Sterling Rope was recently acquired by North Carolina-based Sherrill, Inc. Sherrill is an arborist and climbing gear company, and is also the parent company of treestuff.com—a leading supplier of professional arborist and tree climbing equipment. Sterling, which makes climbing ropes that range from dynamic and static models to gym ropes designed for “high traffic, abusive environs,” has long been based in Maine. Sherrill does not plan to alter Sterling’s day-to-day operations or instigate any facility relocation.
“We have such high respect for the Sterling brand and products,” said Tripp Wyckoff, Sherrill’s CEO and President, in an announcement about the acquisition. “We are 100 percent committed to grow, build and invest further in Sterling in the coming years at their Biddeford, Maine, facility, and continue to innovate in this important category.”
Carolyn Brodsky, Sterling’s CEO and founder, added, “If we could pick the perfect company to be acquired by, it would be Sherrill. Our markets are very complementary and only good things can come from working more closely together on sales, product, distribution, innovation, and business efficiencies.”
Shortly after the acquisition by Sherill,¹ Sterling announced that it signed the United States Department of the Interior’s “Pledge to America’s Workers.” The pledge indicates that Sterling will add 20-30 staff members over the next five years.
“There were many questions about what would happen to Sterling after our acquisition of the company in early July,” said Wyckoff. “By signing this pledge, we hope our end consumers can see that we are committed to keeping jobs in Maine and growing this amazing brand.”
¹This article was updated on July 31, following further announcements from Sterling.
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