Wellsburg dock manufacturer entering new chapter
A FOREIGN MARKET — American Muscle Docks and Fabrication of Wellsburg produced this dock system for a port in Nicaragua, one of 30 countries it has reached since its establishment in 2012. With its recent acquisition by Canopy Brands, its owners expect to further expand its market. -- Contributed
LOOKING AHEAD — Leaders of American Muscle Docks and Fabrication are looking forward to the family-owned business’ future as one of a handful of specialized manufacturers under Canopy Brands, a private equity company based in Concord, N.C. They include, from left, Paul Diserio, vice president and founder; his wife, Kathy, who is involved with bookkeeping there; and their son, Luke, who is its president and chief executive officer. -- Contributed
A FOREIGN MARKET — American Muscle Docks and Fabrication of Wellsburg produced this dock system for a port in Nicaragua, one of 30 countries it has reached since its establishment in 2012. With its recent acquisition by Canopy Brands, its owners expect to further expand its market. -- Contributed
LOOKING AHEAD — Leaders of American Muscle Docks and Fabrication are looking forward to the family-owned business’ future as one of a handful of specialized manufacturers under Canopy Brands, a private equity company based in Concord, N.C. They include, from left, Paul Diserio, vice president and founder; his wife, Kathy, who is involved with bookkeeping there; and their son, Luke, who is its president and chief executive officer. -- Contributed
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WELLSBURG -- The leader of a Wellsburg manufacturer of dock systems found in places ranging from Charleston to Nicaragua said the business' recent acquisition by a national company will help it to reach many more markets.
Luke Diserio, chief executive officer of American Muscle Docks and Fabrication, said Canopy Brands of Concord, N.C., is a family of companies whose products range from suspended platforms used by workers to clean the windows of skyscrapers to harnesses and other safety devices used to protect workers at such heights or in confined spaces.
Diserio said until recently, they had not included the line of dock systems, built with metal or wood; jet ski lifts, float drums and accessory products offered by his company.
In a press release, Brian Colton, chief executive officer of Canopy Brands, said, "We are excited to get our feet wet in marine access with an experienced industry leader like American Muscle Docks. We have added a truly excellent company with a reputation for the highest quality fabrication, unique dock personalization and comprehensive offerings."
He continued, "We will be fortifying the business with new resources and tools, to spur consistent growth and offer more value to the marine market."
Diserio said, "American Muscle Docks fits perfectly under the Canopy Brands umbrella. We have an extensive history in the industry, dating back to 1963, and remain inspired by the glory days of American car manufacturing where advancements in American-made design and performance created iconic products and proud ownership."
He continued, "The new partnership provides the fuel to build on that philosophy and reach even higher, with increased innovation capabilities, capital for manufacturing expansion, and broader geographic reach. We're ready to steer this ship to new lands."
Diserio said in addition to the opportunity to reach new markets currently served by Canopy Brands, American Muscle Docks will be able to ship its product to its warehouses in various places, including Texas, Georgia and Florida.
"This isn't a company that wants to take over and change us," said Diserio, adding he and his father, Paul, will continue to run the company while its staff is expected to grow to reach a larger customer base under Canopy Brands.
Joan Simonetti, resource manager for American Muscle Docks & Fabrication, said with 6,000 products sold by companies within Canopy Brands, there is a great opportunity for cross-marketing.
Diserio said American Muscle Docks has a staff of 31 people who work 10-hour shifts four days a week, but he expects to add positions and shifts under the new partnership.
He said five equity companies had offered to purchase the company, but Canopy Brands was found to be the best fit.
"We couldn't be happier that they meshed with our values and mission statement," he said.
Originating as a local subcontractor to another dock manufacturer in 1963, American Muscle Docks and Fabrication has grown rapidly since coming into its own in 2012.
Diserio noted that as Valley Manufacturing Inc., the family-owned business under his father had been the sole metal fabricator for Follansbee Dock Systems in 1999, when the owners of that company announced their intention to sell it.
To preserve their operations, the Diserios offered to buy.
Soon afterward, Valley Manufacturing was re-branded American Muscle Docks and Fabrication -- a name inspired by their pride in the American workforce as a whole -- and a new, 25,000-square-foot facility was established off state Route 27.
Diserio said he's proud to say that since then, its operations there have expanded to three new buildings, with triple the workforce.
The company has secured seven patents and holds 15 registered trademarks, domestic and foreign, and in 2018 was featured on an episode of "The World's Greatest," a series covering unique businesses aired on Bloomberg TV and on several streaming services.
The same year, American Muscle Docks and Fabrication was named regional and district Exporter of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The honor reflects the company's sales in every U.S. state and 30 foreign markets, including Europe, Asia, Australia and Nicaragua, where it produced a half-million-dollar dock system for use by cruise ships.
Diserio said last year American Muscle Docks and Fabrication built the largest all-encompassing floating dock system in the U.S. for Washington County Parks and Recreation.
It encompasses 7,820 square feet and includes three, 20-by-60-foot platforms connected by 520 feet of floating walkway with six patented aluminum ramps. It has three points of access, including one that is handicap-accessible.
Diserio said he doesn't take such success for granted, knowing it took time and the effort of many workers.
"It took years and a whole team. Our employees take pride in what they do," he said.