Multi Parts Solutions acquires HKX

Multi Parts Solutions (MPS) has acquired HKX Inc., a Monroe, Wash.-based manufacturer of auxiliary hydraulic kits and control system solutions for excavators and other heavy equipment. The acquisition moves MPS into the construction equipment market and establishes HKX as its third operating division, alongside ACC Heavy Duty (formerly American Chrome Co.) for commercial vehicles and MPS Automotive for the automotive aftermarket. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

HKX offers kits for excavators. (Photo: HKX Inc.)

HKX, a.k.a. Hydraulic Kits for Excavators, has spent more than three decades building an engineering-centric business around install-ready kits that let machines run attachments such as breakers, thumbs, shears and rotating tools.

As machines have moved from mechanical pilot controls to electro-hydraulic and CAN-based systems, HKX has developed the ability to add or augment controls within a machine’s electronics so that upgraded equipment operates seamlessly and without error codes.

For dealers, end users and OEMs, the day-to-day experience with HKX will not change, said the company.

“HKX is an engineered solutions business, which is what Multi Parts Solutions is across every market we serve,” said Brian Cohn, MPS CEO. “We are inheriting a talented team known for application-focused engineering and dealer collaboration, highly aligned with the same values we try to live every day at MPS of trustworthiness, teamwork and innovation.”

MPS brings global engineering, sourcing, testing, manufacturing and quality capabilities, along with its proprietary Sigma development process, to help HKX grow faster.

The acquisition reportedly strengthens MPS as well, where hydraulic and controls expertise applies well beyond construction equipment.

HKX will continue to operate from its Monroe, facility, where fabrication, CNC tube bending, kitting and application engineering support custom orders.