Let’s Gel, Inc., producer and marketer of GelPro comfort floor mats, has acquired Zip Top, Inc., a manufacturer of silicone food storage products.
Zip Top’s patented, one-piece silicone containers (pictured above) are designed to offer a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic storage options.
Let’s Gel and Zip Top were both founded in Austin, TX. Let’s Gel management said Zip Top will continue to operate as a freestanding unit producing its food storage containers in the United States, as are Gel Pro’s premium gel-based mats. Scott Robertson, the former Zip Top CEO who before that served as GelPro’s COO, has rejoined Let’s Gel to oversee the ZipTop division. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition signifies a commitment by Let’s Gel to diversifying its product offerings within the housewares category while maintaining its dedication to U.S.-based manufacturing, said Robb McMahan, CEO of Let’s Gel. McMahan said he was attracted to Zip Top, with which he was very familiar because of its Austin roots because he found the Zip Top business model to be in sync with the Let’s Gel mission to provide innovative, high-quality and environmentally responsible solutions for home epicureans and entertainers.
“(Zip Top’s) reputation for producing sustainable and versatile storage containers aligns perfectly with our commitment to quality and innovation,” McMahan said.
GelPro Elite Mat
McMahan, noting Let’s Gel’s annual double-digit growth during COVID, said the company began exploring opportunities to expand beyond floor coverings several months ago as a way to renew the company’s growth prospects. That led to a plan to begin structuring Let’s Gel as a corporate operating umbrella for acquired and internally developed businesses in compatible categories through which the company could leverage shared financial, operational and sales resources to optimize business with current and new customers. In addition to the Zip Top acquisition, Let’s Gel recently launched Pad-It cushioned performance insoles. The company also markets NeverMove washable, non-slip rugs.
We have the opportunity to continue to innovate and create products that resonate with consumers who prioritize sustainability and quality, McMahan added. “We look forward to leveraging Let’s Gel’s expertise and resources to accelerate the growth of Zip Top and bring our vision to a wider audience.”
McMahan noted Zip Top, with distribution in South Korea, Japan and Israel, can help expand the international reach of GelPro mats and other Let’s Gel products. And Let’s Pro can open Zip Top to new retail customers in which GelPro is strong, he added.
“We will build teams for each business as they grow,” McMahan said.
