Youngstown, OH and Stoke-on-Trent, UK. — Steelite International (“Steelite” or the “Company”), a world leading supplier and manufacturer of award-winning tabletop, buffet, and lighting solutions to the global hospitality industry, announced today its acquisition of Utopia Tableware Ltd (“Utopia”). The acquisition adds Utopia’s innovative product lines, premier brands, and a centralized distribution center and state-of-the-art decorating facility in Chesterfield, UK, to Steelite’s global footprint, providing further infrastructure and momentum to grow in the UK and Europe. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in 2000, Utopia is a leader in the tableware and branded glassware industry. It is widely recognized for unparalleled service, unique ranges, in-house glass decorating capabilities and exceptional value. Utopia offers an extensive range of tableware, glassware, and accessories designed for the hospitality and branded glass market, with a significant emphasis on new product development, innovative presentation solutions, and an array of classic essentials. Steelite and Utopia began a commercial partnership in 2023 when Steelite became the exclusive distributor for Utopia and Pasabahce products in the US.
Steelite acquired Utopia from its founder and CEO, Mark Rammell, and his family, who have built Utopia into one of the leading tableware suppliers in the UK along with the rest of the Utopia team.
“Mark Rammell and his team created a business with terrific products, people and culture and we strongly believe Utopia is the perfect addition to Steelite,” stated Steelite International’s President and CEO, John Miles. “Further, the Utopia acquisition is a testament to our deep commitment and belief in the continued opportunities for the global hospitality industry. This combination will provide our customers and end users with an enhanced array of innovative products and outstanding service that has become synonymous with both companies.”
“We are thrilled about the future as we join Steelite, a company that shares our vision for growth and a commitment to our same core values,” remarked Mark Rammell. “This acquisition places our business in great hands, ensuring continued success, growth and innovation. Together, the two companies can build on our strong foundations to achieve even greater things for our valued customers.”
Steelite is majority owned by Arbor Investments, a specialized private equity firm that focuses exclusively on acquiring premier companies in food, beverage, and related industries. Arbor acquired Steelite in December, 2019, and has made significant investments to grow the business both organically and through acquisitions. The Utopia transaction represents Steelite’s seventh acquisition under Arbor’s ownership.
“We can’t think of a better fit between two businesses – the symmetries across cultures, product-centricity and approaches to customer service are really compelling,” noted George Russell, Arbor Principal. “Utopia brings a tremendous team, operating expertise, and industry-leading digital capabilities that we plan to leverage across the broader global Steelite platform. This deal positions Steelite to rapidly accelerate its international growth plans, while further strengthening the product offering and service capabilities offered to its core US and UK customers.”
