ARS Systems Acquisition Sparks New Era in Steel Grit Recycling
In a bold move that signals fresh momentum for the surface preparation sector, ARS Systems has officially emerged as the new parent company of ARS Recycling. The acquisition, announced by Forest Lane Capital Partners, marks a strategic shift aimed at reinvigorating one of the leading manufacturers of steel grit recycling and dust collection equipment in North America.
With a strong foothold in the bridge, marine, and tank refurbishment markets, ARS Recycling has long held a reputation for rugged, high-performing technology. Now, under the umbrella of ARS Systems and guided by Forest Lane’s regional investment acumen, the company is setting its sights on accelerated innovation and expanded services.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to partner with the ARS team”: said Joel Pokorney, Partner at Forest Lane Capital Partners. “As a family office with strong ties to the region, we look forward to investing in ARS to capitalise on its legacy as a leader in steel grit recycling, while enhancing the company’s ability to serve its loyal customer base through the expansion of parts & service offerings, rental equipment, and related products/services.”
Leadership with a Local Edge
One of the first moves under the new regime is the appointment of Daniel Moore as Chief Executive Officer of ARS Systems. It’s a choice that brings more than two decades of leadership in industrial manufacturing, and more importantly, local credibility. Moore, a native of Eastern Ohio, recently held the post of Senior Director of Operations at Wabtec Corporation, where he oversaw complex manufacturing processes and team growth across multiple product lines.
His deep roots in the region, coupled with a strong track record in operational performance, makes Moore a timely and strategic choice.
“ARS has a proud history and a promising future”: Moore stated. “I’m honoured to lead a team that has pioneered steel grit recycling technology. Together, we’ll build on that legacy—delivering industry-leading equipment and service while evolving to meet the changing needs of our customers and the surface preparation industry.”
Understanding Steel Grit Recycling
Steel grit recycling is a cornerstone of modern surface preparation, particularly in industries where heavy-duty cleaning and coating removal are essential. In essence, steel grit is a type of abrasive material used to clean metal surfaces, strip away rust, or prepare a substrate for further treatment like painting or coating. Unlike single-use abrasives such as sand, steel grit is durable and can be reused multiple times.
A steel grit recycling system captures, cleans, and reuses the abrasive material, significantly cutting down on waste and operational costs. The process typically involves:
- Collecting used grit and debris from the blasting area
- Separating reusable grit from dust and contaminants
- Filtering the clean grit back into the blasting cycle
This closed-loop system not only reduces environmental impact but also improves the consistency of surface finishes. In sectors like bridge rehabilitation, tank refurbishment, and marine repair, where precision and sustainability go hand in hand, steel grit recycling is rapidly becoming the industry standard.
Honouring Legacy While Driving Innovation
Although ARS Systems is looking ahead with ambition, it’s also firmly rooted in its past. The company will continue operations from its long-time facility at 4000 McCartney Road in Lowellville, Ohio. This site isn’t just a building—it’s a birthplace of innovation, where founders Gus Lyras and Victor Pallotta spent years developing and commercialising ARS Recycling technology throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Maintaining the original facility allows ARS Systems to stay connected to its heritage while benefiting from a location that’s rich in industrial know-how and skilled labour. It’s a clear signal that this isn’t a teardown and rebuild—it’s a step change designed to refine and expand.
What the Acquisition Means for the Market
The steel grit recycling market is at a critical inflection point. With growing emphasis on sustainable practices, environmental regulation, and cost-effective surface preparation, technologies like those developed by ARS are increasingly becoming essential, not optional.
By focusing on closed-loop systems that drastically reduce waste and airborne contaminants, ARS Recycling has positioned itself as an eco-conscious leader. Under Forest Lane’s investment model, there’s now additional muscle to scale these solutions globally, improve after-sales support, and extend lifecycle value.
What sets ARS apart in the industry:
- Proven expertise in steel grit recycling systems
- Integrated dust collection technology for cleaner operations
- Dedicated OEM parts and service division
- Long-standing relationships with clients in infrastructure, marine, and petrochemical sectors
This acquisition is expected to unlock new investments in rental fleets, predictive maintenance tools, and possibly even IoT integration for live system diagnostics—bringing smart tech to an industry that’s ripe for digital transformation.
Forest Lane Capital: Backing with Purpose
Unlike traditional private equity players, Forest Lane Capital Partners operates with a decidedly long-term view. Funded by a coalition of private families with deep ties to Eastern Ohio, their approach prioritises sustainable value over quick exits.
This means that ARS won’t be subject to hasty reorganisation or cost-cutting. Instead, expect a focus on incremental improvements, employee development, and customer-centric innovation. It’s a win-win for stakeholders across the board.
A Broader Industry Trend
This deal comes at a time when the broader construction and infrastructure industries are witnessing a surge in acquisitions targeting specialty service providers and equipment manufacturers. As governments pour funds into bridge rehabilitation, port expansion, and energy infrastructure, demand for surface prep solutions has never been higher.
ARS Systems is well-positioned to ride this wave, especially as regulatory bodies like OSHA and the EPA continue to tighten controls on industrial blasting and airborne pollutants.
According to Allied Market Research, the global abrasive blasting equipment market is projected to reach over $1.3 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.4%. Technologies that can deliver compliance without compromising on performance are likely to see major tailwinds.
Building a Brighter Future
For ARS Systems, the road ahead is paved with opportunity. With seasoned leadership at the helm, a strong financial backer, and a loyal customer base, the company is primed for a new chapter of growth and innovation.
Perhaps most importantly, it carries the promise of revitalising industrial manufacturing in the very region where it all began.
“This isn’t just a business deal”: said Pokorney. “It’s a long-term investment in people, in place, and in a product that’s already proven its worth.”
