American Wire Rope and Sling (AWRS), in partnership with Matt Bergdoll and Bruce Thompson, both from Fort Wayne, will acquire an ownership interest in Fort Wayne-based Fort Wayne Materials Handling (MHE) for an undisclosed amount.

In addition, Bergdoll will become vice president of sales, and Bruce Thompson will be vice president of operations.

“Matt and Bruce bring a focused and vested interest in redeveloping our forklift business as a market leader,” said AWRS president Eric Stetzel in a statement.

“Our collective customers will benefit from the material handling expertise MHE has developed throughout the years in forklift sales and service, as well as the solutions AWRS and MHE – Crane & Hoist offers through a wide range of rigging accessories including slings, wire rope, clamps, cranes and hoists.”