Douglas Dynamics has agreed to acquire Dejana Truck and Utility equipment for $206 million It is expected to close the deal during the third quarter of 2016.

Douglas manufactures vehicle attachments and equipment and sees the acquisition as a way to strength its position in that market. Dejana also provides the company with more exposure to Class 4-6 trucks to round out the company’s reach to more commercial work vehicle segments and provide growth opportunities, according to Douglas.

"The addition of such a high quality company as Dejana will significantly strengthen our position as a premier manufacturer and upfitter of vehicle attachments and equipment,” said James L. Janik, chairman, president, and CEO of Douglas Dynamics. “The deal provides a new complementary portfolio of services and products to drive deeper customer relationships, and expands our geographic footprint in the Eastern U.S."

After the deal is completed, Dejana’s president Andrew Dejana and its current management team will continue to lead the company. Dejana maintains seven manufacturing and upfit facilities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S., employing 500 people in five states.

 "The deal is the logical next step in our stated M&A strategy to accelerate growth,” said Janik. “By expanding into a broader arena of commercial work vehicle operations we will diversify and expand our revenue and continue to reduce the influence of weather on our overall business."