Earlier this fiscal year, LSI Industries President and CEO Jim Clark introduced the company’s Fast Forward strategy to grow the vertical market-focused company to $800 million by 2028. The plan outlined the growth in sales to come from organic sales development and the acquisition of a complementary company.
On April 18, 2024, LSI continued to move ahead with its Fast Forward strategy by acquiring EMI Industries for $50 million.
“We are building the premier commercial lighting and retail display solutions business in North America. Today’s acquisition propels us further in that direction and is part of the strategy we outlined in our Fast Forward plan. This is an exciting day for LSI and EMI.”
– James A. Clark, LSI Industries President and Chief Executive Officer.
EMI brings award-winning metal and millwork manufacturing, design, and installation operations to LSI. The Florida-based company produces standard and customized fixtures, displays and food equipment for the convenience store, grocery and restaurant markets.
“LSI is an industry leader with a proven track record of growth and value creation. We are proud to become the newest part of the LSI family and look forward to unlocking the powerful potential of the combined businesses.”
– Alan Harvill, President and CEO of EMI Industries
EMI started in 1979 and quickly gained a reputation for high-quality, built-to-order products and superior customer service. Over the next four decades, EMI expanded its operations to include five manufacturing facilities across the United States, helping to serve more customers. EMI’s product offerings include custom fixtures, displays, bars, counters, booths, tabletops, and food service equipment.
LSI was founded in 1976 to manufacture lighting for the petroleum industry. It evolved into a successful indoor and outdoor lighting and graphics manufacturing company and went public in 1985 (NASDAQ: LYTS). Over the next nearly forty years, LSI added to its product line through innovation and expanded its offerings. The Cincinnati-based company refocused on critical vertical markets in 2018, including automotive, grocery & retail, parking, quick service restaurants, refueling & C-Store, sports complexes, and warehouse. In 2021, LSI acquired JSI Store Fixtures to enhance its offerings in key vertical markets. JSI is a leading innovator, manufacturer, and distributor of in-store display fixtures, refrigerated fixtures, and millwork.