The Partner Companies acquires Precision Eforming

The Partner Companies (TPC), a U.S.-based advanced manufacturing company, has acquired Precision Eforming. The acquisition enhances TPC's capabilities in micro-component manufacturing, while expanding access to high-growth end markets including aerospace, medical, defense, electronics, and energy.

Currently based in Cortland, New York, Precision Eforming specializes in sieve and mesh products used across a variety of applications where precise control, repeatability, and versatility are critical. The metal components are used in applications that separate and filter light, sound, air, or powdered materials.

"With a legacy spanning more than a century, Precision Eforming brings unmatched expertise in 2D electroforming and long-standing customer relationships across more than 60 industries," said Christian Streu, CFO of TPC. "This addition is an ideal fit with TPC's long-term growth strategy to expand our complementary manufacturing capabilities to best serve our customers' needs, while also shaping the future of manufacturing."

The acquisition marks TPC's 11th since its founding in 1997, demonstrating the company's steady expansion strategy in specialty manufacturing. TPC operates facilities across the United States, China, Mexico and Wales. This acquisition was finalized in June 2025.

Precision Eforming's core capabilities center on electroforming – an additive manufacturing process that builds high-precision metal parts via electrodeposition. The company's proprietary techniques enable the development of ultra-fine mesh products with precise features, tight tolerances, and high reproducibility, setting the standard in critical applications from medical imaging and space exploration to superabrasives and fuel filtration. The company pioneered this now well-established process for manufacturing precision electroformed mesh.

Precision Eforming's roots date back to 1907 to St. Paul, Minnesota and Buckbee-Mears Co., a photo-engraving company. For decades Buckbee-Mears was a world leader in metal etching. During World War II, the company advanced photochemical reproduction technology to support the U.S. military, most notably by developing etched grids for military eyepieces. In the 1960s, it became an early adopter of electroforming techniques to enhance photoetching processes, enabling it to serve the rapidly growing television electronics industry.

In 2002, the electroforming division relocated to Cortland, marking a new chapter in its legacy. Two years later, in partnership with investment firm Torridon Companies, the division was acquired and rebranded as Precision Eforming, carrying forward a tradition of innovation, craftsmanship, and American manufacturing excellence. In 2015, ownership transitioned to Julie Griffin, who has served as president since 2011 and will remain with the company through the transition.

"Joining forces with TPC marks an exciting new chapter for Precision Eforming to accelerate innovation, expand into new markets, and continue delivering the precision and reliability our customers expect," Griffin said. "With TPC, Precison Eforming will have the resources it needs to continue to grow and evolve."