By Keith Roysdon—
DELAWARE COUNTY, Indiana – One of Delaware County’s fastest-growing manufacturers is growing again with the acquisition of a longtime local tool and die business.
Mursix Corporation, which has since 1990 created quality-critical advanced components for technology-driven manufacturing sectors, has acquired Aul Brothers Tool and Die, which has since the mid-20th century been active in the automotive aftermarket industry. The acquisition was finalized in mid-2023. The terms were not disclosed.
As a leader in manufacturing, Mursix produces safety-critical components for the automotive industry for Tier One companies like BorgWarner, Nexteer Automotive and IMMI. Additionally, Mursix manufacturers components for the medical and security industries.
Mursix, based in the Park One business park at Interstate 69 and Ind. 332 in western Delaware County, moved equipment and employees from Aul Brothers’ facilities to Mursix’ Park One headquarters. Production of Aul Brothers products began almost immediately and will account for approximately 10 percent of sales, said Todd Murray, CEO of Mursix.
The acquisition and expansion comes as Mursix is having a record year, said Susan Murray Carlock, vice president of business development.
“We’ve exceeded our sales goals by 200 percent,” she said. “We had a record year at Mursix. We saw a growth spurt like never before in 2008-2009 (recession). We saw a growth spurt from Covid. We’ve proven we can get through tough times and come out stronger.”
Aul Brothers did “a commendable job of growing their business in the automotive water pump space,” Todd Murray said. Aul Brothers’ growth led them to be open to being acquired by Mursix, he added. “We retained every one of their employees, including the owners, and it is our intent we could double that workforce (to 15) next year.”
The Mursix workforce itself now numbers a little more than 200 employees, Susan Murray Carlock said.
“Keeping food on the table for our associates is number one,” Todd Murray said.
“Our associates have aligned us to be successful and poised for continued growth,” Susan Carlock Murray said.
Delaware County officials have been “supportive from the word go,” she added. Todd Murray noted that the county’s economic development team was instrumental in helping Mursix expand in 2010.
Delaware County officials expressed confidence in Mursix and the company’s future,
Commissioner James King said, “Seeing two incredible longstanding locally owned and operated companies in Delaware County like Mursix and Aul Bros.Tool & Die come together is a great thing. I’m impressed by their commitment to form this acquisition for the benefit of the whole. Keeping both their investments and jobs in our community. I have no doubt that there are more great things to come from this.”
Commissioner Sherry Riggin said, “I wish to thank Todd Murray, Susan Carlock and the rest of the Murray family for their continued investment in our community. Mursix and their employees continue to exceed expectations in growth and innovation. From the facility to the employees, it’s a first class operation.”
Commissioner Shannon Henry said, “Watching Mursix Corporation grow and expand operations, all the while increasing the tax base and adding more advanced machinery and equipment has been a good thing for Mount Pleasant Township, Yorktown and all of Delaware County. I look forward to continuing our county’s partnership in promoting their future growth plans.”
About Delaware County Economic Development
Dynamic and forward-thinking economic development is the specialty of Delaware County, Indiana. In 2015 the Delaware County Commissioners privatized the County’s economic development activities. Since that time, the County has developed its own business retention and expansion programs that are in constant contact with the multitude of industry within the County. In addition, efforts to identify and attract various suitable industry throughout the world are undertaken on an annual basis. For more information, contact Brad Bookout at bbookout@augustaconsultingllc.com.