Armaly Sponge Co. in Walled Lake Becomes World’s Largest Distributor of Natural Sponges with Acme Sponge Co. Acquisition

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Armaly Sponge Co. in Walled Lake has acquired Florida’s Acme Sponge Co. // Photograph Courtesy of Acme Sponge Co.

Armaly Sponge Co. in Walled Lake, which produces and distributes the popular Brillo brand and is a global leader in consumer household cleaning products, and Armaly ProPlus brand America’s Best Soft Tools, the No. 1 brand in professional and do-it-yourself surface preparation, finish, and cleaning, today announced it has acquired Acme Sponge Co.

Located in Tarpon Springs, Fla., Acme is the No. 1 distributor of natural sponges globally and in the United States, and traces its roots back four generations to sea sponge merchants and divers in Greece. However, over the past 70 years it has grown into a diverse multi-national company offering natural sponges, synthetic sponges, natural loofahs and loofah products, bath and body brushes, and assorted cleaning products and accessories.

The acquisition — terms of the deal were not disclosed — will increase Armaly’s market share in the natural sponge segment and provide new distribution opportunities and logistical efficiencies with retailers. The transaction also provides an additional global growth platform for other Armaly branded products while maintaining best in class quality, value, and standards.

“We are excited to combine our unique assets and expertise with that of Armaly Sponge Co. to create an even stronger company with the same family values upon which both companies were founded and have thrived,” says Jim Cantonis, president of Acme Sponge Co.

Family owned and operated for 110 years, and founded in 1908 in the Bahamas as a worldwide producer of natural sponges, Armaly has grown and changed with technology and the times to maintain its reputation and position as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer and professional sponge and cleaning products.

“It’s an exciting time at Armaly Brands as we continue to grow our portfolio of brands and products. The acquisition of Acme Sponge Co. provides a combined legacy of over 180 years in the natural sponge business and aligns with our growth strategy of becoming No. 1 in all segments of our business through providing the consumer with innovative quality products and a great value, all while maintaining our family culture and values. Acme Sponge Co. is the perfect fit for us today and we look forward to continuing the successful growth with future product innovation,” said John Armaly, president of Armaly Sponge Co.

Armaly Brands has a long history of innovation in sponge technology, including the introduction of Armaly ProPlus polyester sponges and Brillo Estracell More Sanitary sponges in the 1960s, and the car wash sponge AutoShow brand in the 1990s. In 2010, Armaly acquired the Brillo brand, and in 2016 acquired the traditional cleaning brands SnoBol, Cameo, and Parsons.

For more on Armaly as covered in DBusiness magazine’s annual Century Club feature, click here.