CHICAGO, July 8, 2025 – The Partner Companies (TPC), a U.S.-based advanced manufacturing company, announced today the acquisition of Precision Eforming. The acquisition enhances TPC’s capabilities in micro-component manufacturing, while expanding access to high-growth end markets including aerospace, medical, defense, electronics and energy.
Currently based in Cortland, New York, Precision Eforming specializes in sieve and mesh products used across a variety of applications where precise control, repeatability and versatility are critical. The metal components are used in applications that separate and filter light, sound, air or powdered materials.
“With a legacy spanning more than a century, Precision Eforming brings unmatched expertise in 2D electroforming and long-standing customer relationships across more than 60 industries,” said Christian Streu, Chief Financial Officer of The Partner Companies. “This addition is an ideal fit with TPC’s long-term growth strategy to expand our complementary manufacturing capabilities to best serve our customers’ needs, while also shaping the future of manufacturing.”
The acquisition marks TPC’s 11th since its founding in 1997, demonstrating the company’s steady expansion strategy in specialty manufacturing. TPC operates facilities across the United States, China, Mexico and Wales. This acquisition was finalized in June 2025.
Precision Eforming’s core capabilities center on electroforming — an additive manufacturing process that builds high-precision metal parts via electrodeposition. The company’s proprietary techniques enable development of ultra-fine mesh products with precise features, tight tolerances and high reproducibility, setting the standard in critical applications from medical imaging and space exploration to superabrasives and fuel filtration. The company pioneered this now well-established process for manufacturing precision electroformed mesh.
Precision Eforming’s roots date back to 1907 to St. Paul, Minnesota and Buckbee-Mears Company, a photo-engraving company. For decades Buckbee-Mears was a world leader in metal etching. During World War II, the company advanced photochemical reproduction technology to support the U.S. military, most notably by developing etched grids for military eyepieces. In the 1960s, it became an early adopter of electroforming techniques to enhance photoetching processes, enabling it to serve the rapidly growing television electronics industry.
In 2002, the electroforming division relocated to Cortland, marking a new chapter in its legacy. Two years later, in partnership with investment firm Torridon Companies, the division was acquired and rebranded as Precision Eforming, carrying forward a tradition of innovation, craftsmanship and American manufacturing excellence. In 2015, ownership transitioned to Julie Griffin, who has served as president since 2011 and will remain with the company through the transition.
“Joining forces with TPC marks an exciting new chapter for Precision Eforming to accelerate innovation, expand into new markets and continue delivering the precision and reliability our customers expect,” said Griffin. “With TPC, Precison Eforming will have the resources it needs to continue to grow and evolve.”
About The Partner Companies
The Partner Companies (TPC), a global diversified manufacturing company that creates mission-critical solutions for innovators in the aerospace, defense, clean energy, medical, and technology industries. Founded in 2010, TPC has grown into an international leader with 11 specialty manufacturers in the United States, China, Wales, and Mexico: E-Fab, Elcon, Fotofab, Lattice Materials, LT Precision, Microphoto, Optiforms, PEI, Pinnacle Precision, Precision Eforming and UPG. TPC’s specialty manufacturers specialize in photochemical etching, ceramic metallization, crystal growth and electroforming along with core manufacturing capabilities such as injection molding, machining, metal fabrication and finishing. TPC supports each member entity with expertise in business growth, operations, finance, human resources, supply chain management and more. For more information about TPC and its specialty manufacturers, visit thepartnercos.com.
About Precision Eforming
Precision Eforming is a world-class manufacturer of exceptionally high-quality, precision electroformed metal materials – most commonly used in mesh form. Founded in 2004, the company has been a pioneer in advancing electroforming technology for mission-critical applications. Its custom materials set the standard in separation and filtration across industries including superabrasives, medical, electronics, pharmaceuticals, UV filtration, fuels and more. Every product is made in the USA by expert hands, meticulously crafted for unmatched precision and reliability.
