E-Z Burr Tool Co. will continue to operate as an independent entity out of the deburring tool manufacturer's Livonia, Mich., facility, with little or no change in procedures or processes, reports purchaser Cogsdill Tool Products Inc., Camden, S.C. The sale closed Jan. 3.

"The decision was made prior to the purchase that Cogsdill was going to leave E-Z Burr exactly as it was and doing what it has done so well for the last 40 years," said Don Aycock, vice president of sales and marketing for toolmaker Cogsdill.

He added that the company's workforce will not change as a result of the sale. "We want every E-Z Burr employee to stay with the company, and they have all been told that."

Although the acquisition emerged from E-Z Burr owner Bill Robinson's desire to retire, Aycock said Robinson agreed to be a consultant for Cogsdill for 2 years. "He will still be there part of the time."

In addition, sales channels will remain intact.

While both Cogsdill and E-Z Burr manufacture deburring tools with varying features and designs, the 104-year-old Cogsdill also produces other types, including burnishing, reaming and recessing tools, and contouring heads. "There may be some synergies," Aycock said.

Over time, however, Aycock predicts that the acquisition will enable E-Z Burr and Cogsdill customers to be better served as both companies continue to innovate. "They will still be competitors in the marketplace with common ownership," he said.

"Although I have always competed with Cogsdill, I have also respected the heck out of them," Robinson stated. "I know that E-Z Burr will always be in great hands."