Armstrong World Industries acquires BŌK Modern
Ceiling and wall systems manufacturer Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI) has acquired BŌK Modern, LLC.
According to AWI, the company is a pioneer in the design and development of integrated architectural metal systems for interior and exterior applications.
BŌK has built its business on collaborating with architects, designers, general contractors, and installers to build a growing portfolio of innovative architectural metal solutions. In addition to adding aesthetic appeal, many of its patented designs reduce the amount of metal needed for support structures leading to significant project cost savings. Their portfolio includes standard products and custom solutions such as façades and screens for interior and exterior partitions.
“BŌK is a strong complement to our growing metal category and will add new design capabilities to AWI with a particular focus on innovating to deliver customers’ design intent with greater efficiency,” said AWI CEO and president Vic Grizzle. “We look forward to welcoming the BŌK Modern team to the Armstrong family and to the opportunities ahead as we collaborate to accelerate growth in the metal category.”
BŌK was founded in Northern California in 2009 by designer Heddie Chu and architect Russ Naylor who are both remaining with the company. Since its founding, the company has developed a proven track record with a marquee clientele in the architecture and construction industry based on their innovation, knowledge, service and reliability. With a unique approach to metal fabrication, design and engineering.
“Much like Armstrong, we pride ourselves on helping designers and architects bring their vision to life with simple, elegant solutions,” Chu and Naylor said in a press release issued by AWI. “Armstrong has built a unique position in the industry for metal architectural solutions, and we’re excited about the growth we can achieve by partnering with Armstrong. We look forward to collaborating with Armstrong’s Moz and Arktura businesses, along with our broader metal network, as we share common design and innovation DNA."
BŌK Modern had 2022 revenues of approximately $12 million. AWI funded the acquisition with available cash. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, AWI had revenues of $1.2 billion in 2022.
AWI also recently released its third annual sustainability report highlighting 2022 progress towards the company’s 2030 targets around the three pillars of its sustainability program—Healthy and Circular Products, Healthy Planet, and Thriving People and Communities.
Highlights of AWI’s 2022 sustainability program progress include:
- A reduction in its carbon footprint by 13% from the 2019 baseline
- An increase in renewable electricity use to 13% of total usage as part of the 2030 goal to reach 100%
- An increase in the number of community organizations supported by its employee giving match program of over 100% from 2021 levels
- Continued progress toward a zero-injury safety goal with a 9% reduction in OSHA recordable injuries
“At Armstrong, we remain committed to driving positive change in everything we do,” Grizzle said. “Our sustainability efforts are a testament to our company’s values, and we are proud of our progress over the last year.”
The report, “Building A Healthy Tomorrow,” also showcases several key company initiatives and achievements over the past year.
This includes supporting greater building efficiency through the development of an energy-saving ceiling system that combines AWI’s DynaMax grid for data centers, the company said.
