For 25 years, First American Bank has been the trusted financial partner of a Chicago-based distributor of cannulated bars, hole bars, and high-quality stainless steel and titanium products. Our customer’s parent company, located in Meudon, France, manufactures products that are sold globally and serve the orthopedic, cutting tools, and industrial markets. In addition to the U.S. and France, the company has key operations in Germany, China, and Japan.
As the company expanded, so did its needs. First American Bank stood by the U.S. subsidiary, providing a strong deposit relationship and a flexible working capital line of credit to fuel the domestic operations. However, in 2024, the company approached the bank with an opportunity that would change the course of its future: the chance to acquire a competitor and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Oxford, Maine.
This acquisition wasn’t just about growth—it was about positioning the company as a dominant player in the U.S. market. The 61,000-square-foot facility will drastically reduce product lead times, making the company more competitive and responsive to the needs of its U.S. customers. And with First American Bank’s backing, including a $2.83M commercial mortgage as part of a larger financing structure, the deal became a reality.
The acquisition didn’t just add square footage—it eliminated a top competitor and strengthened the company’s foothold in key industries like orthopedic products and industrial manufacturing. As a result, their ability to meet demand, streamline operations, and bolster market share has been greatly enhanced.
For Amanda Dorr and Matthew Paasch of First American Bank, this was more than just a transaction—it was a partnership that paved the way for continued success. “We’ve seen this company grow and evolve over the years,” said Dorr, Assistant Vice President of Commercial Banking. “Being part of their journey and helping secure their future in the U.S. has been incredibly rewarding.”
This acquisition is not only a major milestone for the company but also signals a strategic shift in the competitive landscape of the industries they serve. With the backing of First American Bank, they are positioned to achieve even greater success in the years to come.
