how but was held back by limited capital, an unclear mission, and insufficient sales leadership.
Colfax Creek, a long-term investor based in Birmingham, Michigan, saw potential. We believed the right people, empowered by clear goals and patient capital, could unlock lasting value.
The Playbook in Action
Colfax Creek brought its structured operating model—the Colfax Creek Playbook. This approach focuses on vision, accountability, and continuous improvement. Over time, GLE stacked small wins into large gains:
- Sharpened Strategy: We clarified GLE’s focus around three strengths—what it does best, what drives margins, and what energizes the team. This guided investments, sales hiring, and marketing.
- Factory Discipline: 5S and Lean systems turned the shop floor into a visual, accountable workspace.
- Commercial Reset: GLE exited low-margin accounts and leaned into sectors like aerospace, fiber optics, and semiconductors. Today, it’s one of only a few global shops that can meet those specs.
- Reinvested for Growth: More than $3 million went into new machines and metrology tools. Despite this, GLE fully repaid its debt.
As a result, GLE doubled EBITDA, grew margins by 70%, and improved its position with top-tier customers.
Realized Value
In 2021, GLE Precision was acquired by its largest carbide supplier—Hyperion Materials & Technologies, a KKR-backed leader in advanced materials. The outcome speaks for itself:
- EBITDA doubled with 70% margin expansion
- 2.6x EBITDA multiple improvement
- Debt paid down alongside capital investment
- >10x return on invested capital
More importantly, the business became stronger, faster, and more focused.
“Since acquiring GLE Precision, Jason brought calm, steady leadership and clear direction. He understands finance, strategy, and people—and inspires those around him to elevate their game.”
— Clint Bucholz, President during Colfax Creek’s ownership
Why It Matters
GLE is a textbook case of how we work. We back overlooked manufacturers in the Great Lakes, help them grow through practical systems, and stand by teams until a new chapter makes more sense.
In this case, GLE outgrew what we could offer. Handing it off to a strategic buyer wasn’t just a good outcome—it was the right one.
About Colfax Creek
Colfax Creek is a permanent-capital investor based in Michigan. We acquire and grow strategically important manufacturing companies within a drive of Detroit. Our targets generate $2–4 million in EBITDA and face succession or operational complexity. With no fund pressure and a single decision-maker, we offer speed, certainty, and stewardship.